Master of Science in Water Management for Climate Adaptation

The first year is devoted to basic knowledge and skills, which students acquire through courses, culminating in a living lab held at the Delta Climate Center in Zeeland. In the second year, students may further explore the field through elective courses and are required to complete their master's thesis.

Year 1

• Period 1: Sustainable Water Resources Management
• Period 2: Integrated Assessment of Climate Change
• Period 3: Elective - Coastal Zone & River Management; or Land Surface Process Modelling
• Period 4: Living Lab: Fieldwork and Research Design at the Delta Climate Center

Year 2

In Year 2 students can opt to take the remaining courses (Governance of Climate Adaptation and one elective) in period 1, then work on their Master's thesis in periods 2-4, or take Governance of Climate Adaptation and start working on their Master's thesis in period 1, and take an elective course at any point in periods 2-4.

Option 1

• Period 1: Governance of Climate Adaptation Elective Course
• Periods 2-4: Master's thesis (45 EC)

Option 2

• Period 1: Governance of Climate Adaptation
• Period 2- 4: Elective - Select 1 elective across P2-4

Academic careers

Graduates may follow up their Master’s degree by pursuing a PhD in the Netherlands or abroad and ultimately pursuing a career in research. The programme is closely related to several research groups on water-related issues in the Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and the Department of Physical Geography. This makes it possible for students to be ahead of the latest scientific developments in the field. Thanks to close connections with key players in the field, research projects on various topics are funded by external parties.

Non-academic careers

Water Management for Climate Adaptation graduates have a number of technical skills, which enable them to acquire junior positions at the start of their careers. Based on their broad knowledge of contemporary water management, they are expected to move on relatively quickly to more senior strategic planning, policy, and management positions, dealing with issues involving specialists from different backgrounds and/or societal stakeholders. Some graduates may also develop themselves further into more specialised technical roles while on the job. The professional field consists of a wide variety of organisations such as:

• Consultancy firms
• Water boards,
• Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
• Governmental organisations and provincial administrations in the Netherlands
• Utility companies
• Water research institutes
• NGOs
• International development organisations

Why Study Water Management for Climate Adaptation at Utrecht University

Studying Water Management for Climate Adaptation at Utrecht University has several advantages and benefits.

• This Master’s programme is offered by the Faculty of Geosciences, the only Geosciences faculty existing in the Netherlands.
• The programme is closely affiliated with the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, recognized internationally as a leader in sustainability research.
• The university’s extensive international network will make a wide range of research projects available to you and take you right into the heart of scientific practice.
• You will gain exposure to a wide spectrum of disciplines within the earth sciences and environmental sciences. The programme has a strong inter- and transdisciplinary character, and the focus is on developing system knowledge and understanding.
• By carrying out fieldwork at the Delta Climate Center you will gain first-hand experience in working in the field.
• Utrecht University's research topics are part of a larger research effort to find innovative, sustainable solutions to the threats and opportunities posed by climate change. This results in relevant research and career opportunities.
• There are many water sector companies and organisations in the Utrecht region, including DHV, Grontmij, ARCADIS, CSO, Deltares, and KWR. Utrecht University’s strong relationships with these organisations create opportunities for research and other projects and internships.