Water and Environment

Water and Environment is a multidisciplinary master's programme offered by Radboud University that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex challenges related to water management, environmental protection, and sustainable development. This programme focuses on the scientific, technical, and societal aspects of water and environmental issues, emphasizing an integrated approach to solving real-world problems. Throughout the programme, students will engage with topics such as hydrology, water quality management, ecosystem sustainability, climate change impacts, and policy-making processes. The curriculum combines theoretical lectures, practical assignments, fieldwork, and research projects, fostering both academic excellence and practical competence. Students will learn to apply advanced scientific methods and technologies to monitor, analyze, and improve water systems and environmental quality. The programme also stresses the importance of collaboration across disciplines and sectors, preparing graduates for careers in research institutions, governmental agencies, consultancy firms, and international organizations. With a global perspective, students will acquire critical insights into local and international water issues, exploring solutions that balance ecological integrity with societal needs. The programme encourages active participation, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustainable water and environmental management worldwide. Radboud University's Water and Environment programme offers an excellent opportunity for students passionate about making a positive impact on the planet and striving for a future where water resources are managed responsibly and ecosystems are preserved for generations to come.

• English for Specific Purposes
• Language Testing
• Selection of courses: Methods in language research, Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Introduction to Multimodal Analysis, Topics in Second Language Acquisition, Global English, Global Corporate Communication
• Internship
• Master's thesis

A completed Bachelor's degree 

In order to be admitted to this Master's you’ll need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in a specific language such as German or Dutch, or with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information Studies can also apply, provided they have taken at least 60 EC worth of courses in the field of linguistics.  Given the selective nature of the programme, the exam board will in all cases evaluate whether your background and language proficiency are sufficient for enrolment.

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 VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥600 (paper based) or ≥100 (internet based) and ≥22 subscore writing
• IELTS score of ≥7.0 (overall band) and ≥6.5 (writing)
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher
• A Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Culture from a research university.

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

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  (€2,083 in 2019/2020). 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  (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

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.

Water and Environment at Radboud University is a comprehensive master's program designed to prepare students for careers addressing the complex challenges related to water management, environmental sustainability, and ecological systems. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, combining natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering to develop innovative solutions for water-related issues. Students learn about hydrology, water treatment, pollution management, climate change impacts, and sustainable resource use, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through hands-on projects and fieldwork.

The curriculum offers a broad range of courses that cover topics such as water policy and governance, environmental science, water engineering, ecosystem management, and environmental law. This multidisciplinary approach ensures students are equipped with a holistic understanding of water issues on local, regional, and global scales. By working closely with faculty and industry partners, students gain valuable insights into real-world problem-solving, policy formulation, and technological innovation.

Radboud University fosters an engaging and supportive learning environment, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and independent research skills. The program includes opportunities for international exchange, internships, and collaborative projects, which help students gain global perspectives and build professional networks. Graduates of the Water and Environment program are well-prepared for careers in environmental consultancy, water management agencies, research institutes, NGOs, or further academic research.

The program's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility aligns with current global priorities, making it relevant for those interested in making a positive impact on society and the planet. Graduates will be equipped not only with technical expertise but also with an understanding of the socio-economic and political contexts in which water and environmental issues are addressed. Radboud University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary education, combined with its strong ties to industry and government, ensures students receive a well-rounded education that opens diverse career opportunities in the water and environmental sectors worldwide.