'Through the Hanze you can also just get your master's degree'

Once he wanted to become a real estate agent. However, whilst studying Property & Real Estate, Rick Geuken discovered a completely different side of the real estate profession: sustainability and energy transition. So, after graduating from HBO, the Hanze master's programme Energy for Society came his way. Rick: 'This way, I really want to contribute to making our region more sustainable.

Sustainability
'How are we going to make homes more energy efficient, how can residential areas become self-sufficient, how can you build circularly? As a society, we face a huge challenge in terms of sustainability in our built environment. When I was introduced to this subject during my studies, I knew I wanted to continue with it.'  
 
A master's via the Hanze
'After I got my hbo degree, a lecturer pointed out to me that the Hanze also offers masters. One of them is Energy for Society. In it you develop yourself into an expert in the field of energy transition and sustainability. Extra interesting was that I could do my graduation research at NoorderRuimte, a knowledge centre of the Hanze. Here they do practice-oriented research on built space in the northern Netherlands.'
 
Research into ecovillage
'Within this knowledge centre, you get to work on current questions from the region. And you get support from all kinds of experts who are also working on this subject. From NoorderRuimte, I did research into the incorporation of self-sufficient dômes (glass domes) in the Noordeland eco-village in Ter Apel. The residents plan to build several domes in their village. But, how do you make these really add value?'
 
Research
'Among other things, I researched what the residents' needs are and how these domes can meet them. Based on this, I gave various recommendations. Think about using a dôme as a greenhouse or as a place for meeting, art and culture. I have now completed the research. A group of students, within the knowledge centre, will now elaborate on my advice.'  
 
PhD research
'Incidentally, there is a good chance that I will remain involved in this project in the coming years... as I would like to work as a lecturer/researcher at the Hanze. My ultimate goal is to do PhD research via the Hanze - in this too, the Hanze offers plenty of opportunities. I sincerely hope that I will be allowed to hang around at the Hanze for a while longer'.