Teaching you to become a spatial planner who can engage with EU policies, cooperate with planners across borders and coordinate with other sectors like environment and economic development.
The influence of the European Union on spatial and environmental planning in the member states and regions is ever increasing. The Master’s in European Spatial and Environmental Planning (ESEP) offers a solid theoretical foundation to analyse the EU policies for environment, renewable energy and regional development and to understand how they influence spatial planning policies and practices. This programme also offers training in research methodology and teaches how to conduct meaningful comparisons.
Although the main focus of ESEP lies on the European Union and its policies and influences, the programme also addresses international policies and legislation that influence spatial planning, notably in relation to climate change. We look at the different positions member states and influential global players have on contemporary themes and critically discus how solutions can be found that would benefit all. You’ll better understand the multi-level system of governance in the integrated European Union, how EU policies are made and the influence they have on spatial planning systems, and how professionals can engage in European policy debates.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/esep
- This programme looks beyond domestic policies and beyond spatial and environmental planning within one country, and acknowledges the significant role the EU nowadays plays in our policies and practices.
- This programme focuses on the influence of the EU and international policies and how to cooperate with planners in other countries. It also teaches you how different sectors are interlinked in the field of spatial planning.
- This is an interdisciplinary programme as it is jointly offered by the Master’s programmes in Spatial Planning and of the Political and in Social and Political Sciences of the Environment. This also means you can choose with which MSc degree you would like to graduate (programme outlines are identical).
- You can mould this programme to suit your interests and future career plans through the choice of assignment topics and your Master’s thesis and a possible internship in the second semester.
- This programme is policy-oriented with links to planning practice. There are opportunities to prepare the thesis during an internship or to combine it with a stay abroad. We already have a wide network of partners for those wanting to go abroad.
- This Master’s challenges and stimulates students, who work in small groups on contemporary themes and learn to think critically about new developments.
There is great demand for spatial and environmental planners with a thorough knowledge of the European and international policy context. Our graduates work in European institutions, national and regional public authorities, consultancies and NGOs dealing with spatial planning, regional policy and environmental policy. They work in positions as researchers, consultants, project managers and policy advisors. Because of the international orientation and the thorough academic foundation of the Master's programme, graduates are also well prepared to pursue a PhD degree in the Netherlands or another European country.
- Choosing your expertise
During your application process you’ll choose whether you want to do this specialisation as one of the following Master’s programmes:
- Master’s in Spatial Planning
- Master’s in Environment and Society Studies
This means that you will graduate with an MSc in either Spatial Planning or in the Social and Political Sciences of the Environment, even though the study programme is identical. The diploma supplement accompanying your degree certificate will state that you have followed the ESEP specialisation and the courses you passed.
Experience shows that the choice of MSc degree will likely reflect your personal preferences, but because the programme outlines are identical it does not influence your career prospects.
More important for your future career aspirations are the topic of your Master’s thesis and possible internship. We therefore offer our students a large amount of freedom in choosing their thesis topic within the field of spatial and environmental planning. We also have a broad European network which allows us to help you go abroad if that will help you acquire the knowledge you need and the expertise you desire.
The Radboud University department in Geography, Spatial Planning and Environment has developed its own profile, which is supported with internationally recognised research. The emphasis is on the social science and policy studies approach to environmental policy and spatial planning. We use approaches from EU studies, governance studies, political sciences, economics, sociology and other related approaches in our research.
All researchers of our department are affiliated with the Institute for Management Research (IMR). Central to the IMR research are six Multidisciplinary Research Groups bringing together expertise from different disciplines and addressing complex societal issues. In these groups, interaction with societal actors takes place, needs for both fundamental knowledge and knowledge from society are articulated, and both conceptual and empirical research undertaken. The Multidisciplinary Research Groups in which researchers from Geography, Spatial Planning and Environment participate are:
- Europeanization of Policy and Law
- Gender and Power in Politics and Management
- Global-Local Divides and Connections
- Governance and innovations in social services
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Ecosystems
- Responsible Decision Making
Thesis topics
As a Master’s student of European Spatial and Environmental Planning you have plenty of freedom to choose your own Master’s research topic in order to create your own expertise.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/esep
Studying the way issues of complex global sustainability are addressed by international governance arrangements, rules and organisations, both public and private.
