The Master Architecture and the Master Urbanism (MAU) are four-year part-time master programs at Fontys Academy of the Arts in Tilburg (Academie van Bouwkunst). Our students combine their professional practice with academic exploration and reflection, developing into designers who approach complex spatial challenges with a critical and socially engaged perspective. At the heart of the MAU lies the concept of “learning in practice,” where students link real-world challenges from their work context to academic research and design experimentation. In a setting that emphasizes dialogue, social engagement, and spatial imagination, students develop their own position as designers and actively reflect on the role of architecture and urbanism in a complex world.

As Coordinator of Urbanism, you are responsible for shaping the curriculum of the English‑taught Master’s programme in Urbanism. You approach and supervise (guest) lecturers and coach students throughout their academic trajectory. As coordinator, you are a member of the results‑responsible team and participate in the biweekly team meetings in which we collectively take responsibility for the academy’s vision and strategic direction.

In addition, you contribute to the post‑graduate programme Urbanism for Professionals and serve as a member of the graduation committee. Together with the team, you ensure a strong connection with the professional field in which our students are active and from which we recruit our lecturers. Establishing links with undergraduate programmes and contributing to the recruitment of new students is one of the core tasks.

Competencies

• Ability to design an inspiring curriculum for students, with a strong awareness of current developments and emerging challenges in the field, and the capacity to translate these into an educational programme.
• Ability to contribute to and guide the strategic direction of the programme in collaboration with the team and the professional field.
• A well‑established professional network—across design firms, municipalities, and knowledge institutions—which can be activated to develop meaningful and engaging assignments for students.
• Strong collaborative skills.
• Strong social and intercultural competencies, combined with a genuine interest in students’ personal and professional development.
• Excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written.
• Strong research and design skills.

Education and Background

• Knowledge of and experience with a range of educational formats, techniques, and working methods in spatial design
• An academic degree in Urbanism or a closely related discipline.
• Affinity with higher education and a clear vision on inspiring, talent‑oriented teaching.
• A teaching qualification or the willingness to obtain one.
• An active professional practice or employment at a reputable firm or organisation, with experience in urban design across multiple spatial scales.

Meet our team

At the Master of Architecture and Urbanism, you will join a small, dedicated, and international team of lecturers, researchers, and practitioners who are closely connected to the professional field. Alongside this team, a wide range of guest teachers and lecturers contribute to the program, enriching the curriculum with their expertise in design studios, theory classes, and research seminars. The program thrives on a culture of dialogue, reflection, and co-creation, where we invite real-world challenges from practice into the academic environment. This creates a dynamic and inspiring learning community in which experimentation, critical thinking,
research and design are central. As part of this team, you contribute to an environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and the development of each student’s unique design position.

This is how you make an impact

What will you do?
As coordinator of Urbanism, you are responsible for shaping the curriculum of the English‑taught Master’s programme in Urbanism. You approach and supervise (guest) lecturers and coach students throughout their academic journey. As coordinator, you are a member of the team and participate in the bi‑weekly team meetings, in which we collectively steer the vision and direction of the academy. In addition, you contribute to the post‑graduate course Urbanism for Professionals and are a member of the graduation committee. Together with the team, you ensure a strong connection with the professional field in which our students work and from which we recruit our lecturers. Building relationships with undergraduate programmes and contributing to student recruitment are key responsibilities of the role.

Employment conditions

If you choose Fontys, you will naturally also choose very nice primary and secondary terms of employment and an appropriate salary. A sample of what we have to offer:

• Salary in scale 11 (min € 4.632,17 – max € 6.677,44)
• 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• Employment: Tijdelijk (1 jaar met uitzicht op verlenging)
• Around 50 days off (including public holidays)
• You make annual result and development agreements with your manager, where there is plenty of room and facilities to make the best use of your talents and develop further.

Curious about all terms of employment? Check our webpage and the Hoger Beroepsonderwijs HBO cao 2024-2025

Why work at Fontys

Fontys finds it important that all staff and students feel welcome. Diversity enriches our education, research and organisation. And contributes to a sustainable, inclusive and vital society. As this society is in a constant state of change, we, as a university of applied sciences, respond to it. With our 'Fontys for society' strategy, we are on our way to becoming a talent-driven, research-oriented and agile organisation. Because what leads to progress today is outdated tomorrow. It is important that we continuously renew, enrich and refresh our education. Only then will we know how to fulfil our social mission. Together. With you? Read more about Fontys University of Applied Sciences and our course on Fontys.nl

Practical information

We like to make things easy for you, the following is definitely going to help you with that.

• Don't wait too long to apply, this vacancy closes soon
• Address your application to: Alda Alagic
• Any questions about the vacancy? No problem. Ask them to Ingrid Westendorp – van Oeteren (T: +31885070291)
• Questions about the procedure can be addressed to Fontys Talentcentrum (HR&O), 08850 75366
• Date of talks: nader te bepalen
• If we’re both positive, the start date will be: 1-9-2026
• A compulsory assessment has been introduced at Fontys for anyone who will be performing work at Fontys, in the form of a Certificate of Good Conduct.
• Good to know: internal employees always have priority in our application processes.
   

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.