Enrolment is no longer possible for semester 1 2025-2026. The maximum number of participants has been reached for this minor.

The international minor Diversity in Urban Education is an interdisciplinary program offered by the Faculty of Education. The concept of education is broadly interpreted, encompassing fields such as social work, pedagogy, teaching, and related disciplines (see details below).

Amsterdam counts one of the world’s biggest varieties and is characterized by a strong segregation in cultures, living environments, schools and socio-economic conditions. Amsterdam/the Netherlands have a long history and a rich tradition of trade, tourism and living with multiculturalism, which continuously leads to discussions about how to meet and to work with diversity in society.

This minor program provides students with knowledge, skills, and insights into the practices and theories surrounding diversity (cultural, social, and economic)—a topic of major importance in social education and teaching. The program focuses on the role of professional social educators, social workers, pedagogues, and teachers, addressing questions such as:

• How can professionals effectively work with diversity in daycare centers, schools, parental advisory services, youth and community work, or other social settings?
• How can they communicate effectively?
• How can they support empowerment?
• How can they create inclusive environments?

An applied research project runs throughout the minor, with students working in groups on projects in the Amsterdam area. Theoretical courses and training sessions provide the necessary support for the research, and each group is guided by a supervisor.

The minor aims to provide students with knowledge, skills, and insights into the practices and theories of how professionals address diversity in social educational settings (e.g., childcare institutions, schools, youth work, social services, community centers) within an urban context, primarily Amsterdam.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this minor, students will be able to:

• Explain and apply central theories on inclusion, multicultural sensitivity, and ethics.
• Conduct applied research in an urban context using multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Collaborate in diverse groups to work on problem-based projects.
• Explain factors that influence inclusion or exclusion.
• Develop products that contribute to inclusive practices.
• Critically reflect on their attitudes toward cultural bias and professionalism in education and create alternatives.
• Communicate effectively in complex social situations.

Competences

In alignment with the Dublin Descriptors, particularly:

• DD3: Making judgement
• DD4: Communication skills

In accordance with HBO (Higher Professional Education) standards.

The target group consists of third- or fourth-year BA students in social education/pedagogy, teaching, early childhood care, youth work, or community work who aim to broaden their experience and knowledge of diversity in urban education while studying in an international context. Applicants should have an English proficiency level of at least B2 on the CEFR scale.

Mandatory:

Banks, Sarah & Kirsten Nøhr (Eds.) (2012). Practising Social Work Ethics Around the World. London: Routledge.

Optional:

Nunez, C. et al. (2014). Intercultural Sensitivity: From Denial to Intercultural Competence. Assen: Royal Van Gorcum.

Supplementary literature will be introduced during the modules. Research groups are expected to independently search for literature relevant to their projects.

Classes are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the semester (subject to change).

Lectures, workshops, group work, presentations, peer feedback, formative feedback, coaching

Contact hours: 260
Self studies (individual and group work): 580
Total: 840

Applied Research Project:

10 ECTS

Oral and written assessment

Assessment: January 2026

Resits: January 2026

Inclusion, Multicultural Sensitivity and Ethical Dilemmas

15 ECTS

Oral and written assessment

Assessment: January 2026

Resits: January 2026

Culture and language

5 ECTS

Oral and written assessment

Assessment:

October/November 2025

January 2026

Resits:

December 2025

January 2026

Total: 30 ECTS

Lectures, workshops, group work, presentations, peer feedback, formative feedback, coaching

Contact hours: 260

Self studies (individual and group work): 580

Total hours: 840 

Resits are scheduled during semester.

If a minor is no longer offered or in case the minor is rewritten, the degree programme will offer students a further two opportunities to finalize this minor in the following year.

Questions about the minor?
Contact Sara El Abbassi via s.el.abbassi@hva.nl

Questions about the Kies op Maat procedure?
Contact Liesbeth Steenbeek via minoren-fmr@hva.nl

Study materials and books, along with some (transportation) expenses for excursions and interactions with organizations in Amsterdam.

Video: introducing the minor diversity in urban education

Applications will be processed in order of receipt signed learning agreements.