Bachelor of Science in Global Sustainability Science
Utrecht University
Key Information
Campus location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* EU/EEA, Surinam or Swiss students; €14,000: International students
Scholarships
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Introduction
In the Global Sustainability Science program, you learn how to develop solutions to sustainability issues. This involves studying the interaction between humans and nature at the local, regional, and global levels. The program 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 program 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.
Select a track or put together your own
What’s special about this Bachelor’s is that, after the first year, you have the option of selecting one of four tracks, depending on the specific balance you’d like to have between the natural and the social sciences. Since we certainly don’t want to limit your ambition, you can also put together your own track or choose other subjects, both within and outside this Bachelor.
A balance between natural and social science subjects
The program 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 program also stresses teamwork and communications. You learn how to set up your own research, to work individually and in teams, and to advise organizations as a consultant. If you satisfy the profile, then you’re sufficiently qualified to take all the courses in this three-year Bachelor’s program.
Curriculum
Broad and in-depth program
Over the three years, you become acquainted with a number of subjects, organizing your own research, working in teams, and providing advice. You acquire a broad basis that will allow you to define what Master’s program you’d like to pursue subsequently. But a broad program 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. Moreover, after your first year, you’ll be choosing one of four tracks so as to acquire extra in-depth knowledge.
The four tracks laid out for you are:
- Water, Climate & Ecosystems - consequences of climate change for humans, animals, and plants
- Energy & Resources - solutions for the sustainable production and consumption of energy and resources
- Governance & Societal Transformation -societal and policy processes and the influences on sustainable choice behavior
- Business & Innovation - innovation processes related to sustainability within and between organizations
Career Opportunities
A Profession of the Future
Governments and businesses are increasingly putting sustainability on their agendas. They need people with your qualifications badly. This new program provides you with a fantastic basis for an international career, which will be the envy of many. As a broadly trained interlocutor, bridge-builder and problem-solver, you’re thoroughly competent and knowledgeable. You can analyze issues, grasp them from a variety of perspectives, and formulate solidly-grounded conclusions. Your line of reasoning has an impact on organizations and on people with conflicting interests. You’re able to bring them together. Not only thanks to your expertise but also because you communicate clearly and are an excellent team player. You can really achieve something great!
Managers and administrators of private and government organizations need consultants like you to help develop sustainability policies or organize sustainable production chains. You might also set up your own sustainable production chain, webshop, or international sustainability consultancy.
Perhaps in the future, you’ll become a ‘Healthy Water Specialist’, ‘Sustainable Business Inspirator’, or ‘Nature-People Mediator’. You can of course also contribute to furthering sustainability by becoming a researcher/scientist.