Wave-Dominated Coastal Systems

Discover how waves shape coastlines, transport sediment and drive coastal change, and learn to analyse and predict these processes using quantitative coastal models.

  • Start
    9 November 2026
  • Location
    Enschede
  • Duration
    10 weeks, part-time
  • Investment
    € 2.067
  • Language
    English-taught
  • Fulltime/parttime
    Part-time
  • Result
    Wave-Dominated Coastal Systems | Certificate of participation
  • Contact
    lll-et@utwente.nl

About the course

Wave-Dominated Coastal Dynamics introduces the processes that govern waves, sediment transport and morphological change in the nearshore environment. You will learn how to analyse wave transformation, compute sediment transport, and understand shoreline evolution using commonly used coastal models such as the Bruun rule.

This course combines conceptual understanding with quantitative analysis, helping participants understand how coasts respond to wave action and how these processes can be analysed and predicted in engineering practice.

About the topic

Wave-dominated coastal systems are under increasing pressure from sea level rise, storm impacts, coastal erosion and growing demands on coastal space. For organisations and professionals in coastal management, a solid understanding of coastal dynamics supports better design choices and more reliable predictions.

Course structure

This is a regular master’s course in which both students and professionals can participate. The course starts with the study on waves, sediment transport and beaches, followed by lectures and tutorials on the quantitative analysis and modelling of nearshore processes.

Alongside lectures, participants of the course work in small groups on a practical coastal case and apply course concepts through calculations, analysis and solution development. For a more practical application, the course includes a guest lecture from professional practice.

Details and assessment:

  • A group assignment (25%)
  • A written exam (75%)
  • Teaching takes place on campus, with lectures typically scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays.

Intended participants

This course is intended for professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of coastal processes. Typical profiles include, but are not limited to, coastal engineers, hydraulic engineers, consultants, researchers, water managers and technical specialists who work with shoreline dynamics, sediment transport or coastal interventions.

Participants are expected to have advanced knowledge of Fluid Mechanics and basic mathematical and programming skills. Relatively basic programming skills in Excel, Matlab, Python or similar software are required for the analysis and plotting needed in the group assignment.

Practical details

Start date: November (Q2)

Total duration: November until January (excluding resists) (140 hour studyload)

Number of teaching days / sessions: 1 self-study support lecture + 5 lectures + 5 tutorials + 1 guest lecture + group assignment + 2 feedback/QA sessions

Total programme fee: €2067,15 (5 ECTS × 413,43)

Programme type: master course

Location: University of Twente, Enschede, NL

Language of instruction: English

Admission requirements: Advanced knowledge of Fluid Mechanics is recommended. Basic mathematical and programming skills in Excel, Matlab, Python or similar software are required to complete the group assignment. A background in Civil Engineering or a related technical field is recommended.

Teachers:

dr.ir. J.J. van der Werf (Jebbe)
Associate Professor