Environmental hazards and natural disasters are not restricted to national borders. The consequences of climate change, depletion of the world’s natural resources and other environmental problems are felt by all countries. And all countries contribute to it. Solutions therefore need to be made at an international level.
Yet, the challenges are more complex than merely finding the right ecological solution to an environmental problem. The three pillars of sustainability need to be considered: people, profit, planet. There are various, sometimes conflicting interests involved. Can a country that struggles with extreme poverty be asked to invest time and money in environmental issues? The question arises if a fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens is even possible.
See the website: http://www.ru.nl/masters/global
In the Master’s specialisation in Global Environment and Sustainability you’ll gain the required knowledge of the economic, political, ethical and societal dimensions shaping environmental problems and possible solutions in a globalising world. You’ll be introduced to the latest scientific insights, which will be illustrated with numerous examples of how countries all over the world tackle these problems and the various interests at play.
This specialisation focuses on the relationships between global players like international institutions, multinational companies, environmental organisations and the regimes that govern over the world’s natural resources. Of course, this involves understanding what the major environmental treaties like the Treaty of Lisbon and the Kyoto-protocol are based upon as well as how these climate policies are developed. But it also includes understanding how agreements and partnerships between, for example, NGOs and corporations operate.
See the website: http://www.ru.nl/masters/global
The specialisation strongly focuses on the global level of sustainability transformations and the international agreements and policies intended to make big strides towards a sustainable future.
You’ll gain a broad view of the problems and possible solutions. Among the pressing issues addressed are those related to climate change, biodiversity, water quality, the quality of ecosystems and supply of natural resources.
Related aspects of human geography will be incorporated in this specialisation. You can also take courses from the Master’s in Human Geography as electives for a multidisciplinary perspective.
Due to the knowledge and skills gained in international governance and policy, this specialisation will prepare you for an international career.
You’ll also benefit from the advantages of the Master’s programme in Environment and Society Studies in general.
See the website: http://www.ru.nl/masters/ess
How can we work towards a sustainable future? There are plenty of new sustainable technologies, smart governmental instruments and new ideas on organising the market to become more sustainable, but very often we don’t use them. Why is that? What can we learn from successful examples of societal change in other countries?
This programme focuses on the way society deals with its physical environment. We’ll look at experiences of countries all over the globe, at good and bad practises and at the role of markets and governments as well as society itself. You’ll become part of the quest for sustainability. How can we green our economies and change daily behaviour? With the help of other disciplines like sociology, psychology, political science and administration, you’ll gain the complete picture.
Our multidisciplinary programme allows you to look beyond country borders and you’ll discover what is needed on different levels, from the United Nations to Europe, from individual countries to the local level. What is the role of the EU in promoting the 20-20-20 Agenda? And what can be done by people themselves, through, for examples, citizens’ initiatives? In short, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to guide and influence societal transformations towards sustainability.
See the website: http://www.ru.nl/masters/ess
More than many other Master’s programmes, this programme focuses on the political transformations needed for societal change. Scientific insights are illustrated with numerous social and political issues from all over the world.
All lectures, seminars and literature deal with internationally comparative studies on environment, sustainability and social and political change.
Theory is put into practice. During the programme, you'll be in close contact with the professional field by means of guest lecturers and practical assignments, allowing you to assess how well key theories and dynamics perform in practise.
Seminars are interactive so you can acquire the needed skills. For example, participation in negotiation games and debates will strengthen your ability to match the interests of various stakeholders in environmental planning.
