Testimonial Master Urban Governance | Clara Glachant

I followed the Master Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities at Erasmus University Rotterdam to understand urban challenges and their complexity. I enjoyed the combination of courses at ESSB and HIS (Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies).

On the one hand, IHS allowed me to engage with urban economics, urban governance and spatial planning while lectures at ESSB developed my knowledge in public administration.

In Urban Governance Lab, we had the opportunity to apply theories learned on real-life cases. In this course, we worked in groups to advise organizations on urban challenges they might encounter. Our last assignment was an advisory assignment for the Municipality of Alkmaar, spread over two months, concluded by a group presentation to city practitioners and urban professionals. 

Junior researcher

I am currently doing a PhD at Eindhoven University of Technology. The master Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities prepared me to carry out my research. This programme reinforced my research skills and knowledge on governance, sustainability, and justice challenges in cities. The great autonomy granted in the master's thesis strengthened my abilities as a junior researcher. The thesis circle process (group review of drafts and joint supervision meetings) prepared me for the peer-reviewing procedure one encounters in academia.

Excellent opportunities

In addition, the possibility to follow an (optional!) internship while working on my master's thesis at block 4 was extremely valuable. It allowed me to complete an internship in a research programme at Erasmus University Rotterdam and initiate my PhD journey. If you wish to pursue a career in academia, the master Urban Governance of Inclusive Sustainable Cities offers excellent opportunities. The teaching team was also helpful, as two professors supported my doctoral application process.