Urban Management contributes to the quality of education and the recognisability of the AUAS among students as a metropolitan educational institution. We do this by ensuring that the knowledge and experience gathered is used to update education. Students and lecturers are also actively involved in conducting research in practice, thanks to which Urban Management remains connected to the constantly changing metropolitan environment.

The 'Neighbourhood Shop for Education, Research and Talent Development' (Buurtwinkel voor Onderwijs, Onderzoek en Talentontwikkeling, BOOT) is the operating base for research practices in Amsterdam's neighbourhoods. Students of several AUAS programmes conduct research here and have the opportunity to put their competences into practice and further develop them. We use the extensive BOOT network in the Field Labs, and the activities become part of the research driven by the research group.

Full-time Public Management programme

The full-time Public Management programme trains participants to become ‘urban public professionals’. Students carry out research and undertake practical assignments for metropolitan organisations, for instance on changing the layout of an area or producing a social map or neighbourhood scan. The programme also develops students’ linguistic skills and professional skills, such as presentation and advisory skills.

Master’s programme in Urban Management

This post experience master’s programme is offered on a part-time basis to metropolitan professionals to help them develop the competences that they need as urban managers to co-operate with citizens, businesses and public authorities on tackling ‘wicked problems’ and creating added value for society.

Education and the professional field

In the context of the programmes involved in this package, lecturers, researchers, students, employers and social organisations all work in close co-operation, giving rise to an authentic manner of learning. Students apply their metropolitan solutions directly in the context for which they have been developed: the Amsterdam metropolitan region. And everyone involved benefits. A few examples of this co-operation in practice:

• Practical assignments: Students go out onto the streets and into neighbourhoods to carry out practical assignments. The client may be a district authority or a metropolitan organisation. These assignments give students a fresh perspective on the world and on the subjects that concern your organisation, thereby having a stimulating effect on both parties.
• Internships: Students undertake an internship at a company or organisation in the city, where the combination of practical experience, your insights and their theoretical knowledge and fresh perspectives can lead to surprising and innovative solutions.
• Assessor: Student reports and projects are assessed partly by representatives of businesses and other organisations. This is a good illustration of the interconnection between the city and the programme.
• Guest lectures: Students hear stories and insights from the world of practice from entrepreneurs or administrators.

If you would like more information on the opportunities for co-operation, please contact the External Relations department: urbanmanagement@hva.nl.