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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Environmental and Infrastructure Planning DDM Water and Coastal Management
Header image DDM Water and Coastal Management

DDM Water and Coastal Management

Managing water resources, river catchments, and coastal zones are outstanding challenges of today and tomorrow!

Global changes ask for a comprehensive scientific approach, an international multidisciplinary orientation and require a new mind-set towards water and coastal management problems. In response to these challenges and to provide an inspiring atmosphere for the development of an academic and professional career, we designed our unique Double Degree Master (DDM) program 'Water and Coastal Management', merging the strongest expertise of the two partner-universities, the University of Groningen (the Netherlands) and Carl-von-Ossietzky-University Oldenburg (Germany).

Taught by outstanding experts highly conversant with environmental, socio-economic, and spatial sciences, you will be trained to manage the water and coastal resources of future societies in a sustainable way. The University of Oldenburg gives you the opportunity to learn about the marine environment and sustainable management; the University of Groningen offers its outstanding knowledge on spatial science, in particular water management and environmental and infrastructure planning. The ability to integrate both makes the successful student an expert in water and coastal management!

More info via the website of the University of Oldenburg

Master Open Day
I nterested in learning more? The next Master Open Day is on Thursday 21 March. Sign up for the presentation via the Master's Week webpage (sign up opens on 1 March).

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
September
Faculty
Spatial Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?

You have the unique opportunity to study abroad, in an international atmosphere and in a familiar surrounding. Get to know the two Universities Groningen and Oldenburg, find the organising institutions FRW and the ICBM, Learn more about the innovative WCM-master, about the enthralling curriculum, and about the outstanding perspectives and how to enrol.

Programme

The first year in Oldenburg your study program starts in October and consists of a mix of compulsory and elective modules in three broad categories: Planning, Science and Socio-Economics. During the second year in Groningen the focus will be on international spatial planning (systems and practices), institutional design and related topics. Throughout the different modules, you will be working on water and coastal management related assignments and your master thesis. The program has a fixed orde

The first year in Oldenburg: the year is divided into two terms: "Wintersemester" and "Sommersemester". The winter term begins officially on October 1 and ends on March 31. The summer term begins on April 1 and ends on September 30. However, the lecture period only runs from mid-October until mid-February and from mid-April until the middle/end of July. The remaining time, the so-called "vorlesungsfreie Zeit", is intended for writing papers, preparing exams, excursions or for internships.

For more information about the curriculum in Oldenburg see: https://uol.de/wcm/study-program/two-semesters-in-oldenburg

In the first semester, you choose 4 of first 8 courses in the list below. In the second semester, you choose 4 of the next 6 courses in the list below.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Environmental Sciences (6 EC)
GIS for Water and Coastal Management (6 EC)
International Sustainability Management (6 EC)
Planning and Management of Coastal Zones and Sea Basins (6 EC)
Selected topics in Environmental Sciences and Management (6 EC)
Sustainable Spatial Development in Europe (6 EC)
Topics in Economics Research (6 EC)
Topics in Sustainability and Management I (6 EC)
Case Study (12 EC)
Marine & Maritime Law (6 EC)
Practice of Nature Conservation (6 EC)
Public Economics (6 EC)
Research and Energy Economics (6 EC)
Selected topics in River and Coastal Development (6 EC)
Topics in Sustainability and Management II (6 EC)

The second year you study the master Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the RUG. The year starts on September 1. See https://www.rug.nl/masters/environmental-and-infrastructure-planning/ for more information about this master.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
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 EIP (20 EC)
Reinventing Environmental Planning (5 EC)
Transitions in Water Management (5 EC)
Fieldwork Water Quality (5 EC)

Curriculum

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required

The first year of your Double Degree Water and Coastal Management you follow courses in Oldenburg, Germany. The second year you study the master Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the RUG in Groningen, the Netherlands. More information about the University of Oldenburg is available on https://uol.de/studiengang/landschaftsoekologie-master-218

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education
reference letter

Strongly advised

(motivation-) letter

This master-program is "non-consecutive" meaning you need no special bachelor degree to enroll but you should be able to motivate your choice and explain your interest in the program.

