Human Geography and Planning

Learn how cities, towns, and neighbourhoods function and how policies shape daily life. How can we create sustainable, inclusive cities and affordable housing? How does climate change impact our surroundings? You will learn to analyse spatial issues, carry out research, and develop practical solutions, all while studying in the heart of Amsterdam, where the city itself becomes your classroom.

Language of instruction

English

Mode

Full-time

Location

Roeterseiland campus

Oct01

Student for a Day Oct-May

Oct26

Bachelor's Week 26-30 Oct

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Why study Human Geography and Planning at the UvA?

Small groups and personal learning

You learn in small groups, so you really get to know each other and the lecturers. There is room for individual attention, and you will quickly feel at home in the programme.

Current topics

Lectures focus on issues that are relevant today. You will learn to view the world through a ‘geographical lens’ and will recognise the themes from your lessons everywhere around you.

Urban campus

The campus is located in the centre of Amsterdam. The city itself becomes your learning environment: what you study, you can see in the city the very same day.

Freedom to discover your interests

You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do in the future. You can discover what suits you best: human geography, spatial planning, or anything in between.

What I like most about the programme is that it connects to things you see every day, on the train, on holiday, or in your own town. Read more about Lucas' experience

Is Human Geography and Planning right for you?

Yes, if you:

Enjoy exploring new places and understanding what you see around you
Are curious about how people live together and how spatial decisions affect daily life
Want to contribute to a more sustainable and fair world
Are interested in the stories behind places: who lives, works, and spends time there
Enjoy translating ideas into plans that truly make a difference for people and their environment

The topics are often very current, and they help you look at everyday things from a ‘geographical perspective’. For example, many examples come from Amsterdam, and you can see them in real life on the same day. Read more about Femke's experience

Studying Human Geography and Planning: English or Dutch?

You can choose the English or the bilingual Dutch-English track. The courses are the same, the only difference is the language of tutorials, assignments and exams. Read more about the differences in the study programme.