European Spatial Planning and Environment Policy

European Spatial Planning and Environment Policy is an interdisciplinary master's programme offered by Radboud University that prepares students to address complex spatial and environmental challenges across Europe. This programme combines insights from geography, urban planning, environmental science, law, and policy analysis to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable solutions for spatial development and environmental management. Students will explore the legal frameworks, policy instruments, and planning practices that shape the European landscape, gaining an in-depth understanding of how to balance economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection within diverse regional contexts. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, encouraging students to critically analyze current policies and proposed interventions at the local, national, and European levels. Through lectures, case studies, and project work, students learn to assess environmental impacts, design effective spatial plans, and formulate policies that promote sustainable development. The programme also offers opportunities for international collaboration, field trips, and internships, allowing students to gain practical experience and expand their professional networks in the field of European spatial planning and environmental policy. Graduates of this master's programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in government agencies, international organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions focused on spatial planning, environmental management, and policy development across Europe. With its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and real-world application, the European Spatial Planning and Environment Policy programme prepares students to become innovative leaders capable of addressing the pressing spatial and environmental issues facing Europe today and in the future.

The Master's programme in European Spatial Planning and Environment Policy at Radboud University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex spatial and environmental challenges across Europe. The programme emphasizes the development of critical understanding of the spatial planning processes, environmental policy formulation, and sustainable development strategies within the European context. Students will explore various topics such as territorial governance, urban and regional planning, environmental law, land use management, and the integration of sustainability principles into planning practices. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, case studies, and practical projects, participants learn to analyze spatial data, design effective policies, and implement innovative solutions that promote sustainable development in diverse European settings.

The curriculum is designed to foster analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of the socio-economic and environmental factors that influence spatial development. Courses are delivered by experienced faculty members and include interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, and field visits to urban and rural sites across Europe. Students have opportunities for international exchange and collaboration, gaining a broader perspective on European spatial planning policies and practices. The programme also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, participatory planning processes, and the role of technology in designing sustainable environments.

Graduates of this programme are equipped to pursue careers in urban planning agencies, environmental consultancies, government institutions, and international organizations involved in spatial development and environmental policy making. They are prepared to influence policy, contribute to sustainable urban and regional development projects, and play an active role in shaping the future of Europe's environments and landscapes. The Master's degree provides a solid foundation for further research or professional practice, fostering a new generation of experts committed to creating sustainable, resilient, and well-planned environments across Europe.

A completed academic Bachelor's degree

In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree from spatially-oriented disciplines, such as spatial planning, human geography, social and political sciences of the environment.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers* of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or need one of the following certificates:

• A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
• An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no 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.

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

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

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 Master's program in European Spatial Planning and Environment Policy at Radboud University is designed to prepare students for a career in sustainable spatial development and environmental policy within the European context. This interdisciplinary program combines insights from geography, environmental science, policy analysis, and urban planning to create professionals who can effectively address complex spatial challenges across Europe. Students will explore key themes such as land use planning, regional development, environmental management, and the governance frameworks that influence spatial policies at the national and European levels. The curriculum emphasizes a practical understanding of policy instruments, stakeholder engagement, and the socio-economic factors that impact the planning process.

Throughout the program, students engage in a variety of learning methods, including case studies, project work, internships, and field visits, allowing them to gain real-world experience and develop practical skills. The program fosters an analytical mindset, encouraging students to critically assess environmental and spatial policies and consider their social, economic, and ecological implications. Collaboration with European institutions, governmental agencies, and NGOs offers valuable networking opportunities and enhances students’ understanding of the policy-making process in different contexts.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for roles in urban and regional planning departments, environmental agencies, consultancy firms, or international organizations involved in spatial planning and environmental policy development. They possess a comprehensive understanding of European policies related to environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and regional development strategies, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to sustainable and resilient planning initiatives. The program’s international orientation and focus on policy analysis make it particularly suited for students interested in working across borders within the European Union or in international consultancy roles.