#14: Reimagining Urban Education

with
Yvonne Franz (University of Vienna) &
Stefan De Corte (Vrije Universiteit Brussels)

Hardly any cities-related university programme gained so much attention over the last 15 years as the 4CITIES Masters in Urban Studies. Over the two years, the students study at six universities in four different cities: Brussels, Vienna, Copenhagen and Madrid – with many many occasional visits to other cities in between. 4CITIES is located at the intersection of academia, activism, professional practice and urban exploration.

I had the privilege of being part of the second cohort of 4CITIES from 2009 to 2011… and it was a life-changing experience for me. With the 4CITIES programme coming to an end in September 2025, it was a good moment in time to sit down with two people who have been part of making 4CITIES possible since the beginning: 

Yvonne Franz, Senior Lecturer from the University of Vienna and Stefan de Corte, administrative coordinator at the Vrije Universiteit Brussels. 

Whether are one of hundreds 4CITIES alumni from around the world, involved in teaching and setting up urban-related programmes at your university or just want to find out why madness plays an important role in setting up such a programme, this episode is for you.

In this episode: 

·      Why a Eurocentric perspective on urban studies is not enough

·      How the 4CITIES Master in Urban Studies changed the system from within

·      Why a comprehensive set of skill between disciplines is needed applying urban knowledge(s)

·      How the 4CITIES Master in Urban Studies shaped careers of former students but also of staff and teachers

·      How moving to (at least) four cities within 2 years teaches invaluable life lessons