Program Overview

Introduction to the Double Degree Master in Sustainable Water Management

The Double Degree Master in Sustainable Water Management is a unique program offered by the University of Groningen and Gadjah Mada University. This program combines the master's in Geography (track Planning and Management of Coastal Area and Watershed) at Gadjah Mada University with the master's in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning at the University of Groningen.

Program Description

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water management in the context of Europe and Southeast Asia. Students will learn about geography, management, and spatial planning of watersheds, marine and coastal areas, and environmental and infrastructure planning, taking into consideration the social context and planning politics.

Program Structure

The program is a two-year, full-time program, with the first year spent at Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia and the second year at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Please note that some courses in the first year are not taught in English but in Bahasa Indonesian.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc in Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
• Course type: Double Degree master
• Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
• Croho code: 66194
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: August, September
• Faculty: Spatial Sciences

Why Study this Program in Groningen?

• The Environmental and Infrastructure Planning program is the best Planning master in the Netherlands, according to an Elsevier magazine survey.
• The program focuses on urban areas and issues of infrastructure, environment, and water.
• Students will learn to think (policy strategies) and do (practical work on projects and plans).
• The program allows students to compare international theory and practice.
• The program is 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.

Program Curriculum

The first year of the program consists of regular mandatory courses at Gadjah Mada University. The second year is spent at the University of Groningen, where students will follow the Environmental and Infrastructure Planning program. The program is completed by one Master's Thesis that has to be submitted at both institutions and counts for 10 SKS (equal to 15 EC) at Gadjah Mada University and for 20 EC at the University of Groningen.

Study Abroad

Study abroad is required for this program, with the first year spent in Indonesia and the second year in the Netherlands.

Entry Requirements

• Previous education: Bachelor's degree in Geography, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Spatial Planning, Environmental Science, or any other subject related to the program.
• 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.

Admission Requirements

• 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 who can demonstrate that they are enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's program that is fully taught in English.

Application Deadlines

• Dutch students: 01 March 2026 for the August intake and 01 September 2026 for the September intake.
• EU/EEA students: 15 April 2026 for the August intake and 15 April 2026 for the September intake.
• Non-EU/EEA students: 15 April 2026 for the August intake and 15 April 2026 for the September intake.

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA students: € 2601 for the first year and € 2695 for the second year.
• Non-EU/EEA students: € 21400 for the first year and € 22200 for the second year.

Job Prospects

Graduates of the program work in various levels of government, consultancies, housing associations, developers, NGOs, universities, and research institutes. The program supports students in developing a rich set of analytical tools and practical skills that allow them to create sustainable cities.

Research

The Faculty of 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. The research program is titled TRACE (TRAnsformations, Communities and Environments), and its ambition is to create scientific and societal impact by undertaking cutting-edge research at the interface of people, places, and planning in rural and urban settings.

Examples of Research Projects

• "Playing with Urban Complexity" – Dr. Ir. Katherina Gugerell.
• "Flood Resilience in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom" – Steven Forrest.
• "INTENSSS-PA" – Christian Zuidema.
• "SMART Campus Zernike Groningen" – Dr. Elen-Maarja Trell.

Overview of Publications and Other Activities

The research database of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, the overview of staff of the Department of Spatial Planning and Environment, and the research publications of the department are available online.

After Your Studies

The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable water management and prepares them for a career in this field. Graduates of the program can work in various sectors, including government, private sector, NGOs, and research institutes. The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in research and academia.