Testimonials

Read more about the experiences of our students and alumni.

''I really like how this study presents water science under so many more specific disciplines.''

In elementary school I remember my teachers during an excursion on water's day explaining why they called water 'the blue gold'. This is because of its huge importance in sustaining life and its small availability in its freshest and purest form. Since then, I've always been attracted to sustainability and water in particular, so when I saw the Master’s programme Water Science and Management at the Open Day I knew I had found my perfect match.

Coming from a broader background of sustainability science I immediately loved the focus on the water field almost always combined with sustainable techniques of management. Besides the sustainable influence of the Master’s programme, I really like how this study presents water science under so many more specific disciplines. For example the physics of water flowing and the designing of a water supply system to give a complete view on the subject.

''This programme has brought me to better understand how we can face the challenges of the future in water from a technical and a managerial perspective.''

I have always been fascinated by how water flows out of an open tap, with a quick twist of my hand, whether to wash my hands or to prepare a cup of tea. Many years ago, I remember being shocked to learn this was a privilege that not everyone enjoyed, and I am committed to contribute to change that.

The Master’s programme in Water Science and Management has placed me in a position to do something about it; it has brought me to better understand how we can face the challenges of the future in water from a technical and a managerial perspective and has connected me to individuals and companies who share my passion.

I am very excited to carry out my research internship focusing on urban drought with a world-renown institute as part of my thesis project to leverage all the knowledge I have gathered during my Master’s!

''Personally, the internship has been the best part of my study here.''

I have always been interested in subjects related to water. During my Bachelor’s programme, I had a first encounter with hydrology, a water-related subject, and since then, I see myself working in the water sector. The Master’s programme in Water Science Management offers the best theoretical and practical knowledge – just what I needed.

The Master’s programme was hard at the beginning, because during my Bachelor’s programme in Mining Engineering the emphasis was on quantifying everything with numbers. Overall, it is an exciting programme. Some courses are hard, while others are manageable. Personally, the internship has been the best part of my study here. It was fun to experience the Dutch working culture and be surrounded by water scientists.

So, if you choose Water Science Management, be prepared for some good surprises along the way!

''Understanding how crucial water processes work is the reason why I decided to study my programme.''

My Bachelor’s programme was a double major in Biomedical Science and Economics. However, I also did another Master’s degree in Environmental Security before my current programme. I believe my education and experience made it easy to get onto my Master’s programme.

Having an environmental science background, I knew that water is central to all ecosystem and sustainability issues. So I decided to focus on water, and the country with the most expertise in this field is the Netherlands.

While studying for an exam alongside my close friends, it is a great feeling when you finally understand an important concept and then explain it to others. Understanding how crucial water processes work is the reason why I decided to study my programme. I also really enjoy attending lectures and workshops given by experts where I learn about the latest research, even if it’s outside my field.

My advice to students who still need to choose their Master’s programme is to think beyond the field of your Bachelor’ programme. A lot of companies like students with diverse backgrounds. Just always try to keep making connections between old and new knowledge when learning new disciplines.

"For 4 months I studied the groundwater - surface water interaction in the largest lake in New Zealand."

For me Water Science and Management was a perfect follow up after my Bachelor's where I had gained understanding in both earth sciences and economics. My interest in water had grown in the three years of my bachelor because I saw the growing importance to have a multidisciplinary approach to increasingly complex issues in water management.

In my second year I had the opportunity to do my internship in New Zealand where I contributed with my research to a large national study to the groundwaters in New Zealand. For 4 months I studied the groundwater - surface water interaction in the largest lake in New Zealand using an innovative, relatively new technique to measure temperatures. My background had taught me to work together in teams, and also to solve problems independently, earning me a lot of freedom within my own research.