Send your application to enrol for the first year in Oldenburg: 1. If you have a German university degree: to the Admissions Office (See: https://uol.de/studium/bewerben) 2. If you have a bachelor degree from the University of Groningen: to the Admissions Office (See: https://uol.de/en/students/application/international-students) and to prof. Ingo Mose (Ingo.Mose uni-oldenburg.de) 3. If you have an international degree: to uni-assist (See: https://www.uni-assist.de/en/)

For the second year in Groningen you need to submit an enrollment application via Studielink website and select 'Environment and Infrastructure Planning' as the study program you wish to be enrolled for. You are also asked to upload a copy of your (certified) bachelor's diploma, grades list and a copy of ID-card/passport to the online application system, OAS. More information about enrollment in Groningen will be provided during your first study year in Oldenburg.

other admission requirements

All applicants should include the following information: 1. The Bachelor diploma 2. Curriculum Vitae 3. Motivation letter 4. Letter of recommendation 5. English language certificate

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.

This master-program is "non-consecutive" meaning you need no special bachelor degree to enroll but you should be able to motivate your choice for the program. In addition, your average grade from the bachelor studies should be no lower than 2.5 (German grading system) or 7.5 (Dutch system). It is possible to compensate for some missing grade points with the motivation letter and letters of reference if your average is 7.0 or 6.5 (Dutch system).

For more information see Admission regulations (Zugangsordnung at http://www.uni-oldenburg.de/wcm/enrolment/)

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

In Lower Saxony the deadlines are the same for all applicants. Although (according to the admissions regulations) it is allowed to file an (online) application until 30th of September, we recommend applicants, especially international applicants via uni-assist, to apply at least 6 weeks earlier. (For applicants who need a visa we recommend to apply as early as possible.) See https://uol.de/en/students/application/deadline/masters

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education
reference letter

Strongly advised

(motivation-) letter

This master-program is "non-consecutive" meaning you need no special bachelor degree to enroll but you should be able to motivate your choice and explain your interest in the program.

Send your application to enroll for the first year in Oldenburg: 1. If you have a German university degree: to the Admissions Office (See: https://uol.de/studium/bewerben) 2. If you have a bachelor degree from the University of Groningen: to the Admissions Office (See: https://uol.de/en/students/application/international-students) and to prof. Ingo Mose (Ingo.Mose uni-oldenburg.de) 3. If you have an international degree: to uni-assist (See: https://www.uni-assist.de/en/)

For the second year in Groningen you need to submit an enrolment application via Studielink website and select 'Environment and Infrastructure Planning' as the study program you wish to be enrolled for. You are also asked to send a copy of your (certified) bachelor's diploma, grades list and a copy of ID-card/passport to the online application system, OAS. More information about enrolment in Groningen will be provided during your first study year in Oldenburg.

other admission requirements

All applicants should include the following information: 1. The Bachelor diploma 2. Curriculum Vitae 3. Motivation letter 4. Letter of recommendation 5. English language certificate 6. Transcript of Records (or, if applicable, Diploma supplement)

To enroll in this programme an average grade requirement applies. Please see: http://www.uni-oldenburg.de/fileadmin/user_upload/studg/wcm/ZO_WCM_31.05.14.pdf or the study brochure for more information.

A prospective student can always a

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

In Lower Saxony the deadlines are the same for all applicants. Although (according to the admissions regulations) it is allowed to file an (online) application until 30th of September, we recommend applicants, especially international applicants via uni-assist, to apply at least 6 weeks earlier. (For applicants who need a visa we recommend to apply as early as possible.) See https://uol.de/en/students/application/deadline/masters

Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

The costs in Oldenburg are different.

Semester contribution is €394,01 (for winter term 2022/2023, in the summer term it will be higher), this includes the semester ticket and administrative costs.

The semester contribution has to be paid each semester. Total semester contribution for a year in Oldenburg is around €800. See https://uol.de/studium for up to date tuition information.

FEES FOR NON-EUROPEAN STUDENTS The fees in Oldenburg are the same for EU and non-EU-Students

Scholarships: Check the Nuffic website for information about scholarships.

Students are expected to follow our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. For more detailed information about laptop requirements, please visit this webpage

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

The Master opens up a wide field of potential careers in both the public and the private sector. Our graduates:

  • Work in governments: as policy advisors at international, national, provincial an local offices in charge of spatial planning, transportation or water management.
  • Work in consultancy: as project managers at international an national firms in engineering, design an sustainability.
  • Start their own business or go into research.

