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
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.
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
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
