Urban Socio-Spatial Transformations

This specialisation examines the driving forces behind urban change, from economic transformations and technological innovation to social inequality and governance challenges.

Cities today are shaped by rapid social, economic, and technological transformations, creating both opportunities and inequalities. Understanding these dynamics is essential for designing inclusive and sustainable urban futures.

The Urban Socio-Spatial Transformations programme is a specialisation within the MSc in Urban Management and Development. This track will equip you with the knowledge and tools to analyse the drivers of urban change, from digitalisation and technological innovation to social and economic inequalities. You will explore key issues such as urban governance, housing and land policies, and the impact of emerging technologies on cities, while learning to design strategies that promote equitable and resilient urban development.

The first block shares courses on core period subjects with the other specialisation. In the second block the students will follow one of the two programmes. Within each specialisation, they get to chose from a number of modules to define their own learning trajectory. These combinations are called 'focal points'. The third and last block will be entirely dedicated to the thesis. It will further guide the writing of the thesis proposal on a topic relevant to the master track.Please note that the curriculum may be subject to change.
Block 1 - September to December
-Contemporary Debates in Urban Studies
-Urban Complexity
-Qualitative Methods and Analysis for Urban Research
-Quantitative Methods and Analysis for Urban Research
-Method courses
-Research Design (RD)
-Developing an Urban Resilience City Strategy Workshop

Blocks 2: January to April
-Urban Realities
-Urban Futures
-Digitalised Cities / Digital Transformations
-Urban Innovation / The Economics of Technological Transformation
-Urban Inequality
-Housing and Land Policy Approaches
-GIS Methods for Urban Research

Block 3: April to August
-Research Proposal (RP)
-Thesis

At the end of the programme, students should be able to analyse social, economic, and technological factors shaping contemporary cities.Furthermore, students will learn to:
- Assess the causes and consequences of urban inequalities across multiple dimensions.
- Evaluate the impact of digitalisation and smart technologies on urban life.
- Critically examine policies and governance approaches in housing, land, and urban development.
- Apply tools and frameworks to design inclusive, innovative, and sustainable urban interventions.

The Urban Socio-Spatial Transformations specialisation is for graduates and professionals who are eager to understand the social, economic, and technological forces shaping cities. It is ideal for those seeking to analyse urban inequalities, digitalisation, and innovation, and to contribute to building inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready urban environments.