Sustainable Development

Overview

Multidisciplinary perspective

The Sustainable Development  programme at Utrecht University  is suitable for candidates who want to study and solve societal sustainability issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. 

The programme is of particular interest to students who are willing to broaden their perspectives through collaboration and interaction with students who bring to the programme knowledge of other natural and social science disciplines. 

Specialise in one of four tracks

Following admission to this Master's programme you can choose one of four specialisation tracks based on your interests in the field. As well as working in your chosen track, you will work in research teams with fellow students from the other tracks. 

Tracks

• Energy and Materials - The transition to the sustainable use of energy and materials

• Environmental Change and Ecosystems - The suitable use of land and water

• Earth System Governance - Governing the social changes needed for an environmentally accountable society

• International Development - Sustainable development and living in the Global South

Sustainable development research

Our programme is closely affiliated with the  Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development,which is part of Utrecht University. The institute conducts research on a wide range of issues related to sustainable development. 

The cause and effect chains linking economic activities, ecological values and innovation serves as the point of departure for much of the research. Our research and teaching staff are active members of international networks and are at the forefront of their field.  

Programme Objective

Sustainable Development is the study of scientific solutions and societal interventions for an environmentally accountable society. This two-year Master’s programme educates the scientists of the future. As a graduate of this programme, you will be able to contribute to innovative environmental solutions and help build a sustainable society.

Career Prospects

The world needs people with comprehensive knowledge of environmental challenges. In this Master's programme you will become familiar with analytical and practical research skills, as well as strategies for intervention. 

This combination prepares you for a PhD programme or an academic-level position at consultancies, at research institutes, in government, in business or at NGOs. Our graduates work as first-class researchers in the field of sustainable development in academic and professional organisations. 

Accreditation

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