Master’s in Metropolitan Analysis, Design and Engineering (double degree)

The master's programme brings together multidisciplinary teams to reflect and work on solutions to questions like: How to keep our metropoles connected? How to aim for the circular city? And, how to safeguard its vitality? This two-year master's in sustainable development is entrepreneurial and takes place in the territorial context of Amsterdam.

For more information about this programme's profile and learning outcomes, check the Study Handbook page.

The first year of study focuses on building theoretical and practical knowledge through learning by doing (i.e. challenge-based), real-world application, and transdisciplinary education. This is done through three primary research lines: metropolitan context, data skills, and entrepreneurship approaches. Further, students are free to choose electives across both Wageningen and TU Delft institutes (see: Specialisations).

In the second year of study, students apply the knowledge and skills learned in the first year. This begins with Living Lab projects that are hosted across Amsterdam. These projects involve collaboration with both public and private institutes with the aim to design and implement real-world interventions. Students also participate in a career orientation course and conduct a research master’s thesis that links academic research with actionable outcomes.

This programme does not offer predefined specialisations. Instead, it provides a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies based on their interests and career goals. Students can choose elective courses and engage in projects that align with various urban challenges. This approach enables a personalised educational experience without the constraints of fixed specialisations.

• Lectures: Instructors explain and explore the course material in a classroom setting.
• Tutorials: Focused sessions where you complete tasks alone or in groups.
• Labs: Computer labs where you engage with statistical and GIS modelling exercises.
• Challenge-Based Learning: Group and individual work tackling real-world urban case studies.
• Self-study: Independent learning and reflection is integral throughout the programme.

We believe that personal attention makes all the difference at MADE. That’s why we provide and are connected to a large network of lecturers, study advisers, and student support through three institutions — Wageningen, TU Delft, and the AMS Institute. Further, the peer-support at this programme is much higher due to location and group work. This reduces the likelihood of setbacks, creates a more personalised academic experience, and fosters a community to rely on and connect with throughout your study.

The MSc in MADE focuses on designing sustainable and resilient urban transitions and solutions through an interdisciplinary approach. We combine social, environmental, spatial, and technical domains using qualitative, quantitative, and data-driven methods. This programme is often compared to the Master’s in Urban Environmental Management (MUE) at Wageningen and Urbanism at TU Delft.  

MUE emphasises managing urban environmental systems such as water, waste, and sanitation and focuses on policy and practical solutions. Urbanism focuses on adapting the built environment to societal and environmental changes through contextual design, planning, and engineering.

In short, MADE prepares students to shape and design urban futures through collaboration and challenge-based learning, while MUE focuses on management and optimisation of specific urban environmental systems, and Urbanism focuses more on urban planning and design. 

Check more information on Studiekeuze123.nl.

Graduates earn a diploma issued by both universities and are well-positioned for careers in urban advising, government agencies, startups, or further academic research. Common job titles of MSc MADE Alumni include Urban Engineer, Urban Innovator & Designer, System Analyst & Designer, Sustainability Adviser, Policy Officer, Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, PhD, etc. Read more about our alumni’s experiences and their current jobs.  

Who should apply?

The programme is especially suited for motivated students with a technical or scientific background. They should be interested in making cities more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient through socio-technical solutions, design, and collaboration. The MSc MADE Program is looking for students who have the following:

• Attitude: Self-motivated, committed to change, driven to make a real-world impact, and showing creative, critical, and interdisciplinary thinking.  
• Relevant Experience: Urban or metropolitan aim with a background in design, engineering, or environmental / natural sciences.
• Academic Skills: Professional communication, proof of data literacy, and experience with (or desire to learn) programming, GIS, and/or statistics.
• Programme Readiness: Demonstrate an understanding of the MSc in MADE, including a desire for a socio-technical programme that focuses on both process and content.  

Note that students should complete the Sustainable Urban Development MOOC as a sign of their preparation and interest. 

Specific admission requirements 

In general, the Wageningen admission requirements apply. This programme also requires a relevant bachelor's degree; however, specialisations, minors, relevant technical/natural science courses, and working experience are also highly valued. 

The following specific requirements apply: 

1. A Level-A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent ISCED 5A qualification) in a field relevant to the MSc in MADE. This includes degrees in technical, design, and engineering sciences, as well as life or social sciences supplemented with technical competencies and a focus on metropolitan, urban, or environmental issues. A detailed list of eligible programmes can be found in the MSc MADE Education and Examination Regulations (EER).
2. Completion of the MOOC: Sustainable Urban Development: Discover Advanced Metropolitan Solutions. This was developed and launched by the AMS Institute and is a prerequisite for starting the master's. To access the MOOC, please email virtual.exchange@wur.nl with the subject: “MADE + Sustainable Urban Development, Discover Advanced Metropolitan Solutions” and you will be sent an access code. 

Extra requirements for the Data courses

When participating in the Data courses, students will need a laptop that meets the following requirements: 

• Extensive system requirements for the software package we use:
• Enough RAM (> 8 GB minimum);
• A strong processor (minimal 4 cores, for example, an Intel i7 qaudcore); and above all, a good, strong graphics card with its *own* memory and 3D capability.

Please review the extensive system requirements for the software package we use. We advise looking at the ‘recommended’ requirements listed (not the minimum).

Bachelor's degree falling short of requirements

A bachelor's degree falling short of the requirements mentioned above can only be considered at the discretion of the Selection Committee. Sufficient compensating factors include:

• thesis topic & result;
• scores for courses that are particularly relevant to the MSc MADE Program;
• indisputable upward trend of course grades;
• a declaration of the educational institute of the applicant on a deviating GPA policy;
• achievements in postgraduate education;
• multiple studies;
• specific scores for Wageningen/TU Delft courses (for the case of exchange students or students taking a minor);
• reference letters; or
• quality of the degree-awarding institution.  

More specific information regarding the requirements for applying to the MSc in MADE can be found on the Application and Admission page. Those interested can formally apply for admission to this joint-degree programme through Studielink. 

The Admission Board may allow and/or suggest compensation of knowledge gaps by:

• a GPA≥7.0* for the previous education for small discrepancies as new knowledge is sufficiently easily acquired;
• a GPA≥7.0* and an individual pre-master's programme for larger discrepancies that can be compensated in ≤30 ECTS and one year of study.

*Check the general admissions page for the International credentials evaluation guide for international equivalencies to a Dutch GPA>7.0. This guide includes compensating factors for a slightly lower GPA the Admission Board may include in their judgement. 

Contact us at studyadvice.mmd@wur.nl to discuss the possibilities of a pre-master's or how to mitigate knowledge gaps if you are still in the process of obtaining your degree.

Find out more about enrolment and fees of a pre-master's programme. 

There are costs involved in studying. Curious about the expected amounts? All information about the costs of this programme can be found on tuition fees and study finances. 

Life as a student isn’t only about your studies. It includes renting a room, enjoying great parties and social events, cosying up in local pubs, and being active in student associations. Festivals and sports clubs offer even more ways to get involved in Wageningen and the surrounding areas. Find all information about student life in Wageningen.