In the 21st century, earth and environment scientists are facing the societal challenge of providing information about the causes and characteristics of earth changes and its effects on the functioning of ecosystems on a human time scale: centuries, decades, or less. This challenge demands an excellent educational programme for students, to provide them with state-of-the-art skills, sound knowledge of system functioning, and an attitude that allows them to work in multi-disciplinary teams. \n\nThe focus of the MSc programme Earth and Environment is on the earth's 'Critical Zone' -including the atmospheric boundary layer- where flows of energy and matter determine the conditions for sustaining life. There is growing recognition within science and society of the complex dependencies and relationships existing within this zone. Major global themes like climate change, food security, the provision of water and biodiversity require input from graduates with strong disciplinary backgrounds who, at the same time, have the skills to work together with scientists from other disciplines. The programme embodies the vision that disciplinary elements can and should be brought together within one study programme, with opportunities for students to become strong in their discipline (the fundamental columns of soil, water & atmosphere) but also to provide them with opportunities to connect with other disciplines. \n\nStudents develop advanced skills in measurements, modelling and analysis, and pay due attention to methods for up- and downscaling and scenario analysis. They learn to think in ranges of temporal and spatial scales and are introduced to modern concepts such as spatial and temporal statistics, C and N cycling, and hydrological connectivity. \nThe programme not only focuses on the core disciplines of soil science, hydrology and meteorology but also on ecological aspects and, especially, integration. Using tools and concepts from physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and geography, a quantitative understanding is built of the composition, structures and processes of the upper Earth's zone and its atmosphere. Given the profound impacts of contemporary human activities on the environment at multiple spatial and temporal scales, emphasis is especially paid to the influences of human activity on earth surface patterns and processes. \n\nStudents are able, following two common starter courses, to design their study based on their own preferences. They specialize by selecting a specialization, a thesis subject, its preparatory courses and several elective courses. In this way students can focus on:\n\n* (a) Hydrology and Water Resources;\n* (b) Meteorology and Air Quality;\n* (c) Biology and Chemistry of Soil and Water;\n* (d) Soil Geography and Earth Surface Dynamic