Masters Degrees in Transport Geography, Netherlands

Master's in Environmental and Society Studies

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

Why study Environment and Society Studies at Radboud University?

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.

Specialisations

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:

Global Environment and Sustainability

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.

Corporate Sustainability

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.

Local Environmental Change and Sustainable Cities

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.

European Spatial and Environmental Planning

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.

PLANET Europe

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

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This programme trains you to do research in the Spatial Sciences: economic and cultural geography, spatial planning and demography. The programme is aimed at people who want to become successful researchers in the field.

The two-year Research Master in Spatial Sciences (before September 1, 2016 called Regional Studies) is interdisciplinary. Spatial sciences, regional studies geography and spatial planning constitute an interrelated, inherently broad and multi-disciplinary field. A field not only rich in theoretical variety but also encompassing both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, from ethnographic to case study to statistical and econometric approaches. You will develop real competences in all of these areas, in order to choose your own area of research, and become a successful researcher in the Spatial Sciences field in general.

You will participate in research projects under supervision of experienced staff members, within the Faculty's Research Program tWIST: Towards Wellbeing, Innovation and Spatial Transformation. Regular personal coaching, guidance and monitoring will help you to identify your own preferred learning trajectory and develop your individual research agenda. You are required to gain some international experience, by doing research in a foreign context, and by participating in international workshops or conferences. You can also choose to study abroad.

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