Vision and Strategy Building for Cities and Regions

The Urban and Regional Planning: Vision and Strategy Building Master’s Programme at Radboud University is designed to equip students with the critical skills and knowledge needed to shape sustainable, innovative, and inclusive cities and regions. This interdisciplinary programme combines elements of urban planning, governance, policy analysis, and strategic development, emphasizing the importance of a long-term, visionary approach to urban and regional development. Throughout the programme, students will explore fundamental theories and practical approaches to planning, while gaining hands-on experience in developing strategic visions that address contemporary challenges such as climate change, social inequality, rapid urbanization, and technological transformation.

The curriculum offers a blend of academic coursework, project-based learning, and real-world case studies that ensure students acquire both theoretical understanding and practical expertise. Core modules cover topics such as spatial planning theories, regional development strategies, participatory governance, sustainable urban design, and innovative policymaking. Students are encouraged to critically analyze existing planning frameworks, formulate evidence-based strategies, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders including policymakers, community members, and private sector actors.

An essential component of the programme is its focus on fostering strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills. Students learn to develop visionary plans that are not only feasible but also adaptable to future uncertainties. Emphasis is placed on collaborative working, encouraging students to work in multidisciplinary teams to simulate real-world urban planning processes. Additionally, practical skills such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analysis, and strategic communication are integrated into the coursework.

The programme emphasizes international perspectives, with many courses incorporating global case studies and opportunities for international exchanges. Students are encouraged to consider issues of global relevance and to develop innovative solutions adaptable to different socio-economic and cultural contexts. By the end of the programme, graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in urban and regional planning agencies, government institutions, consulting firms, and NGOs, contributing to the sustainable development and strategic transformation of cities and regions worldwide.

Radboud University’s Vision and Strategy Building for Cities and Regions programme aims to develop visionary urban planners who are capable of leading complex projects and influencing policy frameworks. It emphasizes ethical considerations, social responsibility, and sustainable development principles, ensuring graduates are ready to create impactful, future-proof strategies for urban and regional development.

What you'll learn

• Discover the psychology of human language and communication and how computers can be used to model and understand this type of interaction data, be it textual, spoken, tweets or clicks. 
• Learn how to process the types of massive interaction databases that arise on the web.
• App-Lab course teaches you how to set-up, build and evaluate apps to facilitate communication and interaction.

A completed Bachelor's degree

Students must have a completed Bachelor's degree from an academic university (this does not include a Bachelor’s from a University of Applied Science, in Dutch HBO) in Artificial Intelligence or a related programme with a comparable content that sufficiently prepares for an advanced master program in AI. An acceptable applicant should have some knowledge of Computer Science (in particular sufficient programming experience and software development experience, about 15-24 EC), Artificial Intelligence techniques (search/planning/representation algorithms, machine learning, reasoning under uncertainty, neural networks, logics, and robotics, about 36-42 EC), Mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, statistics, about 15-18 EC), and some Cognitive Science (e.g. cognitive psychology or cognitive neuroscience).

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to demonstrate fluency in both written and spoken English. Students with a Dutch VWO diploma or an English Bachelor are considered sufficiently proficient in English. Other non-native speakers of English* must obtain one of the following certificates:

• A TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Motivation Letter

Please describe your future plans and what you would like to learn and research at Radboud University. What are the topics of the research you would like to do? This will allow us to find out if your previous education is appropriate. It is not sufficient to say that you 'want to do something in Medical Biology'. Please be more specific, for example: cancer research, genomics, malaria or tissue engineering and explain how your previous education prepared you for this specific Master's programme. Last but not least, motivate your interest in studying at Radboud University (specific disciplines, facilities or other considerations).

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,060 in 2018/2019). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,060 in 2018/2019). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The MSc in Vision and Strategy Building for Cities and Regions at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to develop sustainable, innovative, and resilient urban and regional strategies. The program focuses on the complex challenges faced by modern cities and regions, such as climate change, socio-economic disparities, technological advancements, and demographic shifts. Students engage with a broad spectrum of topics, including urban planning, policy analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), stakeholder involvement, and strategic management. The curriculum emphasizes a practical, problem-based learning approach, encouraging students to analyze real-world cases and develop evidence-based strategies for urban development and regional planning.

Throughout the program, students collaborate closely with local governments, urban planners, environmental organizations, and industry partners to gain insights into current challenges and innovative solutions. The program not only provides theoretical foundations but also fosters hands-on experience through internships, project work, and field visits. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in urban and regional planning agencies, consultancy firms, governmental organizations, or research institutions. They will possess the analytical skills to assess complex urban environments, the strategic thinking to develop long-term visions, and the communication skills to effectively engage diverse stakeholders.

Radboud University is committed to fostering sustainable development and social responsibility in its academic offerings, reflected in this program's focus on pioneering sustainable urban strategies. The program also encourages an international perspective, attracting students from around the world who bring diverse viewpoints and experiences. This enriching environment enhances cross-cultural understanding and prepares students for careers in global or local contexts. The faculty comprises experts in urban studies, geography, planning, and environmental sciences, offering students access to cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies.

By the end of the program, students will be well-equipped to contribute to the formulation of strategic policies at city, regional, or national levels, with a keen awareness of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of development decisions. The MSc in Vision and Strategy Building for Cities and Regions aims to foster future leaders who can shape sustainable and resilient cities and regions in an increasingly interconnected world.