Blended Intensive Programme

Urban Transformation and Public Safety

The Blended Intensive Programme on Urban Transformation and Public Safety (BIP-UTPS) is a dynamic educational initiative bringing together students, faculty, and practitioners across Europe to tackle pressing challenges in urban safety and development. Rooted in an interdisciplinary approach, this programme combines theoretical insights with hands-on experiences, offering students an in-depth exploration of how urban spaces can be designed, managed, and transformed to foster secure and livable environments.

A Hands-On Learning Experience with BIP-UTPS

In collaboration with leading universities and experts from Norway, Portugal, Italy, and the Netherlands, Inholland University engages students in the BIP-UTPS program through real-world case studies and interactive workshops that enhance their understanding of urban safety dynamics.From analyzing spatial data and crime patterns to developing actionable strategies for communities, participants gain valuable skills to assess and improve public safety through evidence-based and innovative solutions.

Blended Learning for Urban Safety Impact

This program’s unique blended format—merging online preparation with an intensive, on-site learning experience—ensures that students are well-prepared to engage in impactful, collaborative work. By the end of the program, participants will not only have enhanced their academic knowledge but also contributed meaningfully to projects that address critical safety concerns in diverse urban settings across Europe.

The Aim of the Programme

The Blended Intensive Programme on Urban Transformation and Public Safety (BIP-UTPS) is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and insights needed to address contemporary urban safety challenges. The programme aims to cultivate a new generation of thinkers and practitioners who can reimagine urban spaces, focusing on making cities more secure, inclusive, and resilient. By blending theoretical foundations with practical applications, BIP-UTPS encourages students to explore how design, planning, and data-driven strategies can shape safer public spaces.

Driving Impactful Change

Central to the programme’s mission is fostering collaboration across disciplines and borders. Participants work closely with international peers, experts, and city stakeholders, learning to navigate the complexities of urban environments while addressing the social, spatial, and technological factors that influence public safety. Through a combination of immersive coursework, fieldwork, and collaborative projects, BIP-UTPS empowers students to transform theoretical knowledge into actionable, real-world solutions that benefit communities across Europe.

In essence, the programme not only aims to deepen academic knowledge but also to drive impactful change in urban safety practices, inspiring students to become proactive contributors to safer, more sustainable urban futures.

"Participating in the BIP-UTPS was an incredible experience. I learned so much in such a short time—not only about urban safety and transformation but also about working effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The programme taught me how to collaborate across cultures and use our combined strengths to make a real, positive impact on urban neighborhoods. It’s an experience I’d highly recommend to anyone looking to make a difference in city planning and public safety."

- Participating student

Interested in a collaboration? 

The BIP-UTPS offers various avenues for collaboration, for students, external partners, study programs and media. 

For students

Students from Norway, Portugal, Italy, and the Netherlands can participate in interdisciplinary modules and gain hands-on experience in urban analysis.

For external partners

European municipalities can engage as project stakeholders, providing real-world contexts for student projects.

For other study programs

Programs from all four partner universities—Inholland, University of Porto, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, and University of Pisa—are encouraged to join future editions of the BIP-UTPS.

For media

Local and international media outlets are welcome to cover program milestones and outcomes.

Contact information

Collaborate with us. Get in touch and ask your questions.

Inholland University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)

• Coordinator: Manuel López
• Email: manuel.lopez@inholland.nl 
• Phone: +31-(0)6-55.36.38.17

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Norway)

• Coordinator: Akkelies van Nes
• Email: akkelies.van.nes@hvl.no 
• Phone: +31-(0)6-28.40.92.52

University of Porto (Portugal)

• Coordinator: Miguel Saraiva
• Email: miguelmsaraiva@gmail.com 
• Phone: +35-(1)9-66.33.59.25

University of Pisa (Italy)

• Coordinator: Federico Mara
• Email: federico.mara@phd.unipi.it 
• Phone: +39-(3)4-03.48.65.86

 

Project partners

"The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsi­ble for any use which may be made of the information contained therein."

Questions? Want to collaborate?

Get in touch with Manuel