There is an obligatory internship (chosen from a list of well-established (inter)national organisations) that will help you to expand your professional network.
For a multidisciplinary perspective, we cooperate with other groups within the department of Geography, Planning and Environment and other departments of the Nijmegen School of Management.
You can choose a specialisation that best reflects your passion for the environment, sustainability and governance. Radboud University offers the following five specialisations in this field:
In this specialisation, you'll study the way complex global sustainability issues are addressed by international governance arrangements, rules and organisations, both public and private. Among the pressing issues are those related to climate change, biodiversity, water quality, the quality of ecosystems and natural resource suppliers.
The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping our sustainable society. In this specialisation you'll study innovative environmental partnerships, specifically focusing on the role of the societal and ethical responsibility of business and the market with regards to the environment.
In this specialisation you'll focus on the local level of sustainable transformations, in particular the development of sustainable cities and regions. You'll analyse and reflect on sustainable futures, measures and instruments with regard to waste, energy, water, transport and climate-proofing cities and regions.
This specialisation will teach you to become a spatial planner who can engage with EU policies, cooperate with planners across borders and coordinate with other sectors like environment and economic development.
The aims and objectives of PLANET Europe are similar to those of European Spatial and Environmental Planning. With PLANET Europe you’ll gain two diplomas in two years from different universities if you successfully complete the programme.
See the website: http://www.ru.nl/masters/ess
Are you interested in working on solutions for environmental issues like water scarcity and quality, soil degradation, food supply, loss of biodiversity, vulnerability to severe weather and climate change? Join the master's Earth & Environment in Wageningen to help the next generations of scientists to find solutions for these issues confronting the way we look after our planet, now and in the future!
During the two-year master programme, you become a well-rounded specialist in the fields of (a) hydrology and water resources; (b) meteorology and air quality; (c) biological and chemical aspects of soil and water; or (d) soil geography and earth surface dynamics. Furthermore, you also gain a broad view of the interactions in the critical zone where the different spheres meet. Subjects studied range from micro to global scale; they are closely related to the innovative research and applications of ten leading research groups. Read more about the Background of the programme.
Within the master's programme you can choose one of the following Specialisations to meet your personal interests.
The best way to get to know a place is by getting to know the people. Students share their experiences with you about the master's programme and student life in Wageningen on the page student experiences.
Graduates from this programme are well equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue their academic training as a PhD student, or to start a career as a scientific professional at universities, research institutes and consultancies. Depending on their specialization, graduates may take up positions as meteorologists, hydrologists, water quality scientists or soil scientists in the public or private sector. Read more about career perspectives and opportunities after finishing the programme.
Related programmes:
MSc Management, Economics and Consumer Studies
MSc International Land and Water Management
Studying innovations and socio-economic transformations that enhance an environmentally sustainable economy, in particular the role of business and the market.
The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping our sustainable society. Products and services and the way they’re developed, produced, and distributed put a considerable amount of pressure on the world’s resources. The private sector is therefore key to solving structural resource scarcity and environmental problems, notably related to fossil energy use and climate change.
More and more businesses believe they have a responsibility to tackle environmental challenges and, indeed, do so. But how can all businesses be gotten to think of both planet and profit? Does it work best when the pressure comes directly from governance in the form of economic sanctions and legislation? Or is it better that the pressure comes from consumers demanding sustainability? If so, how can public opinion be swayed in favour of the environment?
See on our website: http://www.ru.nl/masters/corporate
In the Master’s in Corporate Sustainability, we’ll look at all these aspects. Therefore, you can expect to learn about behavioural economics, organisational studies and innovation management as well as about different environmentally sustainable economies. Examples of sustainable economy include the we-economy, the bio-economy, the circular economy and the sharing economy. Another crucial question is whether these can exist in the current market where the main focus lies on economic growth.
