What do you like about the programme and why? How has the programme challenged you in relation to your previous education?
In my Bachelor's degree (Environmental Sciences, specialising in policy and economics), I built a strong foundation in environmental policy. This Master's programme offers the opportunity to delve deeper into policy-related topics. The curriculum presents a great combination of courses that address environmental issues, alongside those that focus on broader challenges faced by governments. Since the programme allows you to choose two elective courses, you have the chance to specialise in the areas that interest you most.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The atmosphere in the classroom is relaxed. You feel comfortable asking questions, and the teacher is approachable. The students are also very helpful towards one another.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s?
There is one aspect of this Master's programme that I find less ideal, and that’s the way the courses are scheduled. In the first block, it’s fairly light (12 ECTS and one preparatory course for the thesis), while in the second block, the workload suddenly increases significantly (18 ECTS and submitting your thesis proposal). Because the courses take up so much time, it’s almost impossible to focus on writing the proposal. Additionally, the preparatory course for the thesis requires a lot of time (preparing presentations, submitting assignments).
Are you currently doing an internship?
I will be starting an internship at the Province of Overijssel, where they are focused on developing policies to promote the scaling up of organic agriculture. Denmark has been highly successful in this area, so I will be researching the policy frameworks that supported the growth of organic agriculture there. The goal is to identify key lessons that can be applied to the Dutch context.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree?
I believe it's crucial to have people with a deep understanding of the environmental challenges we face today. While many are aware of these issues, this Master's programme really emphasises how complex they are. To find effective solutions, it's essential to have individuals who understand how these problems arise and the various factors that contribute to them.