
Overview
Building bridges between ecology, technology, and society
River deltas are crucial for millions of people and diverse ecosystems. They are indispensable for global food production and economic activities but face threats from climate change and overpopulation. We need visionaries who can connect ecology, technology, and society. Is that you? The Master’s program in River Delta Development will prepare you for this role.
Facilitators of change in delta zones
In this two-year Master's program, you will address pressing challenges such as flooding, subsidence, and groundwater salinization. You'll gain extensive knowledge about river deltas and engage in practical assignments in Living Labs with local communities, businesses, and policymakers.
This unique program is a collaboration between three universities, each focusing on different aspects: HZ University of Applied Sciences (coastal areas), Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (river systems), and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (urban water). Studying and working in these locations will broaden your knowledge and network.
After graduation, you'll be equipped to work in international organizations, consulting firms, government agencies, or NGOs. You could become an urban planner, agricultural consultant, or researcher, shaping future deltas where humans and nature coexist harmoniously with water.
River Delta Development
The Master’s program in River Delta Development was created with input from professionals. It addresses the need for experts who can think and work constructively, understand transitional processes, and drive change in organizations. Delta areas face significant challenges due to high population density and vulnerable locations, requiring passionate young people to develop resilient, sustainable solutions.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can become process managers, project initiators, civil change facilitators, researchers, administrators, or consultants.
Examples of Job Roles:
Freshwater Project Officer in Morocco: Responsible for executing a project in the Sebou delta to reduce the impact of water extraction on biodiversity. This role involves network building, project planning, and technical and financial reporting.
Urban Water, Wastewater and Climate Resilience Senior Associate in the USA: Focuses on enhancing business opportunities for multilateral development banks in urban water and wastewater treatment. Develops marketing strategies and provides technical assistance to ensure project quality and timeliness.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Bangladesh: Monitors the impact of climate change on coastal communities, particularly women, and assists the government in strengthening local resilience. Ensures cost-effectiveness, results, and strategic vision of the project.
Urban Water and Climate Adaptation Senior Specialist in the Netherlands: Develops strategies for urban water management and climate resilience. Works on projects like climate safety for Utrecht city, creating stress tests for municipal governments, and master plans for water management. Focuses on sustainability, security, and quality of life through modeling and analysis.
Accreditation
All study programmes at VHL are accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This is the official organisation responsible for evaluating the quality of higher education institutions in the Netherlands.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
Intensive Kick-Off
Your Master’s program begins with a one-month orientation at HZ in Middelburg. You'll meet fellow students and faculty, explore the delta on a field trip, and analyze the delta system. You will then write a personal learning plan with guidance from your coach.
Learning in Delta Systems
Next, you'll study the coast delta system at HZ, spending one day a week on campus for lectures and coaching. After 15 weeks of research, there will be an evaluation week to assess your findings. Similar 17-week blocks on river systems at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences and urban water at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences follow, building your knowledge, research skills, and professional development.
Final Evaluation
In the final 17-week phase, you'll create and present a final product. Your competencies will be tested through a portfolio and an oral assessment at one of the three universities.
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
- Apply before , EEA/EU
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Language
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Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Hydrology & Water Management Natural Sciences Environmental Management View 15 other Masters in Environmental Management in NetherlandsExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
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Student insurance
Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:
- Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
- Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.
Get your student insurance nowStarting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.
Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Other requirements
General requirements
Admission and Registration
Admission Requirements To join the Master’s program in River Delta Development, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university or accredited institution in a related discipline (submit a certified copy of your diploma and transcript).
Applicants with the following Dutch Bachelor’s degrees are automatically eligible:
- Water Management CROHO 34074 / 34332
- Delta Management CROHO 39278
- Civil Engineering CROHO 34279
- Urban and Regional Planning CROHO 34282
- Spatial Development CROHO 30038
- International Development Management CROHO 34203
- Coastal and Marine Management CROHO 39204
- Land and Water Management CROHO 34226
- Management of the Living Environment CROHO 34859
- Built Environment CROHO 39280
Proficiency in English is also required. The required level for admission is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0.
Application Process Submit a letter of motivation and participate in an intake interview with the admission committee. The HZ student office will guide you through this process. If both are positively assessed, you'll receive an admission confirmation, which you can use to apply for any necessary grants.
Read about our application procedure and apply.
Letter of Motivation and Intake Interview Your English letter of motivation (± 750 words) should cover:
- Your interest in and knowledge of river deltas and your goals for the program.
- Your self-reflection on current knowledge and skills.
- Your ability to become a facilitator of change, showing your willingness to apply change, innovation, and creativity in complex processes.
The intake interview will discuss your goals, background, and knowledge of river deltas. You’ll also give an elevator pitch about a river delta case to assess your English proficiency.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fee
-
International
9740 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 9740 EUR per year during 24 months. -
EU/EEA
2601 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 2601 EUR per year during 24 months.
Living costs for Velp
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Funding your studies can be challenging, but there are financial support options available. The availability of these options depends on your nationality.
European Students: European students can apply for student finance and a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government. To qualify for student finance, you must work at least 32 hours per month. Please check the specific requirements.
Non-European Students: Non-European students are eligible to apply for the NL Scholarship only. Further details can be found on our website.
Check for any work restrictions
Visit programme websiteIn order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.
Scholarships Information
Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for River Delta Development.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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