Global Sustainability Science

Sustainability is complicated. How can we find a way for both humans and nature to thrive alongside each other on our rapidly changing planet? By examining sustainability issues from different perspectives, at the local, regional, and global levels, you will learn how to create action for a just and greener future. As a critical thinker, you will not only learn to understand the theory, but also acquire skills that can help make the transition to sustainability. Are you ready to do your part?

The right balance

To prepare you for your future as a bridge builder, problem solver or change maker, Global Sustainability Science offers a well-balanced curriculum of courses in the exact sciences and social sciences, as well as interdisciplinary combination courses. There’s a reason for that. Exact sciences courses, such as Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, give you insight into natural, biochemical and hydrological processes (like the water cycle) that keep the earth turning. Social sciences courses, such as Management, Economics, and Innovation, teach you how socio-economic processes contribute to solutions for sustainability challenges.

Why Global Sustainability Science at Utrecht University?

Spoiler: Utrecht is a fun university city, and there’s always something going on. But aside from that, there are plenty of other reasons to enroll in Global Sustainability Science at Utrecht University.
 

• Over the course of three years, you will work on building a broad foundation in the field of sustainability science. You can choose from a wide range of courses and electives, set up your own research, work as part of a team, and learn how to work together with societal stakeholders. Along the way, you will gradually specialise in a subject of your choice, to prepare you for your future Master’s programme or career.
• After the first year, you can choose a personal study track for extra depth and specialisation. That means you can design your study programme yourself.
• Sustainability is an issue that affects the entire world, so the study programme is offered in English. That makes the study programme accessible to international students and lecturers alike! If you have a Dutch University Preparatory Education (VWO) diploma, your English proficiency level should be more than sufficient. And during your studies, you will be tutored in academic English as well. So within a few months, reading and writing in English will be a piece of cake!
• Your lecturers are actively involved in the work of the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. In 2020, international experts named the institute a pioneer in the area of sustainability in the Netherlands, and it is considered a world leader in the field. Researchers at the institute study contemporary sustainability issues, and are always up to date about the latest developments. So as a student in our study programme, you will have direct contact with the international issues that affect the world today and in the future.
• The active student association Storm organises activities every week: from after-school drinks and sports events to symposiums and lectures. So there’s always something to do!

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