How we boost your future career

We support you in developing a rich set of tools as well as a reflexive attitude that allows you to create innovative solutions for sustainability and resilience of cities and regions. We do so in various ways:

  1. Strategic partnerships with organizations in planning practice: National Agency on Public Works and Water Management, Witteveen+Bos Engineering and Consultancy, Royal HaskoningDHVEngineering, design and project management
  2. Guest lectures, field trips and workshops embedded in the course
  3. 3x per year 'A day in planning practice', with company visits
  4. Excursions and 'Meet-alumni' events organised by our student organizations
  5. 2x per year the Graduate Research Day. A networking event to meet future employers


Have a look at our Roadmap on exploring planning practice & the labour market.

Throughout the year, we offer support for practical career preparation and employability skills. Workshops are given about leadership, job interviews and how to present yourself. More information about the FSS Career Services.

Research

Research

The DDM Water and Coastal Management program is closely connected to the research agenda of the Department of Spatial Planning and Environment, more specifically to the agenda of the research group 'Coastal Resilience'.

Coastal Resilience Research Group (CRRG) conducts research on a wide range of water and coastal management, coastal sustainability, governance, wellbeing and regional decline related issues. The starting point of CRRG research is the realization of the high level of complexity and nuance of the problems emerging in vulnerable areas in times of changing climate, population and economic conditions. The ambition of the CRRG is to contribute to strengthening coastal regions and establishing sustainable communities. By doing that CRRG contributes to the university-wide research focus area Sustainable Society and to the Faculty of Spatial Sciences research mission tWIST (Towards well-being, innovation and spatial transformation) .

CRRG research covers a variety of issues: adaptive governance for flood prone areas; resilience of rural communities; governance of protected landscapes; ecosystem- and coastal vulnerability; the role of arts in building community resilience; tourism in vulnerable coastal regions; risk communication and disaster recovery. Please visit our 'people' or 'projects' link for more details on our individual research projects.

Researchers:

  • Dr. Elen-Maarja Trell
  • Dr. Margo van den Brink
  • Steven Forrest
  • Britta Restemeyer
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Saskia Enuma, Reinier Schoep, Nienke Harteveld (Study Advisors Faculty of Spatial Sciences)
    Email: study.advice.fss rug.nl

"My understanding of water and coastal management and infrastructure planning helps me to be a better advisor in my professional environment"

I started in 2014 with the Double Degree MSc programme Water and Coastal Management at the Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg (Germany) and the University of Groningen. The combination of issues with regard to water (quality and quantity) and changes in infrastructure systems, that become increasingly pressing in the near feature, were for me key drivers to start with this program.

I think what makes this program unique is the interrelatedness of these issues along with the international experiences that this program inhibits (studying and living in two countries, multiple international field-trips). The field trips to the UK, Estonia and the many practical (though scientific) oriented courses were main characteristics of the program that made it very attractive and enjoyable to me. Present, my understanding of water- and coastal management and infrastructure planning helps me to be a better advisor in my professional environment.

- Jorian Wals

Jorian Wals finished his double degree MSc programme Water and Coastal Management in 2016. He currently works as advisor Contracts and Procurement at Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineers.

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"The Master perfectly prepared me for the interdisciplinary and intercultural work setting I am in now"

The Double Degree Master Programme Water and Coastal Management offered me an ideal opportunity to pursue my interest in 'flood resilient cities', after I did my Bachelors in urban planning. I really appreciated the great mix between natural sciences (e.g. ecology and geo-morphology) and social sciences (e.g. sustainability management and spatial planning) that the programme offered. Although there was a clear study programme, it was flexible enough to follow my own interests and trajectory.

A clear benefit of the programme is that you get to know two different (research) cultures and meet people from all over the world. I absolutely enjoyed the many projects and case studies that we did together. In these group works, I learned most from my fellow students, who often had a completely different background than me. Overall, the Master perfectly prepared me for the interdisciplinary and intercultural work setting I am in now.

- Britta Restemeyer

Britta Restemeyer, PhD researcher and Lecturer at the University of Groningen, Department of Spatial Planning and Environment

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"Taking part in this Double Degree Master programme was a life-changing experience"

I joined the MSc programme in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning as part of the international Double Degree MSc Water and Coastal Management. Taking part in this programme was a life-changing experience; as an Israeli with academic experience in the (very different) field of marine biology, I explored the depths of social sciences for the very first time.

Furthermore, I was able to get a great taste of life in one of Europe's best student cities. Looking back, I can say that my year at the University of Groningen was a great leap in terms of my ability to deal with complex systems that have a human component, such as my very own home turf, the marine environment. Such experiences are, in my opinion, the foundation for bridging the cultural and scientific gaps that are most pressing on our common, global agenda.

- Eyal Bigal

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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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