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Master Urbanism
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Master Urbanism

4 year(s)
Master
Part-time
Starts September
English
Tilburg

Are you concerned about how our surroundings are designed and how to use it for upcoming generations?

Admission timeline

Deadline: April 1 (non-EEA), July 1 (EEA)

Meet us

Open days and more

Shape tomorrow’s cities with Fontys Master Urbanism

Are you eager to reflect on urban design and its impact on future generations? Join the internationally oriented Master Urbanism at Fontys Academy of the Arts. Learn to master connecting social, cultural, political, economic, and technological parameters through design.

Is this study programme for you?

  • You are driven, motivated and socially engaged

    You gain a global view and practical solutions for real-world challenges.

  • You have a creative mindset and a strong affinity for conceptual thinking

    And interacting with other art students greatly enhances your development.

  • Study and work simultaneously, gaining creative skills, experience, and a salary

    Start working as a registred (independent) urbanist, right after graduation.

Check out these programmes

There is a genuine interest about your work and projects from your peers

Rachel

Student Urbanism

I choose to do a masters to deepen my theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to urbanism. Additionally, I wanted the creative freedom to explore (urban) design solutions that test the boundaries of what it is practiced and produced in the real world.My goal is to become equipped to work within the professional field to the degree that I am able to promote good practices of urbanism.

Being able to learn from teachers who work in the field is an advantage for gaining insight into both development of practical as well as application of different theories and methodologies of design.

There are very limited opportunities in the Netherlands to gain professional accreditation while completing a masters in an international environment. This combination of work and study, practice and theory, with the diverse international perspectives provides a unique learning opportunity that prepares you for the professional life in a globalised world.

Being an international, the 1st challenge is finding a job. The Dutch language is very important as well as having a solid network of professionals to help connect you with potential work opportunities. Once you have a job, the next challenge becomes the discipline required to keep a healthy balance of work, school, social life and self-care. You definitely need good organisational skills and deep-rooted motivation to not only complete the masters, but also enjoy it.

I would describe the atmosphere of the programme as an open community. People are not only kind to each other, but we also want each other to succeed. There is a genuine interest about your work/projects from your peers. They want to learn from you and they want to help you if you need it.
Two students from the Master's program in Urbanism working in the wood workshop. They are using precision cutting tools to shape foam blocks, likely for architectural models. The workspace is equipped with various tools and materials, creating a hands-on learning environment.
Your programme

Creative research by design

The Fontys Master Urbanism programme blends theory, design, and practical skills. You’ll explore philosophy, economy, and history while engaging in project-based learning. Gain real-world experience at your workplace, preparing you for a dynamic urbanist career.

Your programme

What are you going to learn?

  • You will gain a foundation through classes in philosophy, economy, and history

    These theories help you understand the underlying processes of society.

  • Work individual or in teams on project-based real-world challenges

    About an inclusive city or it's sustainable relationship with the landscape.

  • Balance work and study is a good process for professional and personal growth

    Make good use of the personal attention of the involved and accessible team.

Your programme

What will the next 4 years look like?

The first year immerses you in foundational courses, developing your designer attitude. In years 2 and 3, engage in eight studio projects, workshops, and international study trips. Culminating in year 4, tackle urgent societal issues through a comprehensive graduation studio.

A student from the Master Urbanism is exploring his options in Virtual Reality. He is wearing VR glasses.
Your future

Transform your and others' future with urban design

After completing the Fontys master Urbanism, you can register in the Dutch architect's register. As an urbanist, you will adopt an integrated, design-oriented approach to complex environmental issues. This gives you varied career prospects in urbanism and related fields.

Admission & application

Admission Requirements

  • If you have completed a relevant bachelor's degree, you are eligible for admission.

    Check the full admission requirements to see which qualifications allow you to enrol.

  • A minimum level of proficiency in the English language is required.

Admission & application

Admission process

Admission requirements for EEA, NON-EEA en Dutch students for the master’s degree programme are:

  • Bachelor (B/BSc) Architecture
  • Bachelor (B) Art Academy (Architectural design/Interior design)

Is your study not mentioned? Contact us and we can talk about the possibilities.

More information
Our campus

Studying at Fontys means you learn, make friends, and enjoy an exciting student life.

Discover our campus: beautiful and well-equipped study spaces, trendy coffee corners, and pleasant campus squares. Everything for your growth and enjoyment!

Campus Zwijsenplein

Tilburg is a ‘City of Creators’ that stimulates the imagination and is raw and unconventional. On the Zwijsenplein campus, you will find our 17 art programmes in the field of music, dance, theatre, circus, design, art education and architecture all under one roof. A unique, bustling, and experimental place. Students research and create the world of tomorrow here with art.

Costs

Tuition fees and cost of living in the Netherlands

Use our tuition fees indicator and understand the monthly living expenses for international students in the Netherlands, ranging from EUR 900 to EUR 1,100. 

Calculate tuition fees

Master Urbanism

Start

September

Language

English

Duration

4 year(s)

Degree

Master

Study load

Part-time

Location

Tilburg

Specs

Master Urbanism

Start

September

Language

English

Duration

4 year(s)

Degree

Master

Study load

Part-time

Location

Tilburg
Deadline: April 1 (non-EEA), July 1 (EEA)

Admission timeline

Wondering what's to come after applying for this programme? Go over the entire admission process.

Please note! If you wish to apply for housing through Fontys, the application deadline is June 15

Master Urbanism

Admission timeline

Wondering what's to come after applying for this programme? Check out the entire admission process.

  • Start your orientation

    Have you attended a study orientation event already?

    Take a look at our orientation events

  • Register

    Register for this programme via Studielink.

    Studielink

  • Admission assessment

    For this programme, you will first complete an assessment. More information can be found under Requirements & application.

    Please note: You can only be admitted once you have successfully completed this.

  • Submit required files

    Submission and assessment of grade lists, diploma and proof of language. For non EEA-students: additional steps can be required.

  • Complete your payment

    The tuition fees indicator helps you to determine the tuition rate for your situation.

    Everything about finances

  • Arrange student housing

    Fontys can offer housing for a limited number of international students. Fill in the housing application form before the deadline (June 15 if you start in Sept., December 6 if you start in February).

    More info about housing

  • End of August

    Get to know Fontys and your fellow students during Purple Introduction week.

    Take a look at your introduction programme

  • 1 September 2026

    Start study programme

Do you have a question?

We are happy to help.

Ask Fontys Tilburg your questions

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Frequently asked questions

The research universities train students for the independent practice of science and academic research, whereas the universities of applied sciences focus more on the application of knowledge and the direct preparation of students for their professional careers. Fontys Academy of the Arts is a university of applied sciences.

You can be admitted to this Master's programme if you have a Bachelor's degree in academic or higher professional education.

Yes. The portfolio should showcase your design and analytical skills. The motivation letter explains your professional ambitions and reasons for choosing Fontys.

The master’s programme is based in Tilburg, a creative and accessible city in the south of the Netherlands, close to Rotterdam and Eindhoven.

The course is structured as a 40-week intensive program. You’ll spend one day per week working in the Design Studio at Fontys in Tilburg. In addition, you’ll spend around 10 hours per week on self-study and 20 hours on practical work. You’ll also attend theory classes once a week.