Master of Science in Urban and Economic Geography
Utrecht, Netherlands
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 20,043 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EU/EEA students: 1 April
** Dutch and other EU/EEA students (statutory fee, full-time) 2024-2025: € 2,530
Key Summary
Cities and urban regions are breeding grounds for innovation and economic growth. However, continuous urban growth can lead to several challenges and differences, and an increasingly global economy has both winners and losers. So how do different people use and experience a diversity of spaces within cities? And how can we explain that some regions grow, while others decline?
Everyday city life perspective
During the one-year Master’s programme in Urban and Economic Geography, you will study the city and its economic, social and cultural developments from various academic perspectives and thematic angles, with an interdisciplinary approach. You learn how important urban and economic issues are interwoven, and understand the relation between people and places in an urban environment. Furthermore, you will gain the academic training needed to uncover (hidden) layers of society and contribute to a better present and future society by tackling its challenges.
Let's go abroad!
The international field trip is an integral part of the Master’s Urban Economic Geography. Taking the acquired knowledge from introduction courses as a starting point, you will analyse contemporary dynamics, developments and transformations in European and/or American metropolitan regions. Visit less-known and new facets of the cities, discuss geographical sites and contexts with people who live and work there, and engage in fieldwork by organizing walking tours through particular neighborhoods. Available destinations vary from year to year, the choice is yours!
All students start with an introduction course Urban Futures, which focuses on socio-spatial and economic developments in urban areas. This course includes lectures, working groups, urban walks and bike tours. Later on, you will build on this course by doing an international field trip.
In the first block, you will take the course Advanced Urban Geography or Advanced Economic Geography as the academic and more theoretical basis of your Master’s programme. In the second block, you will take three courses of 5 ECTS. Two courses reflect your specialisation. Your third course can also connect to your specialization, or be an elective that combines disciplines. You can also take a course from the other specialisation as an elective.
Two specialisations
The Urban or Economic Geography programme offers two specialisations: There are also courses common to both specialisations, such as the starting course Urban Futures.
- Urban geography
- Economic geography
Non-academic careers
The Urban and Economic Geography Master’s programme is set up to guide you in the best possible way with your career search. By offering theoretical knowledge and methodological skills, mixed with real life examples given by field professionals and university experts, you combine analytical skills with hands on experience.
The programme has an extensive alumni network, which is also involved in teaching. Through guest lectures and practical assignments, you will learn what graduates do and be able to determine where you would be most at home. For example, in the masterclasses of Professional Competences (with options) you will learn how to make your research results accessible to a wider audience, how to draw up a policy report, or how to deal with opposing political or other interests in practice.
Companies
The knowledge and skills acquired via the Urban and Economic Geography Master's programme make our graduates successful in careers in a wide range of public and private organisations, including:
- Government ministries
- Provincial and local authorities
- Private consultancies
- Research agencies
- Housing associations
- Project developers
- The business sector
- Universities
Companies graduates work at
Graduates in the former Human Geography Master's programmes have for example found jobs as a policy maker, researcher or consultant at:
- Arcadis
- ASR
- Bureau BUITEN
- DTZ Zadelhoff
- Gemeente Utrecht, Ruimtelijke en Economische
- Ontwikkeling/Economische Zaken
- Natuur- en Milieufederatie Utrecht
- Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving
- Royal Haskoning DHV
- Rabobank Nederland, Kennis en Economisch Onderzoek
- Regionale ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Oost NV
- Urban Resort
In Urban and Economic Geography, you will study the reasons behind the diverse developments in the globalized and urbanized world, and you will learn to translate up-to-date theoretical and methodological developments into empirical research. You will also formulate effective policy recommendations to make cities and regions more viable and sustainable.
As a graduate, you will have an excellent basis for completing a Ph.D. in the fields of urban geography, economic geography, development studies, and urban and regional planning. You will also qualify for senior research functions within international and national organizations, such as the United Nations, Dutch ministries, regional and local bodies, NGOs, and multinational companies. You will be able to perform advanced scientific research within the fields of human geography and spatial planning.
October 2024