Global Sustainability Science

In the Global Sustainability Science Bachelor's programme you learn how to develop solutions to sustainability issues. This involves studying the interaction between humans and nature at the local, regional and global level. The programme will equip you to make a meaningful contribution to our planet.

A multidisciplinary approach

A sustainable planet is one that is livable for current and future generations. You are of course conscious that we face huge challenges: the distribution of water, food and energy, climate change and the depletion of our resources are only some of these hot topics. Sustainability is a complex concept and it increasingly calls for broad expertise and a multidisciplinary approach. This programme gives you the tools you’ll need to examine sustainability from a number of different perspectives and to come up with solutions that can change the world.

Balance between natural and social science subjects

The programme offers you the right balance between natural and social science subjects, preparing you for a future as a professional interlocutor, bridge-builder and problem solver. You acquire an understanding of the natural, biochemical and hydrological processes (water cycle) that maintain the Earth in balance. This means taking science subjects like mathematics, physics and chemistry. You also learn about how socio-economic processes contribute to solving sustainability issues. To this end, you take social science subjects like public administration, economics and innovation.

The programme also stresses team-work and communications. You learn how to set up your own research, to work individually and in teams, and to advise organisations as a consultant.

Why Global Sustainability Science at Utrecht University?

• Broad and in-depth programme
  Over the three years, you become acquainted with a number of subjects, organising your own research, working in teams and providing advice. You acquire a broad basis which will allow you to define what Master’s programme you’d like to pursue subsequently. But a broad interdisciplinary programme does not mean that the knowledge you acquire is superficial. The levels at which the courses are given provide you with a solid groundwork for your Master’s.
• You can choose one of the five tracks to acquire extra in depth knowledge:
  • Water, Climate & Ecosystems
    Consequences of environmental change for humans, animals and plants
  • Energy & Resources
    Understanding the principles of a sustainable production and consumption of energy and resources
  • Sustainable & Healthy Food
    Diverse approaches to transform our food system to a more just, sustainable, and healthier one
  • Governance & Societal Transformation
    Societal and policy processes and the influences on sustainable choice behaviour
  • Business & Innovation
    Innovation processes related to sustainability within and between organisations
• Many options to develop your own profile
  The programme offers many possibilities to develop your own profile. First of all, you choose one of five tracks within your major. Additionally, 25% of your courses are electives. And, if you are up for even more challenge, you can apply for the Honours programme. In this way, you can fully explore your talents and interests and optimally prepare yourself for a Master’s programme and you future career.
• An international programme taught entirely in English
  Sustainability is a global issue, in which communications are primarily in English. An English-taught Bachelor’s programme constitutes a good preparation for an English-taught Master’s and, of course, for a possible international career. The programme is open to international students and is taught by an international team of lecturers. If you meet the entry requirements, then your English level is more than satisfactory. With the training in academic English that you'll get in the programme, you’ll find that within a couple of months you’ll feel fully at ease in English.
• Leading research institute in the field of sustainability
  Our scientists conduct sustainability research within the university’s Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. In 2020, international experts declared Copernicus to be at the forefront in the field of sustainability in the Netherlands and among the world’s top institutes in the field. Your lecturers are very active within Copernicus in carrying out research into topical sustainability themes. They are always abreast of the latest developments. As a student, you will thus be exposed to a number of international sustainability issues of current and future relevance.
• The Study Association Storm offers students the opportunity to develop themselves socially, but also in their educational and professional career path. They organise activities weekly that can range from drinks and sports events to symposia and lectures.