Studying in Dutch
| Language of instruction | Dutch |
| Duration of programme | 3 years |
Spatial Planning
Contents of the programme
Planologie
Almost three quarters of the Netherlands is countryside. But that does not mean that there is more than enough space. Homes and jobs have always been concentrated around the cities, making space a scarce commodity there.
In the Netherlands and all across the globe for that matter, town and country planners are needed to see to it that the space that is available is wisely used. They take their cue from society. This is how people can be housed as efficiently and attractively as possible, factories are built at the most suitable spot, roads are built, the land is farmed and there is room left for recreational purposes.
The bachelor’s programme in Spatial Planning teaches students how the surface of the earth can be used as wisely as possible. Not only in the Netherlands, but abroad as well.
In the first year of the bachelor’s programme in Spatial Planning at the UvA, students take some of the same courses as students majoring in Social Geography. Then they decide between the two bachelor’s. Various specialisations are possible in the bachelor’s programme in town and country planning.
In the first year, the curriculum includes courses in the spatial planning and structuring of the Netherlands, the basic principles of spatial planning, planning and public space, methods, techniques, statistics and information technology, law and public administration, landscaping, the environment and geography.
In the second and third year, there are courses in law and economics for town and country planners, project and process management, methods and techniques of spatial planning and demographics. Students have ample opportunity to take courses at other departments. It is also possible to spend a few months studying abroad.
After completing the bachelor’s in Spatial Planning you are given a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.
Master's programmes and afterwards
After the bachelor’s programme in Spatial Planning, you can specialise in the one-year master’s programme in Spatial Planning or do a master’s degree in Social Geography.
The UvA offers other types of master's programmes for which graduates can apply:
- Onderzoeksmasters: Two-year research master's programmes for which there is a selection procedure
- Other options: You might be able to enrol in other master's programmes depending on the so-called minor courses followed during the bachelor's.
Follow the link below for a complete overview of master's programmes offered by the UvA (in Dutch).
The job market
Career prospects for graduates of spatial planning are good, though a first job may be temporary and project-based. Students who have completed a master's in Spatial Planning are qualified academic researchers in issues of spatial planning.
Graduates of spatial planning will be able to work in a wide range of jobs in the field of spatial planning, for example as policy offer, researcher or project leader with government ministries, public works, municipal or provincial departments, consultancies, research offices, project developers or housing corporations.
If you specialise in spatial planning of developing countries, job opportunities are diverse too, for example with local governments or relief organisations.