This Master's programme in Environment and Society Studies focuses on the way society deals with its physical environment.
We’ll look at the experiences that countries from all around the globe have had, and we will examine both the best and the worst practices. We’ll examine the role played by markets and governments as well as society itself. Within the Master's Environment and Society Studies, you have a choice between four Master's specialisations.
Something for you?
- You will be challenged to rethink our current economic structures and to explore alternatives for a more sustainable economy. For example, we will discuss the doughnut economy, issues of degrowth, post-growth and green growth, or the prospects of the circular economy.
- Particular attention is paid to innovation: not just technological innovation but also to innovating manufacturing processes and new business models.
- A major focus is placed on policies and the social-organisational aspects of change in businesses.
After your studies:
After completion, you will be equipped with skills to analyse and design policy change for sustainability, to facilitate collaboration between different parties, to write policy documents or strategic plans on environment and society. Among others, you will have the ability to become:
- Environmental practitioner or consultant
- Sustainability advisor in businesses
- Policy-maker in a government setting
- Academic researcher or analyst
Possible occupations:
- Policy-maker at a national government
- Environmental practitioner
- Academic researcher
Possible specialisations:
- Corporate Sustainability: The private sector plays a crucial role in shaping our sustainable society. In this specialisation you'll study innovative environmental partnerships, specifically focusing on the role of the societal and ethical responsibility of business and the market with regards to the environment.
- European Spatial and Environmental Planning: This specialisation will teach you to become a spatial planner who can engage with EU policies, cooperate with planners across borders and coordinate with other sectors such as environment and economic development.
- Global Environment and Sustainability: In this specialisation, you'll study the way complex global sustainability issues are addressed by international governance arrangements, rules and organisations, both public and private. Among the pressing issues are those related to climate change, biodiversity and water quality.
- Local Environmental Change and Sustainable Cities: In this specialisation you'll focus on the local level of sustainable transformations, in particular the development of sustainable cities and regions. You'll analyse and reflect on sustainable futures, measures and instruments.