Governance of Sustainability (MSc)

Programme structure

Four environmental sustainability themes help structure the first learning line. The themes are closely linked to the Triple Planetary Crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. They are: 1) Materials and Circular Economy, 2) Biodiversity and Ecosystems, 3) Climate and Energy, and 4) Water and Toxicity.

Four themes are also central in the learning line on governance: 1. Institutions and policy cycles, 2. Decision-making and Governance networks, 3) Global governance and Multi-level analysis, and 4) Policy framing and Wicked problems. In each of these themes, the interplay between the different key actors such as scientific experts, citizens, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), policy advisors, politicians, and companies is central.

The two learning lines come together in each of the four thematic courses, in which we match the governance themes to the four sustainability themes. However, all themes can in principle be ‘mixed and matched’, something the students are challenged to do in the Sustainability Challenge and Thesis Research Project in the second year. 

The skills learning line is showcased throughout all courses, but especially in the dedicated transdisciplinary skills, qualitative research skills and quantitative research skills courses. Throughout the programme, we emphasize specific research skills (programming, GIS) as well as interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary skills. Interdisciplinary skills involve bridging different scientific disciplines and connecting the solution to the root of the sustainability problem. Transdisciplinary skills relate to collaborating with non-academic stakeholders, facilitating co-production between different knowledge holders, and participating in the science-policy interface.

The structure of the programme, as well as the amount of ECTS per course, can be found below. Note that the courses of Year 1 are taught one at a time, in a ‘block’ structure. This allows you to have a more immersive experience. Second-year courses are provided in parallel, due to the combination with electives and the semester-long Sustainability Challenge course.

For an up-to-date course overview, please visit the Prospectus.