What does this study entail?
This social sciences master track is part of the Master of Science in Public Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam. What makes this track truly unique is its partnership between the Department of Public Administration at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) and the renowned Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS). Together, they combine deep expertise in public administration, urban policy, and governance with cutting-edge knowledge of urban planning and development.
Is this the right programme for you?
Cities are vibrant, ever-changing hubs that drive economic growth and shape cultural, social and political transformations. Already home to more than half of the world's population - and projected to reach nearly 70% by 2050 - cities face urgent and complex challenges: sustainability, poverty, inequality, housing shortages, migration and rapid urban growth. At the same time, they hold the key to creating more sustainable and inclusive societies.
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Meeting these challenges requires skilled professionals who can think beyond traditional governance. Cities need experts who can design and implement innovative policies, work across boundaries, engage and empower local communities, and bring together diverse actors from the public, private and social sectors. Experts who understand how to create just solutions to land use, environmental pressures and social divides—driving sustainable and inclusive urban development at both local and global levels.
In the MSc in Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities, you will explore this new way of governing cities. You’ll gain in-depth insights from public administration, political science, sociology, urban economy and urban planning. You’ll learn to analyse urban governance challenges and develop the skills to design and manage processes that bring stakeholders together to create real, lasting impact. Through practical labs, research projects and fieldwork, you will be prepared to become a changemaker who helps shape the cities of tomorrow.
Why choose this programme?
- Earn your MSc from a top 100 university and benefit from the expertise of two leading partners. The Department of Public Administration ranks #1 worldwide in the 2024 Shanghai Academic Ranking for Public Administration. IHS has over 60 years of experience educating and training local and national government officials.
- Learn from renowned scholars and experienced urban policy professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom.
- Put your knowledge into action in our interactive Urban Governance Labs, where you’ll tackle real-life urban governance challenges and design practical solutions.
- Build your professional network and prepare for your future career through project work and field visits to key local stakeholders like the Municipality of Rotterdam.
- Gain in-depth knowledge of current trends and innovative approaches in urban governance, including circular economy, placemaking, co-creation, and community-led urban development.
- Broaden your perspective with international case studies, a diverse student body, and teaching staff from around the globe.
- Explore the world further with exchange opportunities at top partner universities across Europe.
Rankings
#1 worldwide for Public Administration in 2024
Shanghai rankings
#5 worldwide for Planning and Development
Center for University Ranking (CWUR)
Students collaborating with the municipality of Alkmaar
The municipality of Alkmaar regularly collaborates with universities and colleges for knowledge exchange. The Alkmaar Canal programme has started a joint track together with students from the Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities master programme.
Students think along for the Alkmaar Canal Programme

Alkmaar Canal Programme: Findings
