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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes DDM Sustainable Water Management
Header image DDM Sustainable Water Management

DDM Sustainable Water Management

Do you want to study topics sustainable water management in the context of Europe and Southeast Asia? Join our Double Degree Master in Sustainable Water Management!

The Faculty of Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen (UG), the Netherlands, and the Department of Geography at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia have jointly created a Double Degree Master programme. It combines content from the master Geography (track Planning and Management of Coastal Area and Watershed) at UGM with content from the master Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at UG. Students start their two year programme with a year in Indonesia, followed by a year in the Netherlands.

You will learn about geography, management and spatial planning of watersheds, marine & coastal areas and environmental & infrastructure planning, taking into consideration the social context and planning politics. You will learn to solve real-world problems by using acquired skills and techniques.

Gadjah Mada University, located in the city of Yogyakarta, is one of the oldest and largest institutions of higher education in Indonesia. The city is home to thousands of students from across the world. Yogyakarta’s unique landscape, heritage and culture make it an interesting place for those studying urban planning. In addition, you will enrich your study experience in Groningen, the Netherlands. The University of Groningen is one of the world’s leading universities. Learn from the best and take advantage of exciting research opportunities connecting Europe and Southeast Asia.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
Course type
Double Degree master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
66194
Language of instruction
English
Start
August, September
Faculty
Spatial Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • EIP is the best Planning master in the Netherlands, according to an Elsevier magazine survey
  • Urban areas and issues of infrastructure, environment and water
  • Thinking (policy strategies) and doing (practical work on projects and plans)
  • Compare international theory and practice
  • Program linked to international (e.g., AESOP) and national (e.g., Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment) institutes
  • Groningen offers a wide range of English-language course options and facilities
Programme
Semesters
Courses1a1b2a2b
Elective Course-1 (3 SKS) (4.5 EC)
Research Methods (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Spatial Data Representation (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Spatial Planning of Watershed, Marine and Coastal Area (2 SKS) (3 EC)
The Development of Geography: Theory and Concept (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Watershed, Marine and Coastal Area Management Principles (4 SKS) (6 EC)
Elective Course-2 (3 SKS) (4.5 EC)
Elective Course-3 (3 SKS) (4.5 EC)
Field Data Processing and Reporting (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Field Work (3 SKS) (4.5 EC)
Global Warming and Climate Change (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Statistics for Geography (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Writing Skills (2 SKS) (3 EC)
Semesters
Courses1a1b2a2b
Dilemmas in Infrastructure Planning (5 EC)
EIP: Interactive Workshop (5 EC)
Planning Theory (5 EC)
Comparative Research and Planning Practice (5 EC)
Optional course (5 EC)
Master's Thesis (parts 1-3) (20 EC)
Reinventing Environmental Planning (5 EC)
Transitions in Water Management (5 EC)
Optional course (5 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required
Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree in Geography, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Spatial Planning, Environmental Science or any other subject related to the DDM programme. Not sure about your degree? Ask our study advisors via study.advice.fss rug.nl

grade average

Overall weighted average grade of at least 3.25 (Indonesian Grade) for Indonesian students, or at least 6.5 (Dutch grade) for Dutch students, or equivalent for other students.

language test

English certificate according to the requirements of the Common European Framework (CEF): C1 or better

  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL 92 IBT
  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)

The language proficiency requirement can be waived for students that can demonstrate that they are enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's programme that is fully taught in English.

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor's degree in Geography, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Spatial Planning, Environmental Science or any other subject related to the DDM programme. Not sure about your degree? Ask our study advisors via study.advice.fss rug.nl

grade average

Overall weighted average grade of at least 3.25 (Indonesian Grade) for Indonesian students, or at least 6.5 (Dutch grade) for Dutch students, or equivalent for other students.

language test

English certificate according to the requirements of the Common European Framework (CEF): C1 or better

  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL 92 IBT
  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)

The language proficiency requirement can be waived for students that can demonstrate that they are enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's programme that is fully taught in English.

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202501 August 2025
01 March 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 21400full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Our graduates work in:

  • Various levels of government
  • Consultancies, housing associations and developers (private sector)
  • NGOs (environmental, social, heritage)
  • Universities and research institutes

We support you in developing a rich set of analytical tools and practical skills that allow you to create sustainable cities. A master in Planning makes you a critical (even a little activist) professional who knows how to engage citizens in the major spatial transformations of our times.

Research

Research in the master

The research agenda of the department of Spatial Planning and Environment focuses on:

Institutional Innovation and Spatial Transformation’, as part of the Faculty's Research Program ‘towards Wellbeing, Innovation and Spatial Transformation’ (tWIST). This theme concentrates on the relationships between institutional innovation (improved policy making) and spatial transformation (changing cities and regions). We pursue:

to develop new opportunities for intervening in physical and social structures to enhance quality of life.

to understand on-going spatial transformations and develop opportunities for governance intervention.

to help establish capable and sustainable regions, cities and communities.

Examples of research projects related to EIP

‘Playing with Urban Complexity’ – Dr. Ir. Katherina Gugerell

This research project aims to foster the understanding of complex urban problems by combining participatory processes with serious games in a co-located setting. In particular, the project seeks to explore how game mechanics can be used to engage the actor group of young adults to make informed decisions that have an impact on their respective urban carbon footprints.

‘Flood Resilience in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom’ – Steven Forrest

This PhD research analyses the interactions between different actors at the local level, and the roles/responsibilities of the local state, civil society and the market in flood resilience. A short video about the PhD research can be found here.

‘INTENSSS-PA’ – Christian Zuidema

The INTENSSS-PA project is a EU funded Horizon 2020 project that studies the integration of sustainable energy measures, land uses and technologies within the spatial and socio economic landscape. It is focused on the process of institutional innovation needed for developing integrated sustainable energy plans.

‘SMART Campus Zernike Groningen’ – Dr. Elen-Maarja Trell

A research project carried out in collaboration with RIO projects and the Municipality of Groningen with support from Regio Groningen Assen and Zernike Campus.

Overview of publications and other activities

Research database Faculty of Spatial Sciences

Overview staff Department of Spatial Planning and Environment

Sustainable Road Infrastructure publications

ResearchGate Department of Spatial Planning and Environment

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Master's Weeksdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Dyah Ayu (For admission related questions )
    Email: akademikpasca.geo ugm.ac.id
  • Saskia Enuma, Reinier Schoep, Nienke Harteveld (Study Advisors Faculty of Spatial Sciences)
    Email: study.advice.fss rug.nl

Study associations

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta is the Faculty Association of Spatial Sciences
Becoming a member of Ibn Battuta means you can join the social drinks, foreign trips, lectures and all other activities organized by the Association. At these events you come into contact with students from all years, which is a great way to make friends that can last a lifetime! Ibn Battuta also organizes informative and career-focused activities. Our informative activities, such as lectures, In-Housedays and the Career Day will help you to orient on your future.
https://www.ibnbattuta.nl/
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