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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courses | 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 the courses in 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 Double Degree programme at the partner university. 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 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Spatial Planning and Design | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| 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 |
| 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 | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
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, human geography and planning, urban/regional planning/development, environmental management, land use planning and management, landscape architecture, urbanism, urban planning and design, public administration* (*with a focus on spatial analysis and issues, e.g. minor related to spatial planning, urban planning and design, landscape architecture, or geography), water management**(**with knowledge on governance and policy making, e.g. minor related to public administration, urban planning and design, spatial governance or -policy.) 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:
Overall: 90 Reading: 18 Listening: 18 Speaking: 20 Writing: 21
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 | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
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 | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 20800 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 21400 | 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
The research in the master programme Environmental and Infrastructure Planning has a focus on
