River Delta Development MSc
Everywhere in the world urbanisation and climate change are endangering upon fertile and ecologically valuable regions. This requires versatile delta professionals who do not only have knowledge of river delta systems (coast, fluvial and urban), but also possess the necessary research and communication skills to make meaningful contributions to the environment.
Steps to study abroad
About the programme
The programme prepares you for a role as a 'facilitator of change', a professional who makes practical use of advances in technology so that people and nature can live in harmony with water. The focus of the programme is on developing ideas and solutions in which you listen to stakeholders and involve them in sustainable, long-term solutions which receive broad support. You combine theoretical knowledge about the way delta systems function with practical assignments in 'Living Labs', real locations in delta areas where you work together with local communities, companies and policy makers. For example, how do you design a climate-resistant riverbank for the Grevelingenmeer that everyone is happy to support? You look at technological possibilities, costs and the risk of rises in water level, and the needs of both residents and farmers.
Why study River Delta Development at HZ?
Small classes, lots of attention
Learn in a supportive environment where small class sizes mean more interaction, personal guidance, and closer contact with lecturers and fellow students.
Gain practical experience
From your first year you work on real projects with organisations in Zeeland and beyond. Fieldwork, teamwork, and applied research are central, so you’re not just learning theory, you’re solving real-world water challenges
Unique joint degree
This unique joint master’s is offered by three universities with water expertise: HZ (coastal areas), Van Hall Larenstein (river systems), and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (urban water). Studying at all three deepens your understanding of diverse delta regions and expands your professional network.
Living labs
The tasks in delta areas are so big and the systems so complex that simple solutions are often not possible. Fundamental interventions are needed. That is why Living Labs have been set up; testing grounds in which professional practice and universities of applied sciences work together on complex tasks. As a student of the River Delta Development master's programme, you will participate in Living Labs in which the research centres and professorships of the three universities of applied sciences are involved. You will work on location, together with professionals from the field, in multidisciplinary teams on real-life issues.
- Coastal Defense (Middelburg) The danger of flooding is an urgent (and ongoing) challenge that needs constant attention. One of the topics in our Living Lab is coastal defense by oyster reefs. A sustainable and ecofriendly solution to prevent the coast from flooding.
- Improve Navigability (Velp) Transport over water is very interesting both in terms of economics and CO2. However, periods of low discharge in the IJssel do not make this easier. Connecting stakeholders and drawing up possible solutions that improve navigability (dredging or different shipping types) is the aim of one of the living labs students participate in.
- Tidal Parc (Rotterdam) The challenge in this example stretches from increasing biodiversity to increasing flood resilience and its public awareness. The solution is a tidal park where all challenges are met and a base is created for urban development to create a new, significant public space for the city.
"After completing my urban planning thesis on Water Management and Nature Based Solutions, I looked for a master that would deepen my knowledge. This programme stood out for its multi-geographical focus (coastal, fluvial, urban); hands-on learning; and the chance to study in different cities. I really enjoy learning through projects and activities rather than just lectures. One highlight was the “No See Too High Living Lab”, our biggest group project where we conducted research, interviews, and design proposals. It was challenging but rewarding, and I’m excited to apply my urban planning background in the upcoming urban-focused semester"
River Delta Development in short
Intensive kick-off Middelburg (1 month)
Your Master’s programme will start with an intensive, one-month orientation. During that month, you will get to know your fellow students, lecturers, and professors and delve into the delta during a one-week field trip. Afterwards, you will use those experiences to analyse the entire delta system and examine what role you would like to play in the delta sector. You will then write a personal learning plan under the guidance of your coach. The kick-off will be held at HZ in Middelburg
Middelburg (17 weeks), Velp (17 weeks) and Rotterdam (17 weeks)
After the kick-off, you will be introduced to the Coast delta system, which will also be held at HZ. You will be working in Living Labs, with one day a week spent at the university of applied sciences, where you will participate in lectures, coaching, and reflection. After 15 weeks of research, you will complete this period with an evaluation week during which you will undergo assessments of your own research in relation to the delta as a whole and the issues at work in that environment. Under the guidance of lecturers, you will also collectively examine how everyone’s research fits into the entire delta system. Similar blocks on River systems (at Van Hall Larenstein in Velp) and Urban Water (at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences) will follow. The three blocks, which work on building your knowledge, research skills, and specific professional development, will last a total of 17 weeks at each university of applied sciences.
Study in a cutting-edge research environment
Right next to the campus of HZ Middelburg, you find the Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), a state-of-the-art research institute where several educational institutions collaborate on real-world challenges. As a student, you have access to ultramodern laboratories equipped with the latest technology and techniques, giving you the chance to work and learn at the forefront of innovation.
Housing
The colleges will support you, if required, in arranging on-site accommodation. Either by offering accommodation themselves or by putting you in touch with parties who can provide it.
You will find more information on accommodation on these pages:
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