Environment and Resource Management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ERM tuition fee?
The tuition fee for the academic year 2010/2011 is € 1,672. For students outside the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland the tuition fee is € 12,000. The fee can be paid in full in September or in six terms as an automatic withdrawal from a Dutch bank account.
What title will I obtain if I successfully complete the programme?
Master’s (MSc) in Environment and Resource Management.
Is the Master's progamme accredited?
Environment and Resource Management is accredited by the NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders. This ensures the high quality of the Master's programme. For more information: NVAO
When does the programme start?
The ERM classes start on August 31.
Can I start in January 2010?
You can only start in the fall semester.
Can I apply if I obtain my diploma in the summer of 2010?
Yes, you can apply if you expect to receive your degree before September 1. Please include a list of grades you have obtained so far instead of your diploma and a grade list in your application documents.
Can I participate in the programme part time or as a remote learning package?
No, possibly in the future. The Open University (www.ou.nl/) offers a remote / part-time MSc programme in Dutch.
Are all courses in English?
Yes, all courses will be taught in English, and all products (reports, papers) made during the programme must be presented in English as well.
As a Dutch student, do I need to take a TOEFL test?
If you have a six or higher for English on your VWO grade list you do not have to take the TOEFL test. Otherwise, please contact the ERM office (erm@ivm.vu.nl).
I have been working for four years in an English speaking country. Do I need to include a TOEFL test score form?
All students who need a VISA (MVV) to come to the Netherlands to study, are obliged by the Immigration authority to provide a TOEFL test score.
Please contact the ERM office (erm@ivm.vu.nl) for additional information.
Can I be admitted if my TOEFL or IELTS test score is too low?
No.
Am I able to work in addition to the courses?
ERM is a full-time programme. Some students who study very efficiently can work for about 8-12 hours per week in addition to their study activities. However, for non-EU students it is very difficult to obtain a work permit. The university regularly hires student-assistants, but they usually must be able to speak Dutch.
What possibilities are there for continuing studying in doctoral or research programmes at VU University Amsterdam and at other European universities or research centres after I have finished ERM?
In the Netherlands, PhD positions are usually paid jobs (mostly for 4 years) for which you have to apply. The supervisor determines the research contents. At our institute (IVM) we have 45 PhD researchers. They devote their time mostly to research (>80%). Sometimes they are involved in teaching. They also follow some advanced courses.
IVM also has a PhD programme for fee paying students who want to define their own subjects. Click the link below for more information.
E-mail ERM coordinator Mathilde Molendijk
IVM phd programme
