Do you wonder how cities and urban regions can become more sustainable, resilient or carbon neutral? How to design innovative policy solutions for environmental, water, and climate related problems?
Then the international Master's programme in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning (EIP) will fit you well. The programme is unique in integrating: (1) the analysis and development of strategies and governance approaches for highly dynamic and complex planning situations, (2) international comparative research and learning, and (3) environmental, water and infrastructure related challenges. Bringing these elements together, you will examine policy programs, propose planning interventions, and embark on research focused on flood resilient cities, integrated infrastructure solutions, energy transition and healthy urban and regional living environments.
You will be part of an international classroom with students originating from different regions across the globe, some of them having experience in planning practice already. Our dedicated staff will challenge you to rethinking real life planning problems by integrating concepts like self-organization, adaptive capacity and transition management. Through a mix of interactive teaching methods you will strengthen your collaboration and communication skills, and your ability to work and think independently.
If you are looking for a 2 year master, we offer several Double Degree programmes. You can also integrate EIP within our two year Research Master in Spatial Sciences. Please visit the Spatial Sciences programmes page for more information.
Read moreMy Master's degree in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning has definitely opened many doors within the working environment of my city
The Master's in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning is a challenging and motivating program for planners who, like myself, aim to contribute towards creating better places to live in, hence, more habitable and sustainable cities.
Moreover, it encompasses accurate planning concepts, tools and knowledge to solve the many difficulties our cities experience. I was captivated by the passion by which the professors educate the students, and in the way they develop an increased interest and understanding in different aspects of urban planning. Being a RUG student, I have broadened my knowledge and skills as a planner. In particular, I have realized the importance of holistic bottom-up approaches, involving all the parties linked to a program or project, who stand to be affected either in a positive or negative way. Personally, I have enjoyed my stay in Groningen and I met amazing people. My Master’s degree in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning has definitely opened many doors within the working environment of my city.
Read moreTaking part in this 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.
Read moreThis is a great program for those who are interested in sustainability, the energy transition, and their impacts on the living environment
In the summer of 2021, I finished my bachelor's degree in Spatial Planning and Design at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. While I started out the bachelor with a great interest in the design-element of it, I ended up graduating with an even greater interest in the policymaking-element of spatial planning.
During the bachelor, the focus subjects concerned water management, environmental issues and mobility & infrastructure. I very much enjoyed these subjects, and together with my interest in policymaking, the Environmental and Infrastructure Planning master felt like a good match. And so, I started with my master’s degree in September of 2021.
Environmental and Infrastructure Planning is a great program for those who are interested in sustainability, the energy transition, and their impacts on the living environment. The courses in the program provide a good mix of content-related courses (such as Reinventing Environmental Planning) and research-related courses (such as Comparative Research and Planning Practice). The program involves a great deal of group projects, that help you figure out your role while working in teams. Also, the program offers the freedom to focus your projects and reading materials on the subjects that you find most interesting.
During the Graduate Research Day where I presented my thesis, I encountered an alumnus of the faculty, who has introduced me to the job I am doing now. I now work for a public transport authority as a policy advisor on public transport development. My goal is to encourage people to choose more sustainable modes of transport!
9 minute lecture on the future of city planning
