Cities, Water and Climate Change

The MSc in Cities, Water and Climate Change at Radboud University offers an interdisciplinary and research-driven programme aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing urban environments worldwide. This innovative master's programme combines knowledge from urban planning, water management, environmental sciences, and climate change adaptation to prepare students for impactful careers in academia, policy, and practice. Throughout the programme, students will explore the complex interactions between urban development, water resources, and climate change, with a focus on sustainable solutions that improve the resilience and livability of cities.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, integrating case studies, fieldwork, and collaborative projects. Students will examine urban water management strategies, climate adaptation policies, and innovative infrastructural solutions that mitigate environmental impact and enhance urban resilience. The programme encourages a global perspective, drawing on international case studies and fostering a deep understanding of how different cities around the world are confronting water scarcity, flooding, and climate variability.

Radboud University’s strong focus on interdisciplinary research provides students access to cutting-edge knowledge and expert supervision. The programme is designed to develop analytical skills, project management capabilities, and policy awareness, equipping graduates to contribute effectively to urban planning and environmental governance at local, national, and international levels. Graduates of this programme will be well-positioned for careers in governmental agencies, NGOs, research institutes, and consultancy firms, where they can influence sustainable urban development policies and projects.

Furthermore, the programme emphasizes the importance of innovative thinking and hands-on experience. Students engage in practical assignments, data analysis, and field visits, fostering a comprehensive understanding of urban water systems and climate adaptation measures. Collaboration with local authorities, research institutions, and international organizations provides networking opportunities and real-world insights.

Overall, the MSc in Cities, Water and Climate Change at Radboud University prepares students to be leaders in tackling urban environmental challenges through interdisciplinary research, innovative solutions, and sustainable policy development. It is an excellent choice for individuals passionate about creating resilient, sustainable, and healthy urban environments in the face of ongoing climate change.

The Master's degree programme in Cities, Water and Climate Change at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the complex challenges of urban water management and climate resilience. This programme emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the interlinked systems of cities, water resources, and climate dynamics, preparing graduates to develop innovative solutions for sustainable urban development. Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as urban hydrology, climate adaptation strategies, water governance, and the socio-economic impacts of climate change on urban populations. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, encouraging students to engage in case studies, fieldwork, and collaborative projects with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations. Students will gain proficiency in analyzing water-related issues within urban environments, understanding policy frameworks, and applying climate science to real-world scenarios. The programme also fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for leading initiatives that enhance urban resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental justice, students are prepared to contribute effectively to policymaking, research, and sustainable urban planning. Graduates of this programme are equipped to work in various sectors, including governmental agencies, international organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions, all dedicated to creating climate-resilient cities. The programme’s international orientation and interdisciplinary approach ensure that students develop a global perspective on urban water management challenges, making them valuable assets in the global effort to combat climate change impacts on urban areas worldwide.

A completed Bachelor's degree from a spatially-oriented discipline

In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree from a spatially-oriented discipline, such as spatial planning, human geography or environment studies.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets one of the following conditions:

• Has successfully completed a three-year Bachelor's programme at a Dutch university.
• Is a citizen of Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Bachelor's programme that was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: EU/EEA-countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America.
• Has successfully completed a Master's programme from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO).

All other students need one of the following certificates (TOEFL and IELTS certificates may not be older than two years).

• A TOEFL score of ≥90, with subscores not lower than 18
• A IELTS score of ≥6.5, with subscores not lower than 6.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

A background in research methodology

Because of the academic nature of this programme, we require all our students to have basic training in research processes, e.g. research design and data analysis.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The MSc programme in Cities, Water and Climate Change at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary master's degree that prepares students to address the complex challenges related to urban water management and climate adaptation. This programme is designed for students interested in sustainable development, urban planning, environmental science, and climate resilience. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, focusing on the interaction between urban environments, water systems, and climate change impacts. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including the fundamentals of climate science, urban water systems, flood risk management, sustainable urban planning, policy analysis, and innovative solutions for climate adaptation. Students will engage in case studies and real-world projects, often collaborating with local authorities and international organizations, enabling them to develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by cities worldwide. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and the design of sustainable interventions, preparing graduates for careers in governmental agencies, NGOs, consultancy firms, or further academic research. Radboud University provides a stimulating academic environment, with experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, along with modern facilities and a strong network of professional partners. Graduates of this programme will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to building resilient urban environments that are capable of adapting to climate change, ensuring sustainable water management, and improving the quality of life for city residents.