This asynchronous online winter programme is open to anyone who wants to gain a broader understanding of urban studies from an interdisciplinary social science perspective. You do not need to have previous knowledge or training in this topic in order to register for this course. 

Whether you are a working professional seeking new information, a current student exploring urban studies, or if you're simply curious in better understanding the urban environments in which we live, then this online course is for you. 

More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, and the UN projects this number to rise to 68% by 2050. Consequently, many societal challenges are inextricably linked to the urban context: understanding how urban environments are planned, governed, experienced, and contested, becomes indispensable to address current and future challenges. This course introduces students to key topics in Urban Studies by covering a wide range of perspectives that aim to enhance our understanding of cities, and their links to social, spatial, political, economic, and cultural dynamics.

The course not only familiarizes students with key academic debates in Urban Studies, but also highlights their practical relevance for urban development, governance and policy making. While international in scope, Amsterdam serves as recurring case to illustrate the opportunities and challenges of urban complexity, and the creation of sustainable and just cities.

This programme will (tentatively) include the following topics: 

• Urban psychology and sensescapes
• Housing, gentrification, and inequality
• Urban planning, governance, and property development
• Urban social movements
• Circular Cities 
• The influence of digital platforms on cities 
• Smart urban ecology

Students will dive into these topics through a series of pre-recorded expert lectures and city ‘tours’, assignments, and readings.

The programme will include the following elements. 

Included in the course fees are access to: 

• A minimum of 7 pre-recorded video lectures by our community of experts on the topics listed above.
• 3 video tours of Amsterdam, highlighting various aspects of the course by using Amsterdam as a living laboratory.
• A selection of recomended readings and other materials accessible at the UvA digital library. 
• The opportunity to complete short assignments to help you apply your knowledge. 

Canvas - digital learning environment

All of our programmes make use of Canvas, the UvA's digital learning environment. This is where you'll find all course materials. 

Participants in this online winter course will have access to all of the content from mid-January through March, and can complete the lectures, video tours, readings and assignments at their own pace within that timeframe. 

After completing all the material and assignments, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion.

Amber Howard is a researcher in Social Policy at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. Her research centers around housing and inequality, with a particular focus on generational and socio-economic divides. She recently completed a joint PhD from the University of Melbourne (Department of Health Policy) and the University of Amsterdam (Department of Geography, Planning, and International Development Studies), exploring these themes. Before her doctoral studies, Amber earned a Masters degree in Urban Planning at the University of Amsterdam (cum laude) and began her career conducting research for an architectural firm focused on sustainable community development. Amber has taught and co-coordinated in Masters programs Urban Planning and Public Health at the University of Melbourne, engaging with interdisciplinary perspectives on urban policy, planning, and justice. She is now the coordinator of the Winter School program Key Topics in Urban Studies, and academic director of the Summer School programs Urban Changemakers and Urban Studies: Planning and Living in Cities.

Want to get to know more about studying short courses at the University of Amsterdam? Follow us on social media and join our digital community. Get a feel for our programmes, academic and social life, as well as upcoming courses. Learn more about studying with us through the eyes of past students and our community of passionate experts. 

Instagram | LinkedIn