In this minor, we take a critical and in-depth look at the concept of children’s wellbeing and how it can be understood, measured and compared in different contexts.

We use UNICEF’s Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing in an Unpredictable World (2025) as an important point of reference. This most recent report compares child wellbeing in 43 high-income countries, using data up to 2022. It replaces earlier report cards, such as Report Card 16.

Report Card 19 focuses on three key dimensions of child wellbeing:

• mental wellbeing, including life satisfaction,
• physical health, such as child mortality and overweight,
• skills, including educational outcomes and social skills.

Although countries like the Netherlands continue to score relatively high, the report shows that children’s wellbeing has come under pressure in many countries, partly due to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the course, we discuss what wellbeing actually means and whether there is a shared understanding of this concept. We critically examine the indicators used by UNICEF and explore how wellbeing can differ depending on educational, social, cultural and urban contexts.

Within the minor, students conduct group research on factors that contribute to children’s wellbeing in an urban setting, with a specific focus on the educational perspective. Education includes many elements that may influence children’s wellbeing, such as learning environments, inclusion, safety and equal opportunities. Students choose a research topic that matches their own interests.

Guest lecturers from different professional and academic backgrounds are invited to share their expertise and perspectives on children’s wellbeing.

The main aim of this minor is to broaden students’ perspectives and to explore different views on the wellbeing of children in urban environments. A strong international and intercultural component is embedded in the program. Students work in international groups, which supports the development of intercultural awareness as well as English language skills, as international students also take part in the course.

The minor is designed to strengthen research skills, academic writing and oral presentation skills. For third-year students, this minor offers valuable preparation for the bachelor thesis in the fourth year.

The curriculum consists of lectures and seminars, workshops, practical assignments, meetings with experts, fieldwork, school placements and excursions.

Affinity with (primary) education 

Two years (or more) of higher education

Books, articles, reports

Practical research, presentations, assignments and practical assessments, attendance.

Re-examination practical research: Final grade of this particular assessment needs to be sufficient (5,5) to pass the minor.
Students will receive a passing grade for the minor ‘Educating Children in an Urban Environment’ when successfully completing research concerning a dimension or indicator of the wellbeing of children and a presentation (by showing the progress through the online platform) in which the research is creatively laid out. Students will be trained in setting up the online platform to be able to do so.

Preferably students with a pedagogic, teaching or social work background.

Minimum 12 – maximum 25 students

First semester
From September to November
Mostly (unless schedule mentions otherwise):
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
10.30 – 14.30 (on a more regular basis)