Major
The courses below are 7,5 EC (unless indicated otherwise). The period (1/2/3/4) and time slot (A/B/C/D) are stated in parentheses per course, see schedules. You take 15 EC per period from different timeslots. You have to register for courses yourself.
Major
The major consists of compulsory courses (67.5 EC) and optional courses (52.5 EC). The optional courses are divided into four tracks. At the end of your first year you choose one track. This allows you to deepen your expertise and to focus on a theme that really interest you and best fits your talents. In the third year you also have to write a Bachelor's thesis (15 EC).
The compulsory courses of the major provide you with the necessary background knowledge in sustainability science; you will be trained in research methods and techniques to further develop your analytical skills, and you will apply your knowledge and analytical skills to sustainability problems in integration projects.
You take the following courses (67.5 EC):
Year 1
- GEO1-2410 Sustainability Challenges (1A/D)
- GEO1-2411 Mathematics and Systems Analysis GSS (1C)
- GEO1-2412 Natural Processes (2A)
- GEO1-2413 Foundations of Social Sciences for Sustainability (2B)
- GEO1-2415 Research Skills GSS (4B)
- GEO1-2416 Regional Integration Project (4A/D)
Year 2
- GEO2-2428 Statistics GSS (3D)
- GEO2-2417 Global Integration Project (4B)
Non-track specific courses (7.5 EC). Choose one out of two:
- GEO2-2142 Philosophy of Science and Ethics (2D/4D)
- GEO2-2429 Environmental Communication and Behaviour (2B)
Year 3
- GEO3-2423 Consultancy Project GSS (3B)
The track Water, Climate & Ecosystems focusses on the consequences of climate and land use changes for humans, animals and plants. Climate change has a big impact on the availability of water. The same applies to changing land use – for instance, when a plot of land is drained or is used to cultivate biofuels. The behaviour of humans and animals as well as government decisions, all impact natural systems. What does the past and today’s situation teach us? And what can we expect in the future?
Balance between various courses
- Natural science: 45%
- Social science: 10%
- Interdisciplinary courses: 45%
You take the following courses (22,5 EC):
Year 1
- GEO1-2206 Chemistry of the Environment (3B)
Year 2
- GEO2-2143 Global Climate Change (2C)
- GEO2-2131 Ecohydrology (4A/C)
Year 3
- GEO3-2422 Bachelor’s Thesis (15 EC) (4A/B/C/D)
Choose three courses (22,5 EC):
- GEO3-2419 Land Change Science (1A)
- GEO3-2140 Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation (1C)
- GEO3-2133 Integrated Water & Soil Management (2D)
- GEO3-2119 Environmental Chemistry and Health (2B)
- GEO3-2123 Environmental Impact Assessment (3C)
This track addresses the societal origins of sustainability questions, the transformations that are needed to make society more sustainable, and the strategies required to achieve this objective. This involves examining the role of government, international organisations, companies, social organisations and citizens.
Balance between various courses
- Natural science: 20%
- Social science: 30%
- Interdisciplinary courses: 50%
You take the following courses (22,5 EC):
Year 1
- GEO1-2414 Politics of the Earth (3C)
Year 2
- GEO2-2113 Policy Evaluation and Design (1D)
- GEO2-2424 Environmental Law (2A)
Year 3
- GEO3-2422 Bachelor’s Thesis (15 EC) (4A/B/C/D)
Choose three courses (22,5 EC):
- GEO3-2140 Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation (1C)
- GEO3-2420 Sustainable Energy Supply (1D)
- GEO3-2133 Integrated Water & Soil Management (2D)
- GEO3-2121 Sustainable Land Use (2C)
- GEO3-2123 Environmental Impact Assessment (3C)
Our current energy and resources system is not sustainable. A transformation to a sustainable energy and resources system that is affordable, safe, environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable is needed. This transformation is one of the greatest challenges of our society due to the sheer size and complexity of the energy and resources system and due to the profound impact of the energy and resources system on almost all processes in society.
Balance between various courses
- Natural science: 50%
- Social science: 10%
- Interdisciplinary courses: 40%
You take the following courses (22,5 EC):
Year 1
- GEO1-2203 Science of Energy Technologies (3A)
Year 2
- GEO2-2212 Applied Thermodynamics and Energy Conversions (1B)
- GEO2-2143 Global Climate Change (2C)
Year 3
- GEO3-2422 Bachelor’s Thesis (15 EC) (4A/B/C/D)
Choose three courses (22,5 EC):
- GEO3-2419 Land Change Science (1A)
- GEO3-2420 Sustainable Energy Supply (1D)
- GEO3-2421 Sustainable Resource Use (2A)
- GEO3-2223 Energy Analysis (2C)
- GEO3-2124 Life-Cycle Assessment (3A)
Technological development and innovation are important in solving a number of sustainability issues. Organisations play an key role here. Not only do they contribute to the development of innovative solutions, they themselves have an impact on the environment. Organisations and innovation, in the context of sustainability, are the core of this track.
Balance between various courses
- Natural science: 25%
- Social science: 40%
- Interdisciplinary courses: 35%
You take the following courses (22,5 EC):
Year 1
- GEO1-2255 Principles of Economics (3D)
Year 2
- GEO2-2418 Organisation and Innovation (1C)
- GEO2-2211 Economics of Innovation (3B)
Year 3
- GEO3-2422 Bachelor’s Thesis (15 EC) (4A/B/C/D)
Choose three courses (22,5 EC):
- GEO3-2122 Business, Sustainability and Innovation (1B)
- GEO3-2221 Innovation Strategies of Firms and Entrepreneurs (1D)
- GEO3-2421 Sustainable Resource Use (2A)
- GEO3-2223 Energy Analysis (2C)
- GEO3-2124 Life-Cycle Assessment (3A)
You also take courses in the optional course profile.
- At least 37,5 EC of the major must be level 2 courses.
- At least 45 EC of the major must be level 3 courses.
- Entry requirements may be set for each course, which means that a detailed description is given of the preliminary knowledge that is required for the course. You have to meet the entry requirements to participate in the course.
- Please take the entry requirements of the Master's programme you wish to do into consideration.
If you wish to deviate from the rules for choosing courses, you have to ask for approval beforehand from the Board of Examiners via OSIRIS Cases. Please motivate your choice.
The Bachelor's programme Global Sustainability Science prepares you well for the following Master's programmes at the Faculty of Geosciences:
- Energy Science
- Innovation Sciences
- Sustainable Business and Innovation
- Sustainable Development
- Water Science and Management
Other Master's programmes at Utrecht University that could be interesting are:
- Geografie: educatie en communicatie (in Dutch)
- Science Education and Communication
- Environmental Biology
- International Development Studies
- Earth Structure and Dynamics
- Earth Surface and Water
- Earth, Life and Climate
Read more on how to choose a Master's.
If you have any questions about choosing courses or if you have trouble with your study planning, please contact the Study Advisor.