IHS is a cooperative institute of the Erasmus School of Economics and the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR).
Since its foundation in 1958, IHS has grown to be one of the world's leading research centres in the field of urban development and governance. The institute prides itself on considerable resources and a well-established international research infrastructure.
With IHS' partner universities and its over 10,000 alumni from more than 140 nations, the institute has built a strong international network of urban professionals. In addition, IHS has strategic alliances, partnerships and framework agreements with international organisations such as the World Bank, United Nations, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, and the European Union.
Undertaking a PhD degree at IHS, Erasmus University Rotterdam is a unique chance to benefit from these international collaborative efforts. In a small class, environment candidates are supported by high-profile international supervisors with many years of experience in the urban development and governance industry.
PhD in Urban Development and Governance
IHS' PhD programme on Urban Development and Governance fuses urban management with governance, a solid, relevant and academically unique combination. The programme is divided into three clusters of research. Researchers working within these fields actively collaborate with each other to create a truly multidisciplinary research environment.
Research clusters:
Economics and Governance
Urban Sustainability and Climate Change Resilience
Urban Socio-Spatial Development
Tailor-made PhD programme
IHS offers a 4-year trajectory with various modalities and research possibilities. The supervisory team consists of at least one promoter and a co-promoter. Candidates, in consultation with their supervisor, will agree on the planning of their trajectory if they work from the Netherlands or their home country for periods of time. We recommend that you spend most of your time in the Netherlands to benefit from close contact with your supervisors, other PhD candidates and the academic environment, however, we will support you in finding a study style and location that works for you
Graduate School
The IHS PhD programme is part of the Erasmus Graduate School of Social Sciences and Humanities (EGSH) located at the modern campus Woudestein. This offers candidates the opportunity to follow courses and workshops and attend conferences, all geared towards enhancing their research and networking skills. Moreover, researchers can interact with PhD candidates from other Erasmus University faculties and, in return, look beyond their own projects.
Application & Admission
Erasmus University has two types of PhD candidates: 'internal' with full employment status and 'external', or self-funded, candidates. External PhD candidates have their own research proposal and can secure funding for their project through private resources or grants, for instance, scholarships from national or local governments. IHS welcomes external PhD candidates.
Learn about the admission procedure here.
Apply now
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