Advanced Master of European Urban Cultures 
This Master offers:
- a one-year international master jointly developed by four European universities the opportunity to study urban cultures on location and live in four European cities with a group of international students
- a multidisciplinary approach drawing on disciplines such as urban theory, urban
planning, geography, sociology, cultural and leisure studies, cultural management,
architecture and design the opportunity to experience the crossnational diversity of urban development projects and academic contexts
Course outline & programme
Duration : 1 year
Partners: Universiteit Tilburg (The Netherlands), Manchester Metropolitan University (United Kingdom), Estonian Academy of Arts (Estonia)
The Master of Arts in European Urban Cultures (POLIS) is a one-year, full-time programme, taught in English and jointly organised by four European Universities: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universiteit Tilburg, Manchester Metropolitan University and Estonian Academy of Arts. Students start in Brussels in the beginning of September, move to Tilburg at the end of October, to Manchester in January and continue in Tallinn from April until June. The course ends with a graduation seminar in Brussels in September.
Interuniversitary programme throughout Europe
The programme offers the opportunity to study urban cultures on location and live in four European cities with a group of international students. It allows students to experience crossnational diversity of urban development projects and academic contexts. Each of the four periods of study is identified as a study block. Students take taught courses in each of the study blocks and are assessed at the end of each block.
Culture for urban development
More than ever, cities are challenged to use cultural resources to re-position themselves in a culturally and economically diversified European space. In order to make full use of the innovative and supportive role of culture in European urban development it is necessary to create a new interdisciplinary approach (combining arts and design, culture and leisure theory, urban and spatial planning, marketing and management ...) within a transnational European perspective.
Main topics
- European cultural policies
- popular cultures
- theory and practice of urbanism
- urban regeneration
- cultural consumption
- cultural management
- creative industries
- cultural and leisure theory
- globalisation and the city
- reading the city
Admission requirements and applications
Minimum admission requirements
- A good command of English
- A related master's degree (social sciences, cultural and leisure studies, art, design and architecture, urban theory and planning, cultural marketing, cultural management)
Applications
You can download the application form on 'How to enroll' on our website.
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Something for you?
- You already have a master in social sciences, in cultural and leisure studies, in art,
in design and architecture, in urban theory and planning, in cultural marketing or in
management - Or you are a professional eager for the latest experiences, ideas and insights in urban cultural policy
Student testimonials
“I came back as a professional city tripper (25 cities in 7 countries in 9 months!), an experienced team worker, initiated in the broad notion of ‘European Urban Cultures’, capable of adapting to a new European city in a minimum of time and rich of valueable experiences. Thank you all for this unforgettable year.”
“Not to over dramatise, but I think Polis is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Due to the concept - taking classes, working on projects in different countries and comparing how things are organised - I learnt a lot. And it was good fun.”
“Polis is one of the most interesting things, in terms of studies and gaining experience of different cultures, that has ever happened to me.”
“I never once regretted taking this course - it was an experience of a lifetime! I wish I could do it again.”
“Fantastic opportunity to mix with local people and initiatives and to oneself join in and become active in the 4 cities.”
“I most appreciated discovering areas of study and theory which I had not come across before such as urban sociology and theories of globalization.”
“Absolutely loved studying in different cities. It completely boosted by confidence about engaging with Europe more despite my mono linguistic base.”
“POLIS gave me broader understanding of the world.”
“The experience of studying and living abroad was o major importance to me. Part because of the ‘fun’ of this experience, but also because I thought and think that it ‘shapes your personality’.”
Career opportunities
The Master of Arts in European Urban Cultures (POLIS) aims to create a new kind of urban professional: socially and culturally aware and able to cross the boundaries between arts, design, urban and spatial planning, public policy and the market, artistic creativity and cultural management.
Potential job fields:
- cultural sector
- urban / cultural policy
- urban planning
- research
- media
Our Student Service
Students at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel are not just mere numbers. A lot of attention goes to making sure that you can study in the best possible situation. There are numerous staff members ready to assist you and give advice on all topics related to student life: practical information, medical assistance and finance, study planning, sports and culture, health, transport, housing and food, etc.
For all kinds of help, advice and support, visit the web pages of ‘Student Facilities’.
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More information
- Check out the website http://www.polismaster.eu
- An overview of all Master and Postgraduate programmes taught in English at the VUB can be found in the brochure Student (on top) of the world (970 KB)