You’ll be introduced to the latest scientific insights, which will be illustrated with numerous examples from the private sector: from cars and light bulbs to second-hand item web shops to coffee and chocolate. Because of the attention given to both strategy and policy, you’ll be able to work as an advisor for both the private and public sector. You could help governmental organisations and NGOs stimulate companies and consumers to make the needed change. Or you could work for a company in any sector and show them the power of environmental innovation.
The specialisation strongly focuses on the corporate level of sustainability transformations and corporate social responsibility.
There’s particular attention for innovation: not just technological innovations but also on innovating manufactory processes and new business models.
The main focus is on policies and the social-organisational aspects surrounding innovations rather than the concrete innovations themselves.
Related aspects of business administration will be incorporated in this specialisation. You can also take courses from the Master’s in Business Administration as electives for a multidisciplinary perspective.
You’ll also benefit from the advantages of the Master’s programme in Environment and Society Studies in general.
See on our website: http://www.ru.nl/masters/corporate
Together with its partners TU Dresden and University of Lisbon, IHE Delft conducts the Joint Programme in Groundwater and Global Change - Impacts and Adaptation (GroundwatCH).
Groundwater and Global Change - Impacts and Adaptation seeks to offer a distinctive curriculum built on the cornerstones of hydro(geo)logy, climatology, impacts and adaptation, within a framework of human pressures, global change and feedbacks, around the following academic focal areas:
General Hydrogeology
Groundwater Data Collection
Interpretation and Modelling
Climate Processes and Modelling
Integrated River Basin and Water Resource Management
Groundwater and Environmental Impacts
Groundwater, Society and Policies
Groundwater, Climate and Global Change Impacts and Adaptation
With this curriculum GroundwatCH aims to address the current gaps in higher education with regard to the understanding of the interactions between groundwater, surface water, climate and global change, and how we need to consider and can benefit from these interactions when dealing with adaptation.
You will study various dimensions and aspects of globalisation, notably as this relates to socio-economic and spatial development for different parts of the world, the Global South in particular. Core issues on which this master specialisation will focus include: changing relationships of global and local societies through the rise of new social and spatial inequalities brought about by global processes, migration and mobility and the emergence of transnational identities versus local interpretations in so-called multicultural societies. Overall we give particular emphasis to the relationship with urban contexts of these issues, but do also link it up with rural domains, e.g. in studying sustainability of livelihood strategies and development policies in different regions.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/gmd
Our graduates are employed in a wide range of jobs in- and outside the Netherlands. To give some insight in the scope of the work they do we have categorised this as follows, adding that this list is not exhaustive:
1. Working for the Dutch government at local, regional, national and international levels regarding development issues such as poverty, livelihoods, social exclusion and empowerment:
- Policymaker / programme researcher for city municipalities focusing on integration and multi-cultural issues, especially in the low-income neighbourhoods;
- Policy development expert for Provincial Governments in The Netherlands;
- Policy expert or programme/field officer with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- Programme officer with Nuffic (Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher education)
2. Working as an NGO practitioner in development cooperation:
- Field officer for Max Havelaar or Fair Trade, visiting developing countries to establish business contracts with local farmer organisations;
- Research officer for the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (http://www.cbi.nl/) promoting and facilitating entry of entrepreneurs from developing countries in the European market.
- Researcher/programme officer with development aid related organisations such as: Cordaid, VSO, SNV, Novib/Oxfam, Hivos and COS (Association of Centres for international cooperation at the provincial level), or a migrant (umbrella) organisation.
3. Pursuing an academic career (research and education) with one of many research institutes studying migration, globalisation, integration or development issues in the Netherlands and abroad:
- Conducting highly innovative PhD research on migration and development, health and urbanisation, the rural impact of globalisation, etc. (see http://www.nwo.nl/ for past research proposals)
- Working for a research institute/organisation involved with migration and globalisation: e.g. MPI, IOM, Refugee Studies Centre in Oxford
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/gmd
