Sustainable Urban Development Course
Erasmus University Rotterdam - Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
5 weeks
Pace
Part time
Tuition fees
EUR 5,250 / per course
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
Urban areas are projected to triple in the surface by 2030, and with an estimated 70% of the global population residing in cities by 2050, addressing the complex social, physical, economic, and environmental challenges of urbanization in a sustainable way has become imperative.
Designed for contemporary urban professionals, the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) programme is a five-week short course anchored in the SDG 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities". It is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to understand, analyze and develop strategies to achieve the SDG 11 targets, "Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable", and produce localized solutions. By integrating state-of-the-art theories on urban management with practical application through a multi-disciplinary advisory project, this course enables professionals to address the diverse challenges of urban environments effectively.
In line with the SDG11 targets, participants will delve into various aspects of sustainable urban development, including sustainable human settlement planning, safe and affordable land and housing, inclusive urbanization, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, nature-based solutions, inclusive and gender-responsive approaches, and urban heritage strategies.
What and how will I learn?
The highlight of the course is the multi-disciplinary advisory project, a hands-on opportunity to work with real-life clients (cities). Engage with local stakeholders, communities, and organizations to develop tailor-made strategies that align with SDG 11 targets. The project culminates in a compelling final presentation of the strategy to the client, showcasing your expertise and innovative solutions.
Led by expert lecturers, the course employs a practical orientation that combines field experience with conceptual frameworks and methodologies. Through lectures, readings, case studies, group discussions, assignments, and exercises, participants will engage in a dynamic and interactive learning process, drawing on the accumulated expertise of both faculty and peers.
Participants will engage with professionals from various sectors, including public and private organisations, NGOs, academia, and international organisations, fostering a rich and diverse learning environment.
Admissions
Curriculum
The course is organized into four modules:
- Introduction to Sustainable Urban Management and Development: This module establishes a solid foundation by exploring key principles, theories, and practices of urban management, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of urban environments.
- Sustainable and Resilient Cities: Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of strategies and approaches to foster sustainable and resilient cities. Topics covered include climate mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions, green city principles, circular economy and sustainable energy transition.
- Inclusive and Safe Cities: This module focuses on inclusive, equitable and gender-responsive approaches to urban development and management. Participants will discuss and analyse global cases on the concepts of urban socio-spatial justice, urban inequalities, adequate and affordable land and housing, gentrification, urban heritage strategies and the digital divide.
- Study Visits, Urban Walks, and Smart City Tours: In this practical course segment, participants will engage in study visits, urban walks, and smart city tours in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Through direct observation and analysis of sustainable urban practices, participants will enhance their understanding of real-life examples and gain valuable insights from practice.
Rankings
IHS is part of the high-ranking Erasmus University Rotterdam - A top-100 research university. From student feedback to international university rankings, EUR maintains an excellent reputation. We are proud that EUR is consistently ranked in the top 2% of the world’s best universities.
Ideal Students
Do I have the right profile for this course?
If you're an urban professional seeking to enhance your knowledge of sustainable urban development and apply it to real-world challenges, then this course is for you. Apply now to secure your spot and take a significant step towards becoming an urban change-maker.