Program Overview

Master's Programme in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning

The Master's programme in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning (EIP) is a unique and innovative programme that integrates the analysis and development of strategies and governance approaches for highly dynamic and complex planning situations, international comparative research and learning, and environmental, water, and infrastructure-related challenges.

Programme Description

The programme is designed to provide students with the professional capability to deal with planning-related activities, focusing on local as well as central levels in both the developed and the developing world. Students 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.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
• Course type: Master
• Duration: 12 months (60 EC)
• Croho code: 66194
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: February, September
• Faculty: Spatial Sciences

Why Study this Programme in Groningen?

• 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
• Programme linked to international (e.g., AESOP) and national (e.g., Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment) institutes
• Optional: double degree masters (in Indonesia, China, and Germany)

Programme

Year 1

Curriculum

For more information about the courses in this programme, please refer to the programme's curriculum.

Programme Options

• DDM Development Planning and Infrastructure Management (specialization)
• DDM Sustainable Marine and Coastal Management (specialization)
• Designing Spatial Transformations (track)
• DDM Sustainable Water Management (specialization)
• DDM Urban Governance within a Global Environment (specialization)
• DDM Urban Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (specialization)

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is optional

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma
• International diploma

Admission Requirements

• 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
• Additional subject: In order to assess your previous education, the Admissions Board requires course descriptions
• Language test: English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:
  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL internet-based: Overall: 90 Reading: 18 Listening: 18 Speaking: 20 Writing: 21
  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)
  • European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2

Transfer Options

• Transferring from all Universities of applied sciences
• Transferring from all Research universities

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students
• Deadline: 15 January 2026, 15 August 2026, 01 May 2026, 01 November 2026
• Start course: 01 February 2026, 01 September 2026, 01 February 2027

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA
• Year: 2026, 2027
• Fee: € 2601, € 21400, € 2695, € 22200
• Programme form: full-time

Scholarships

• Check the Nuffic website for information about scholarships

After Your Studies

Job Prospects

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

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

Research

Research in the Master

Spatial Sciences at the University of Groningen has a strong academic position, nationally and internationally, and is well-embedded in a wider range of disciplines, such as social sciences and technology sciences. Its relevance is in addressing spatial aspects of the key societal challenges and emerging technological transitions of today.

Examples of Research Projects Related to EIP

• ‘Playing with Urban Complexity’ – Dr. Ir. Katherina Gugerell
• ‘INTENSSS-PA’ – Christian Zuidema
• ‘SMART Campus Zernike Groningen’ – Dr. Elen-Maarja Trell

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

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.

Follow Us

• bsky.app/profile/frw-rug.bsky.social
• facebook.com/FRWRUG
• instagram.com/spatialgroningen

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