Governance of Sustainability (MSc)
Why Leiden University?
We offer a unique master’s programme because it places equal importance on environmental sustainability and governance perspectives. All core courses are co-developed and co-taught by staff from two different faculties. Combined with the extensive skillset and the explicit focus on inter- and transdisciplinarity, this programme will set up motivated students to become the change agents that are urgently needed.
The concept of Environmental Sustainability
Over the past three decades, the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development have evolved in response to increasing global ecological and social challenges. Nowadays the field of sustainability has gained significant institutional momentum. To be solved, each of these (interrelated) aspects of sustainability demands a transdisciplinary approach, bringing together knowledge of natural and social sciences. Hence, we need to educate ‘change agents’ to make the transition to a sustainable society happen.
Collaboration between two faculties
The master’s programme Governance of Sustainability is offered as a collaboration between two institutes: the Institute of Environmental Sciences (Faculty of Science) and the Institute of Public Administration (Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs). The Institute of Environmental Sciences is a centre of excellence for strategic and quantitative research and education on sustainable use and governance of natural resources and biodiversity. The Institute of Public Administration combines a solid international academic reputation with a central position among the international, national and regional and local governance institutions of The Hague.
Education in The Hague
The Governance of Sustainability programme is based at the campus The Hague. The Hague is the seat of the Dutch Government and is known worldwide as the international city of Peace and Justice. As such, it hosts a number of UN institutions, as well as a number of important international organisations. These conditions render The Hague the best location to study Governance of Sustainability.
Faculty of Science
The Leiden University Faculty of Science is a first-class research faculty with an excellent position in the fundamental disciplines of science. The current research and education programmes cover the entire spectrum of science, including Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, and Environmental Sciences. Our science community is driven by their curiosity and desire to increase basic knowledge for science and to contribute to the great societal challenges of today and tomorrow. Our core values are scientific impact, technological innovation and societal relevance.
Study at the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs
The Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) is Leiden University’s youngest faculty, launched in response to increasingly urgent socio-cultural issues. The FGGA is an internationally acclaimed academic knowledge hub that studies world-wide issues from the perspectives of governance, politics, law, sociology and economics. FGGA is active in its quest for multidisciplinary academic networks; through its academic institutes and knowledge centres, FGGA contributes to far-reaching socio-cultural debates.
Study at a world-class university
At Leiden University, you choose a master’s degree with impact. You study at a university with a strong international reputation and high-quality research, where academic freedom and critical thinking are at the core. Our master’s programmes offer intellectually challenging curricula with a wide range of courses and specialisations, allowing you to explore what truly interests you while preparing for a strong position in the job market. You become part of an international and diverse community, collaborating with students and academics from around the world. At the same time, you study in a personal and close-knit environment in Leiden and The Hague, where the atmosphere remains engaging and supportive. With a strong connection between education, research and societal challenges, you contribute to solutions for the issues of today and tomorrow – while shaping your own future.
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