Overview

Industrial Ecology : the science of sustainability 

Our planet needs urgent solutions to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and other environmental threats. Sustainability is key to tackling those global challenges, and this is where Industrial Ecology (IE) comes in. One could define IE as the ensemble of methods to systematically assess the interactions between human activities and the environment, offering a holistic and practical approach towards sustainability. As the science of sustainability, Industrial Ecology focuses on optimising resource use, minimising waste, and reducing environmental impact across the life cycle of products and processes.

Now more than ever, our MSc programme is crucial in finding an answer to the needs of both the planet and society. With the effects of environmental change on our societies becoming more evident to businesses and governments, demand for our graduates continues to rise in the job market.

The interdisciplinary programme, offered jointly by Leiden University and TU Delft, is a true powerhouse for sustainability solutions. As a student you will acquire essential knowledge and tools, while being part of a closely-knit international academic community with shared values and a shared purpose.

What you will learn

After graduating you are able to analyse sustainability challenges, to create and initiate innovative technological and socio-cultural solutions, and to apply tools and strategies for implementation of these solutions. You have learned to think in systems as opposed to focusing on individual products or processes, which facilitates the development of positive, system-changing solutions. Moreover, you are able to combine the analytical focus of a natural scientist with the problem-solving capacity of an engineer and reflective capacity of a social scientist. This places you in an ideal position to bridge differences between stakeholders and to balance conflicting interests.

As environmental and ecological changes and their impact become more urgent, demand for Industrial Ecology experts is rising. As an Industrial Ecologist you will possess the interdisciplinary perspective and skill set needed to drive the transition to a more sustainable future. After graduation, you will therefore have the chance to make a meaningful impact.

Career prospects

An MSc degree in Industrial Ecology proves to be an excellent basis for a meaningful career. Our alumni find jobs at consulting agencies, research institutes, service companies, multinationals, governmental departments, non-governmental organisations, universities, and elsewhere. Many of them are engaged in activities designed to encourage people at all levels of society to adopt sustainable practices and to initiate change in existing patterns of production and consumption.

Examples of jobs

• Environmental specialist
• Researcher
• Sustainability consultant
• Sustainability analyst
• Advisor circular economy
• Consultant energy transition
• Policy officer
• Environmental analyst

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.