Are you eager to tackle the spatial challenges of our time? Do you want to design innovative solutions for sustainable urban development and climate adaptation?
The Designing Spatial Transformations track in the Master’s programme of Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences offers you the tools and knowledge to address complex spatial challenges.
Graduates are equipped to design intelligent interventions and co-design proposals with stakeholders, addressing multifaceted challenges in urban and rural settings. You will culminate your studies with a master thesis focused on 'research on design,' 'research for design,' or 'research through design,' showcasing your skills in real-world applications.
Join us to become a leader in shaping sustainable cities and landscapes!
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Design & Planning Theory (5 EC) | ||||
| Dilemmas in Infrastructure Planning (5 EC) | ||||
| EIP: Interactive Workshop (5 EC) | ||||
| Co-design Methods & Methodology (5 EC) | ||||
| elective (5 EC) | ||||
| Master thesis (design related) (20 EC) | ||||
| Reinventing Environmental Planning (5 EC) | ||||
| Transitions in Water Management (5 EC) | ||||
| Transformative Design Approaches (5 EC) | ||||
More information about this programme can be found here: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/master-info-frw/courses-master-track-designing-spatial-transformations
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Holders of a certificate from the Bachelor's degree programme in Human Geography and Planning (Sociale Geografie & Planologie) or Spatial Planning and Design from a Dutch university are assumed to have sufficient knowledge and skills and will also be admitted to the degree programme on that basis. Admission is also possible for students that have completed the 1st year of a related Dual Degree programme at the partner university. Basic design skills are needed for the track 'Designing Spatial Transformations' We offer a pre-master programme for students who are not directly admissible to this master. For admission requirements of the pre-master see: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/ |
| additional subject |
In order to asses you previous education the Admissions Board requires course descriptions |
| language test |
English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:
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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master More information:For more information please see www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Contact study.advice.fss rug.nl for information about your admission |
| International Land and Water Management | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Spatial Planning and Design | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Landscape Architecture and Planning | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Human Geography and Planning | All Research universities |
No additional requirements More information:Advice for your electives: choose courses of the bachelor in Spatial Planning and Design |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 15 August 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
If you are considering applying for a start in February, please know that this has practical implications for your studies.We strongly advise a start in September. Before applying for a February start in our programme and paying the application fee for students with a foreign diploma, we advise you to discuss your application with one of our Study Advisors (study.advice.fss rug.nl)
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Research university bachelor degree in spatial planning and design, land use planning, urban planning and design, landscape architecture, urbanism, urban/regional planning/development, environmental management, public administration with basic knowledge of spatial planning; Basic design skills are needed for the track 'Designing Spatial Transformations' If you are not directly admissible you can follow a pre-master programme. See more information in the pre-master guide: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/ |
| additional subject |
In order to asses you previous education the Admissions Board requires course descriptions. |
| language test |
English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:
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. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 15 August 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
If you are considering applying for a start in February, please know that this has practical implications for your studies.We strongly advise a start in September. Before applying for a February start in our programme and paying the application fee for students with a foreign diploma, we advise you to discuss your application with one of our Study Advisors (study.advice.fss rug.nl)
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2026-2027 | € 2695 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2026-2027 | € 22200 | full-time |
Practical information for:
The Master in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning opens up a wide field of potential careers in both the public domain and the private sectors. Our graduates:
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:
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.
See where the EIP alumni end up in this infographic
After finishing my bachelors in Human Geography and Planning, I was left at a crossroads. I was confused about the direction I wanted to take, not because I was lost, but because I was presented with loads of options and a plethora of masters degrees. So many themes, concepts, theories, skills and ideas to choose from. It can be overwhelming and it was, in a good way. I felt like I wanted to be creative but also build up the foundation that the bachelor's degree had started.
The Designing Spatial Transformations track did exactly that. In the summer of 2024 I decided to pursue the DDM Urban Planning, Environment and Infrastructure. I paired an amazing year in Indonesia with the Design track of Environmental and Infrastructure Planning back in the Netherlands. The design track opened up a designerly thinking and approach that was a welcome change. The assignments and projects and even thesis of the programme were very hands-on and allowed you to explore and ideate with solutions to contemporary issues.
I was appreciative of the professors and their enthusiasm in giving lectures, but also their deep insights within the planning/design field.
A highlight for me would be the co-design methods and methodology course. Coming up with shared designs and visions for a project with your group mates and stakeholders gave a great sense of the career related opportunities that the programme opens doors to.
To anyone who may feel the same as I did, a desire to be creative within the planning field, I believe this programme would be a great fit. I enjoyed my time in Groningen and would do it all over again if I could.
- Marco Winkler
