Double degree programme in Transnational Ecosystem-based Water Management

The specialisation in Transnational Ecosystem-based Water Management is an international programme for future water managers, combining ecology, hydrology, and socio-economics. We focus on ecological solutions, often more effective than technical adjustments. Think of estuaries with sea grass fields breaking the waves instead of reinforcing dikes, or self-purification of drainage-basins, making dredging unnecessary.

This is a double degree programme of Radboud University and the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany.

These are some reasons why we think the Master's specialization Transnational Ecosystem-based Water Management at Radboud University is a good choice:

• After successful completion of the programme, you'll receive two diplomas: one from Radboud University and one from the University of Duisburg-Essen.
• There is much attention for personal development, with an orientation course focussing on your future career and extensive one-on-one contact with your supervisors.
• This specialisation is closely connected to the Institute for Water and Wetlands Research (IWWR), a leading institute in wetland ecosystem and stress biology research.
• Radboud University has close ties to water boards, from regional water boards to international agencies, consultancies and non-profit organisations.

Our approach to this field

Ecology and hydrology

If you follow the TWM double degree programme, you don’t have to choose between ecology and hydrology. On the one hand, you’ll learn to classify different ecosystems, analyse ecological data and assess the impact of various stressors. On the other hand, you’ll get the technical background to calculate water flow properties and work with flood management models. So upon graduation, you’ll have all the required knowledge for a career in water management.

Link with society

Apart from the natural sciences, the programme offers multiple courses in water governance, and the social, economical and philosophical aspects of water management. This widens your perspective and provides you with the tools to bridge the gap between science and society.

Unique experience

Although the universities are only about 100 kilometres apart, you’ll certainly notice a cultural difference. Hence, following this programme not only means you’ll profit from both of their expertises, you’ll also experience a rapid personal growth. We notice that our students are very independent in finding their way around and performing research, are not afraid of new challenges and are well-trained in (international) communication skills.