The Urban and Regional Planning programme offers students a thorough understanding of advanced theories and methodologies of urban and regional planning, with a focus on urban and metropolitan areas. Core elements are drafting spatial interventions (spatial plans, policies and projects), understanding actor constellations, knowing the institutional conditions of spatial interventions and the international comparison of spatial planning traditions and metropolitan governance. Students also gain knowledge of relevant research methods to undertake planning research and will apply acquired theories, knowledge and research skills in a master thesis. In summary the programme trains to analyse (by reflecting on research and by doing research) and act (by critically assessing existing interventions and by drafting new interventions).

Bachelor's degree Students with a Bachelor’s degree in planning studies (planologie) or in another closely related discipline (such as sociology, cultural anthropology and sociology, political science, economics, law, public administration, and beta gamma and/or future planet studies provided it includes the major planning) are invited to apply, provided they meet all other entry requirements. International degrees are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the degree should be equivalent to three years of Dutch university education. Planning Studies All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of Urban & Regional Planning (Planologie) of (the equivalent of) at least 30 ECTS credits earned during previous studies. Research methodology Applicants should have a solid basis in both qualitative and quantitative social sciences research methodology as demonstrated by the completion of (the equivalent of) at least 20 ECTS during previous study. Upon entry to the Master's programme, students are expected to be able to: Make a solid research design Understand advantages and disadvantages of different research methods and a mixed methods approach Develop and carry out (simple) surveys Interpret the results of surveys Carry out statistical analysis, preferably with SPSS or similar software Conduct interviews Analyse the results of interview. English language proficiency As the Master's programme will be highly demanding and fully taught in English, a high level of English language proficiency is expected of all applicants. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and give presentations in English.