Postgraduate Diploma in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). 8 modules covering the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions, Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 (nature restoration) and QGIS. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Define the concepts and frameworks of nature-based solutions.
Apply urban ecology principles to project design.
Design sustainable drainage systems and water management.
Propose green solutions to mitigate the urban heat island and improve air quality.
Plan coastal and river solutions to address flooding.
Assess performance and co-benefits using indicators.
Develop an urban NBS project with its governance model.
Who it's for
- Nature-based solutions engineer who wants to specialise in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
- Green infrastructure technician who wants to specialise in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
- Climate adaptation consultant who wants to specialise in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
- Sustainable urban drainage specialist who wants to specialise in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
- Environmental urban planner who wants to specialise in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
- Ecological restoration project manager who wants to specialise in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS).
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter local government.
What you'll work with
- IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions
- Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 (nature restoration)
- Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework)
- Directive 2007/60/EC (flood risks)
- ISO 14090 (adaptation to climate change)
- Law 7/2021 (climate change and energy transition)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1IUCN definition and global standard1.2Ecosystem services and CICES classification1.3Green and blue infrastructure1.4EU Biodiversity Strategy 20301.5Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 on nature restoration1.6Green, grey and hybrid solutions1.7Urban challenges: heat, flooding and pollution1.8Social and health co-benefits1.9Benchmarks: Copenhagen, Rotterdam and Vitoria-Gasteiz1.10Case study: diagnosis of a neighbourhood's challenges
2.1Urban ecosystems and connectivity2.2Species selection and native vegetation2.3Urban soils and technical substrates2.4Biodiversity, pollinators and fauna2.5Invasive species and risks2.6Water stress in urban trees2.7Urban ecological corridors2.8Singapore Index on Cities' Biodiversity2.9Ecological quality indicators2.10Practice: planting plan with native species
3.1Rain gardens and bioretention3.2Constructed wetlands for treatment3.3Extensive and intensive green roofs3.4Vegetated permeable paving3.5Urban watercourse restoration3.6Floodable parks3.7Hydrological sizing with SWMM3.8Removal of runoff pollutants3.9Maintenance of vegetated systems3.10Workshop: sizing a rain garden
4.1Urban heat island and thermal comfort4.2Street trees and shading4.3Green façades and walls4.4Evapotranspiration cooling4.5Particulate capture by vegetation4.6Urban carbon sequestration4.7Microclimate simulation with ENVI-met4.8Ventilation corridors4.9UTCI and PET comfort indices4.10Practice: simulation of a square with ENVI-met
5.1Dunes and beach regeneration5.2Salt marshes and estuaries5.3Seagrass meadows and reefs5.4Building with Nature approach5.5Dyke setback and room for the river5.6Bioengineering on slopes5.7Erosion control with vegetation5.8Hybrid green-grey systems5.9Effectiveness monitoring5.10Case study: restoration of a degraded salt marsh
6.1European Commission impact indicator framework6.2Economic valuation of ecosystem services6.3i-Tree tool6.4InVEST models6.5Cost-benefit analysis of NBS6.6Remote sensing monitoring6.7NDVI index and tree cover6.8Wellbeing and social use surveys6.9Equity and environmental justice6.10Workshop: valuation of urban trees with i-Tree
7.1Integration into urban planning7.2Citizen participation and co-creation7.3Living urban labs7.4Financing and green bonds7.5Green public procurement7.6Long-term maintenance7.7Municipal ordinances7.8Risk management and liability7.9Scaling up pilot projects7.10Case study: governance of a green corridor
8.1Diagnosis of the intervention area8.2Identification of priority challenges8.3Selection of nature-based solutions8.4Technical and landscape design8.5Simulation of water and thermal benefits8.6Maintenance and monitoring plan8.7Budget and financing8.8Participation strategy8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded lessons and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is QGIS, EPA SWMM, i-Tree Eco, ENVI-met, InVEST, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical tests are examined using real procedures for sustainable urban drainage modelling, microclimate simulation of urban spaces and ecosystem services assessment. Assessment is continuous across each module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Define the concepts and frameworks of nature-based solutions.
Apply urban ecology principles to project design.
Design sustainable drainage systems and water management.
Propose green solutions to mitigate the urban heat island and improve air quality.
Plan coastal and river solutions to address flooding.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme works with QGIS, EPA SWMM, i-Tree Eco, ENVI-met and InVEST. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Operation, O&M and Sanitary Compliance
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Operation, O&M and Sanitary Compliance. 8 modules covering Directive (EU) 2020/2184 (water intended for human consumption), Real Decreto 3/2023 (technical-sanitary criteria…
Diploma in Security Coordination and HSE Plans
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in safety coordination and HSE plans. 8 modules covering the legal framework for construction safety, safety coordination at design and…
Postgraduate Diploma in SUDS Sizing and Water Quality Control
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in SUDS Sizing and Water Quality Control. 8 modules covering CIRIA C753 (The SuDS Manual), EN 752 (external drainage and sewerage systems)…
More in Civil, Rail & Smart Cities
All Civil, Rail & Smart Cities programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships