Sustainable Development

The transformation to sustainable and just societies needs contributions from everyone – from activists demanding change, to visionaries experimenting to create new solutions and imagine a better future, historians learning from the past, scientists creating new insights and informing debates, entrepreneurs creating new business models for circular and sharing economies, to dedicated public  servants working to steer governments towards sustainable decisions. All these perspectives and insights matter, and are topics of discussion and exploration in the Sustainable Development Master’s Programme.

Become an expert in Sustainable Development: contribute to shaping a sustainable and equitable future

Sustainable Development is a two-year programme designed for students who want to contribute to developing solutions needed for a transformation to more sustainable and equitable societies.

Through studying theory, methods and practices the programme equips you with strong analytical skills, preparing you to work in inter- and trans-disciplinary ways to tackle sustainability issues, integrating both social and (bio)physical aspects, all for you to become an agent for positive change.

Breadth of knowledge & in-depth expertise

The Sustainable Development Master’s Programme provides a strong foundation of common knowledge while allowing you to specialize in your chosen field. It offers a broad understanding across disciplines, from (bio)physical to social sciences, while deepening your expertise in a specific area.

Following admission to the programme you will be able choose one of four tracks according to your interests, but throughout studies you will work with peers from all four tracks. After all, sustainability challenges cannot be met from a single perspective. The tracks are:

• Energy and Materials
• Environmental Change and Ecosystems
• Earth System Governance
• Politics, Ecology and Society

Admission Requirements

The Sustainable Development Master’s Programme is a selective programme which looks for motivated students with a background in sustainability issues, natural processes, mathematics and statistics, and research skills.

You’ll find different perspectives and critical reflection among students in every class.

Why study Sustainable Development at Utrecht University?

Studying Sustainable Development at Utrecht University has several advantages and benefits:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: The program integrates social and (bio)physical sciences, providing a holistic understanding of sustainability challenges. This equips you to collaborate across fields and develop innovative solutions.
• Specialized Tracks: Choose from four distinct tracks to tailor your education.
• Problem-Oriented Education: A hands-on, problem-solving approach fosters active learning and critical thinking, preparing you for real-world challenges.
• Renowned Research Institute: Strong ties to the Copernicus Institute provide access to cutting-edge research and an extensive expert network.
• Diverse, International Community: Students from varied backgrounds and nationalities create a multicultural learning environment, enriching peer interactions and perspectives on global issues