Environmental and Infrastructure Planning

The Master's programme in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the University of Groningen is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement sustainable solutions for complex environmental and infrastructural challenges. This programme emphasizes the integration of ecological, social, economic, and technological perspectives to foster innovative and practical approaches to planning and management of the physical environment. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including spatial planning, environmental assessment, infrastructure development, urban mobility, climate resilience, and policy analysis. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with applied research, enabling students to analyze real-world problems and develop effective strategies for sustainable development. The programme encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and hands-on experience through project-based learning, fieldwork, and internships with professional organizations and government agencies. Graduates will be prepared for careers in urban and regional planning, environmental consultancy, infrastructure projects, and policy-making at local, national, and international levels. The programme is taught in English and aims to foster a global perspective, respecting diverse cultural contexts and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, research centres, and a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge in environmental and infrastructural planning. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and practical application, this Master’s programme offers a pathway to becoming a skilled professional capable of addressing the pressing environmental and infrastructural issues of our time.

The Master's Programme in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the University of Groningen offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive education designed to prepare students for tackling complex environmental and infrastructural challenges in a rapidly changing world. This program focuses on the development and implementation of sustainable solutions for urban and regional planning, infrastructure management, and environmental preservation. Throughout the course, students will acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to analyze, design, and manage sustainable development projects that integrate ecological, social, and economic perspectives.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including spatial planning, environmental law, transportation planning, water management, and climate adaptation. Students will learn to assess environmental impacts, develop innovative planning strategies, and apply cutting-edge tools and technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, and modeling techniques. Emphasis is placed on fostering a holistic understanding of how infrastructure interacts with natural systems and communities, promoting sustainable and resilient development.

The program includes a combination of lectures, workshops, fieldwork, and project-based assignments, encouraging active participation and professional skills development. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with local governments, research institutions, and industry partners on real-world projects, enhancing their practical experience and network. The university's strong focus on research-driven education ensures that students are engaged with the latest developments and challenges in the field.

Graduates of the Master's in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning are well-equipped to pursue careers in urban and regional planning agencies, environmental consultancy firms, governmental organizations, and international development agencies. They will have the expertise to contribute to policy making, sustainable infrastructure design, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation strategies. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, this programme prepares students to become future leaders in creating resilient and sustainable environments for society.

Admission requirements

Other requirements

1. erkende verworven competenties (EVC’s)
2. gemiddeld cijfer For HBO students: A minimum weighted average of 7 as a final grade
3. taaltoets cijfer * English on VWO level * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (A, B or C) * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (A, B or C) * Minimum of 6,5 for the International English Language Testing System (Academic version) (IELTS) * Minimum of 90 on the internet based version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) * Minimum of 580 on the written version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) * Minimum of 237 on the computer version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) * Exceptions: native speakers or students with education from the US, Canada, Australia, New-Zealand, United Kingdom or Ireland
4. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Bachelor degree in spatial planning, urban/regional planning, urban/regional development, environmental management, human geography, land use planning and management, public administration, landscape architecture, water management*, civil / transport engineering* (*with a focus on policy making, e.g. minor related to public administration, governance or policy. Scholarships need to cover the full 12 months programme. For another previous education then mentioned above contact study advisor Nienke Harteveld (n.harteveld@rug.nl) to find out if you can be admitted to the master. Laura Kapinga (L.M.Kapinga@rug.nl) is the temporary Study Advisor from 15 August 2016-1 February 2017.
5. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Studenten met een universitaire bachelor op het gebied van planologie kunnen rechtstreeks instromen. Staat je universitaire bachelor niet hierboven genoemd, neem dan voor meer informatie contact op met de studieadviseur van de opleiding, Nienke Harteveld. Studenten met een HBO-bachelordiploma kunnen in aanmerking komen voor een pre-master. Hierover kun je contact opnemen met Femke Niekerk

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing options for the Environmental and Infrastructure Planning master’s programme at the University of Groningen are designed to accommodate both Dutch and international students. The university primarily charges tuition fees based on the student’s nationality and residency status. For Dutch and EU/EEA students, the standard statutory tuition fee applies, which is approximately €2,209 per year for the academic year 2023-2024. Non-EU/EEA students are required to pay the institutional fee set by the university, which is approximately €13,000 per year for the same academic year. These fees are subject to change annually and should be verified through the official university sources.

Students are encouraged to explore various funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The University of Groningen offers several scholarships for international students, such as the Holland Scholarship, which provides a one-time grant to talented students from outside the EU/EEA. Additionally, students can apply for the Orange Tulip Scholarship Programme, which is aimed at excellent students from select countries. Dutch students can access funding from the Dutch government, such as the Holland Programme for Internationalisation in Education (HPIB), which supports students in financing their studies abroad.

International students are also advised to investigate external funding sources, including national scholarship programs in their home countries, private foundations, and international organizations offering educational grants. Many students finance their studies through a combination of personal savings, family support, part-time work, and loans. The university provides assistance in finding part-time employment on campus or nearby areas, which can help offset living expenses.

Living costs in Groningen are relatively affordable compared to larger Dutch cities, with an estimated monthly budget of €800–€1,100, covering accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and leisure activities. Students should plan their finances accordingly and consider applying for student loans if necessary, ensuring they meet the eligibility criteria set by the respective loan providers.

Foreign students should also register with the Dutch government if their stay exceeds four months and may be required to obtain a residence permit for study purposes. This process can sometimes include financial proof demonstrating sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the stay.

In summary, financing for the Environmental and Infrastructure Planning programme involves understanding tuition fees based on residence status, exploring available scholarships and grants, seeking external funding sources, and planning for living expenses. The university offers resource guides and support services to help students navigate their financial options and ensure they can successfully complete their studies without undue financial hardship.

The Master's programme in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the University of Groningen is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between environmental systems, urban development, and infrastructure networks. This multidisciplinary programme emphasizes the integration of ecological principles with urban planning practices to promote sustainable development. Students will explore topics such as spatial planning, environmental legislation, infrastructure design, and innovative approaches to environmental management. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, including case studies, fieldwork, and collaborative projects to enhance problem-solving skills.

Throughout the programme, students gain expertise in analyzing environmental impact assessments, developing sustainable spatial plans, and implementing climate adaptation strategies. The programme also addresses societal challenges such as urbanization, resource management, and resilience of infrastructural systems. It encourages critical thinking about policy-making processes and the role of technology in shaping sustainable cities. The programme is typically delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, project work, and site visits, providing a well-rounded academic experience.

Graduates of this programme are equipped for careers in governmental agencies, planning consultancies, environmental organizations, and international development agencies. They are prepared to contribute to the planning and development of sustainable urban environments, ensuring that infrastructural developments are environmentally sound and socially equitable. The programme fosters an international perspective, emphasizing global challenges and solutions, and often involves collaboration with European and international institutions.

The programme duration is usually one to two years depending on prior qualifications, with a strong focus on research and applied practice. It encourages students to engage with contemporary issues in environmental and infrastructural planning, ensuring they are ready to address the pressing environmental challenges faced by modern societies. The University of Groningen’s strong research community and extensive network of professionals provide valuable opportunities for internships, networking, and continued learning after graduation. Overall, the MSc in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning offers a rigorous, modern education for those passionate about creating sustainable and resilient environments for future generations.