MSc in Environmental Science

The unsustainable management of natural resources hampers human development and exacerbates inequalities in wealth and welfare. Pollution, the depletion of natural resources and the disintegration of ecological functions are matters of local, regional and global concern. Economic development and rising living standards in the developing world contribute to the urgency of these important issues.

It is not surprising, therefore, that the prudent management of our precious water resources, environmental conservation, sustainable development and the alleviation of poverty are high on the agenda of global concerns.

Aim of the programme

The aim of the Environmental Science programme is to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute, directly or indirectly, to the conservation and prudent use of natural resources for the benefit of society. Successful participants will develop the capacity to carry out independent scientific and technical research and assessments on environmental issues.

They will also learn to analyse and assess environmental systems and problems; be able to propose sustainable solutions to environmental problems; and contribute to the development of policies and strategies for environmental planning.

Participant Profile

The programme is intended for mid-career professionals with an interest in environmental sciences and in maintaining environmental integrity in relation to human development.

Participants should have a BSc or equivalent degree in natural sciences, chemistry, environmental science, agriculture, geography, environmental economics or engineering, preferably combined with at least three years of working experience at, for example, a university, a multilateral agency, a government environmental agency (national or local), an NGO, a consultants office, or in industry.

Knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry is a prerequisite. Computer literacy is a valuable asset.

Good conversational, reading and writing capabilities in the English language are essential in order to successfully complete the study.

Programme Structure

The International Masters Programme in Environmental Science is an 18 month course, consisting of about 50 weeks of teaching, followed by an individual research project of six months.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of four distinct phases:

  1. A foundation phase , consisting of four basic modules which are followed by all participants in the programme.
  2. A specialisation phase in which participants choose to study one of four courses: Environmental Science and Technology, Environmental Planning and Management, Water Quality Management, or Limnology and Wetland Ecosystems.
  3. An integration phase , when participants carry out fieldwork and group work.
  4. A research and thesis phase , culminating in the writing of an MSc thesis.

Foundation Phase
The Environmental Science Programme starts with four basic modules which all participants are required to take:

  • An Introduction to Environmental Science, which addresses issues such as the exploitation of natural resources, the impacts of human activities on water and environmental resources, and the implications of environmental degradation on human development.
  • Natural Processes in the Environment, which focuses on understanding the natural processes in the environment, including hydrological, chemical, micro-biological and ecological processes.
  • The Human Dimension in Environmental Change, which explores the human system in order to understand the determinants of the growth of populations and economies, and how this growth results in demand for natural resources, leading to scarcity, pollution and risks for human health.
  • Analytical Tools in Environmental Science, which provides basic tools for analysing environmental problems, such as data collection and analysis and modelling of human environment systems.

Specialisation Phase
Participants in the Environmental Science Programme follow one of four specialisations.

Integration Phase
After completing their specialisation, participants from all specialisations (except Limnology and Wetland Ecosystems) come together in a multi-disciplinary, problem-solving environment, to test their knowledge, insights and skills, and to integrate what they have learned through a case study.

This requires participants to apply the tools studied during their specialisation in a practical management task. Each participant formulates a strategy, introduces organisational changes, and addresses financial, operational and management challenges.

A two-week international field trip, addressing contemporary environment related issues in Europe , is followed by a four-week period of group work aimed at seeking management solutions for a simulated problem in a development context.

MSc Thesis
The Environmental Science programme culminates in an MSc dissertation. This period is dedicated to integrating and applying individual knowledge through applied research in a field directly pertaining to the participant's professional experience, interest and context. The research can take the form of experimental work, modeling, or case studies. It starts with a six-week period to develop an individual research proposal, combined with self-selected topics.

Interested?

For information about admission requirements, fees, fellowships and more, visit the prospective students section.

The actual research takes place over a period of about six months. The participants undertake applied research in a field directly pertaining to their professional experience, interest and conditions in their own country. The research can take place in the laboratory of UNESCO-IHE, in the home country of the participant or in a Dutch institute.

Specialisations within the MSc Programme are:


Environmental Science & Technology
Participants in this specialisation will be introduced to research and development leading to technologies that address environmental problems, and learn to interact with stakeholders, managers and policy makers to identify appropriate remedial actions.

Environmental Planning & Management
Participants in this specialisation will be able to acquire the skills and know-how required for strategic development, policy making and decision making for water quality management in urban and rural environments.

Limnology and Wetland Ecosystems
Participants in this specialisation will learn about the structure and functioning of aquatic and wetland ecosystems for their management and wise use, and learn how to interact with stakeholders, managers and policy makers in the development of best practices.

Water Quality Management
Participants in this specialisation will be introduced to water quality management in catchment, urban and rural environments, and provided with the technical knowledge and management skills necessary for decision making and environmental planning.

Brochure Environmental Science MSc Programme

ES.pdf (PDF/727.51 kB)