In the western world, the majority of the landscape is developed. Less and less area is pristine. And in crowded countries like the Netherlands, all surface areas have several uses and therefore layers of functionalities. Sometimes the functionalities change or need to be redeveloped. Due to climate change and changing society, areas need a different spatial planning.  

Different challenges demand different approaches. Solutions to the effects of climate change for example can only be found by cooperation. The solutions need to be found together and do not pose a problem to another function. We need to approach the challenge as a system. Only by full spatial analysis of all possible sources, networking and linking different information in a logical way while keeping the overview, we can give a solid advice. Systems thinking, ecosystem approaches (ecosystem services) and sustainability go hand in hand. 

This means we need to fully comprehend what our client needs and why before we can come with a tailor-made solution. We need to own the project and take responsibility in order to keep our client satisfied. In this specialization you will obtain insight in the spatial challenges to climate change and its effects and you will learn to unravel what the challenge is all about by analyzing all different parts (focused on ecology, water management and soil, as well as all uses related to these subjects).  

This specialization focuses on the interrelated topics of water management, ecology and climate change. Besides, it aims at developing your competencies. The main competencies we are working on are self-management, research and advice. A combination of courses and projects has been compiled to come to the desired level of knowledge and development.

• Project regional Climate Adaptation (15 EC)
• Project Ecosystem services (6 EC)
• Course Data analysis and visualization (3 EC)
• Course Sustainable soil management (3 EC)
• Course Advanced water management (3 EC)
  
  Courses support the projects with theoretical knowledge. In the main project, students are working for external parties in which they operate as a consultancy team. Several activities are organized.

• Lectures, workshops and working classes for the theoretical courses
• Your tutor group will have weekly meetings with the tutor
• Skill workshops (for example on how to lead client meetings, present your project briefly, stakeholder management or summarize data)
• Guest lectures
• Field activities

Open to students who have a sufficient level of English in speaking and writing. Because this is a specialisation minor, students must have basic knowledge of the following topics:

• Water management
• GIS
• Biology / ecology
• Soil science and data skills

N/A

2nd semester

The courses and projects are assessed separately. The following methods are used:

• Exams (either written or digital)
• Group reports (for projects)
• Presentations
• Individual oral assessments
• Individual performance within the project group
• Assignments

You will work in an international environment (teachers, students and possibly clients or guest lecturers). All communication will be in English.