Why I Chose the Master's in Spatial Engineering
Jafeth Kuiper pursued both the Civil Engineering and Spatial Engineering Master's programmes at the University of Twente. In this story, he explains what drew him to Spatial Engineering and why it became the right path for him.
A Clear Path after My Bachelor's Degree
“After completing my bachelor’s degree, I had a clear direction in mind: I wanted to further specialise in Water Engineering and Management. The master's programme at the University of Twente seemed like the perfect fit. It offered the depth and technical knowledge I was seeking. However, I quickly realised that I needed a broader perspective. The world of water management is complex and intertwined with numerous other disciplines. I wanted to do more, expand my knowledge, and most importantly, contribute to solutions for the complex spatial challenges of our time.
Discovering Spatial Engineering
Through a fellow student, I heard about the master’s in Spatial Engineering. What immediately attracted me was the combination of theoretical knowledge about water management with spatial planning and stakeholder management, which are central to Spatial Engineering. I realised that this master’s would better prepare me to tackle spatial problems. Many of the challenges we face today, such as water shortages or climate change, cannot be solved by technical or system knowledge alone. You need to consider the interests of different stakeholders and the opportunities that a specific context presents.
A Practical Example: A Project in Iran
One example that still stands out clearly in my mind is a project in Iran where we dealt with declining groundwater levels. The problem was obvious: too many parties needed water, including farmers and the environment. Although we knew why the groundwater level kept dropping, the solution wasn’t straightforward. The interests were too divergent to simply implement a technical solution. This is where the value of Spatial Engineering truly came to the fore. The master's taught me not only to look at the technical aspect of a problem but also to consider the political, social, and economic factors influencing potential solutions.
The International Dimension of the Master's
What also makes this master's unique is its international dimension. Not only do the project topics have an international focus, but the student body is also very diverse. We work with students from all over the world, which is an incredible enrichment. The Dutch approach isn’t always the best solution; sometimes other methods or strategies are needed, depending on the cultural context. I’ve learned a lot from my fellow students' different cultures and backgrounds. This diversity of perspectives has significantly broadened my view of spatial problems.
A Recommendation for Future Master's Students
I would definitely recommend future master’s students to choose Spatial Engineering. The programme provides the knowledge to tackle technical issues and the skills to understand and solve the social and political dimensions of spatial problems. This is essential at a time when the world is facing urgent challenges such as the energy transition, water shortages, and droughts. If you really want to contribute to solving these current problems, the master’s in Spatial Engineering is the right choice.”