4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program is a highly respected Joint Master’s program in Urban Studies, weaving together geography, sociology, history, cultural studies, and governance. Across two immersive and collaborative years, students explore urban theory and practice, enriched through field trips, group projects, and excursions in four European capitals: Brussels, Vienna, Copenhagen, and Madrid.
Sponsored by the European Commission under Erasmus+, the program equips graduates to address global and local urban challenges, from designing sustainable cities to advising policymakers. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning in real-life urban contexts, drawing from expertise across six universities.
Project Status
- Project Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-10-2018
- End date 30-09-2025
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus program offers students the opportunity to study at six top-tier universities across Europe.
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel |
| Université Libre de Bruxelles |
| Universität Wien |
| Københavns Universitet |
| Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
| Universidad Complutense de Madrid |
| Spain |
| Belgium |
| Austria |
| Denmark |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program
4CITIES is a rigorous, interdisciplinary master’s taught entirely in English. The program combines lectures, seminars, fieldwork, case studies, and collaborative research, aiming to foster analytical skills, policy writing, and intercultural communication.
Key Features of the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program
- International immersion: Study and live in four European capitals.
- Holistic urban approach: Integrates social, economic, spatial, design, and governance perspectives.
- Diverse cohort: Global applications bring multidisciplinary and multicultural profiles.
- Field engagement: Each semester features city-specific fieldwork (e.g., economics in Brussels, planning in Vienna).
- Thesis cycle: Students complete a 30‑ECTS thesis spanning all partner cities.
Mobility Tracks of the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program
- Brussels (Sep–Jan): Core urban theory & social geography.
- Vienna (Feb–July): Planning, demography, Eastern European development.
- Copenhagen (Sep–Dec): Urban design, culture, architecture.
- Madrid (Jan–April): Governance, sustainability, policy.
- Thesis (May–Aug): Independent project culminating in defense .
Admission Requirements
Applicants need:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- English proficiency (usually IELTS/TOEFL).
- Strong motivation and independent, collaborative attitude.
How to Apply for the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program
Apply via the official 4CITIES site during the October–January window. Prepare:
- Academic transcripts
- CV and motivation letter
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
- Passport copy
- Any additional documents specified in the call
Tips to Win the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program
- Highlight interdisciplinary interest: Urban planning, sociology, history, governance.
- Show personal adaptability and mobility readiness.
- Emphasize fieldwork experience, research skills, civic engagement.
- Show cross-cultural and teamwork experience.
- Craft a clear thesis proposal demonstrating urban analytical abilities.
Application Timeline
- October–January: Application window
- Spring: Selection results
- September: Program begins
(Final cycle began Sept 2023; currently not open for new applicants)
Curriculum Structure of the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program
| Semester | Location | ECTS | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brussels | 30 | Global urban geographies, social & economic geography, urban sociology |
| 2 | Vienna | 20 | Urban planning, Eastern Europe, spatial analysis, demography |
| 3 | Copenhagen | 20 | Urban design, architecture, culture, theory |
| 4 | Madrid | 20 | Governance, sustainability, livable cities |
| 4 (cont.) | Thesis | 30 | Independent research thesis with defense |
Coordinator Contact
- Stefan De Corte
- Email: info@4cities.eu
Alumni Feedback
Students consistently praise:
- The diverse cohort and rich discussions.
- The intensive cities immersion and practical engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program?
It’s a two‑year, Erasmus Mundus-funded master’s in Urban Studies that includes four European universities and four cities, offering a joint degree and full scholarships.
Is the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program still accepting students?
No, the last cohort started in September 2023 and there’s currently no open call for new applicants.
What funding does the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program offer?
As an EMJMD, it offers full scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living costs through Erasmus+ Key Action 1 grants.
What background is best suited for the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program?
Ideal candidates have degrees in urban studies, geography, sociology, planning, cultural studies, or related fields — with research experience and a collaborative mindset.
What are mobility tracks in the 4CITIES Erasmus Mundus Program?
Students spend successive semesters in Brussels, Vienna, Copenhagen, and Madrid, gaining academic depth across disciplines and cities.
