Industrial Ecology (MSc)
Do you deeply care about our planet and are you eager to make a real change? Then our two-year MSc programme Industrial Ecology may be the place for you. The interdisciplinary programme, offered jointly by Leiden University and TU Delft, is a true powerhouse for sustainability solutions. As a student you will acquire essential knowledge and tools, while being part of a closely-knit international academic community with shared values and a shared purpose.
What does this master’s programme entail?
Industrial Ecology: the science of sustainability
Our planet needs urgent solutions to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and other environmental threats. Sustainability is key to tackling those global challenges, and this is where Industrial Ecology (IE) comes in. One could define IE as the ensemble of methods to systematically assess the interactions between human activities and the environment, offering a holistic and practical approach towards sustainability. As the science of sustainability, Industrial Ecology focuses on optimising resource use, minimising waste, and reducing environmental impact across the life cycle of products and processes.
Now more than ever, our MSc programme is crucial in finding an answer to the needs of both the planet and society. With the effects of environmental change on our societies becoming more evident to businesses and governments, demand for our graduates continues to rise in the job market.
Read more about our Industrial Ecology programme.
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Watch the video on the original website orSystems-thinking
Industrial Ecology explores the interactions between social systems and the natural environment. As a student, you will gain insights into how earth’s systems, socio-economic structures, and technical processes work. You will learn to become a systems-thinker, which is a crucial skill for designing sustainable solutions and assessing their impacts. Read more about examples of challenges you will work on during your studies.
Interdisciplinary programme
Today’s sustainability challenges are extremely complex, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Take, for instance, the diverse, and sometimes conflicting interests of stakeholders. Or the fact that environmental impact does not exist in isolation but transcends borders. This complexity can only be tackled by integrating various fields of expertise and differing perspectives to achieve a holistic understanding of the best way to go forward.
The MSc in Industrial Ecology recognises this need for integrated knowledge, experience, methods and insights, bringing together three scientific disciplines:
- Natural sciences
- Social sciences
- Engineering sciences
The three disciplines strengthen and complement each other. Throughout this master’s programme, you will be encouraged to develop a multi-faceted perspective on sustainability. At the same time, you will gain broad expertise and will be equipped with the tools that are needed in the transition towards a sustainable society. During the programme’s two-year duration, you will be able to specialise and focus on one of the three disciplines or to continue your expertise development in all three.
A programme offered by two universities
The MSc in Industrial Ecology is a unique collaboration between two renowned institutions: Leiden University and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). Both universities are internationally recognised hubs of Industrial Ecology research and sustainability expertise. As a student, you will benefit from this wealth of knowledge, whether selecting electives or finding an expert supervisor for your thesis project. Upon graduation, you will receive a joint degree, officially awarded by both universities. Read more about the set-up of the programme and teaching and research in both locations.
Customisable programme
The first year of this two-year master’s programme offers a strong academic foundation, in which you will be acquainted with Industrial Ecology’s main research agenda, methods, and tools. From the second semester onwards, you can tailor your studies by choosing from a wide range of elective courses. Whether you’re interested in circular economy strategies, sustainable energy systems, or climate policy, this flexibility allows you to shape the programme to match your interests and previous education. This freedom of choice is one of the distinctive features of the MSc Industrial Ecology, allowing you to develop both broad and specialised sustainability expertise.
Read more about the programme.
Be part of our community
Our students and teachers come from different countries and academic backgrounds, including environmental sciences, social sciences, and engineering. You will find that this international and interdisciplinary mix enriches your learning experience. Teachers and students have a shared commitment to developing solutions and making a real impact on the world’s future, which creates an inspiring community spirit.
8 reasons to choose Industrial Ecology in Leiden and Delft
1. Teaching by internationally renowned experts at two world-class universities, who bring their cutting-edge research into the classroom.
2. An interdisciplinary approach that provides broad knowledge across various aspects of sustainability, enabling you to make a real impact in the field.
3. A highly customisable programme, that lets you follow your own interests and ambitions. Of course, guidance is available to help you specialise in your chosen path.
4. A strong sense of community and shared purpose and commitment among students and faculty, where diverse cultural backgrounds enhance collaboration.
5. Highly interactive classes and focusing on theory as well as hands-on practice.
6. Seminars in small groups with plenty of room for personal attention and development.
7. A solid preparation for the job market with sustainability expertise and tools, combined with in-demand skills like critical and creative thinking, systems thinking, programming, presentation, teamwork, and project management.
8. Opportunities for collaboration with third parties, such as national or international partner universities, NGOs, industrial partners and government institutes. You can also spend a semester abroad at a partner university.
Find more reasons to study Industrial Ecology at Leiden University.
Floor Broekman
2nd year student
''While orienting myself for a master's programme, I found myself worrying a lot about one of the most urgent challenges of our time: climate change. As I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Technology, Policy & Management, I became increasingly interested in our environment, the energy transition, and sustainable development. I knew that I wanted to learn more about this. In my bachelor’s studies, I learned to combine multiple disciplines and come up with solutions that are not only technically, but also socially and politically feasible. This interdisciplinary approach was also what drew me to the master’s in Industrial Ecology (IE), which adds an important focus on the environment. It felt like a logical next step.
Now, as I near the completion of IE, I’m confident that I made the right choice. The programme helped me build a better understanding of sustainability challenges. I learned the basics of our earth systems, developed new analytical skills, improved my modelling skills, and developed a more critical and systems-oriented way of thinking. Further, I enjoyed the hands-on projects where we tackled real-world problems, one of which was even in collaboration with a company. The programme also gives you enough space to choose what you want to learn. I chose to learn more hard skills, like calculating the environmental impacts of products throughout their lifetime.
Beyond academics, I really enjoy being part of the IE community that includes a variety of students from different backgrounds and disciplines. Everyone is bringing their own perspectives and ideas. I always feel supported by my fellow students and the programme’s staff. Being surrounded by passionate people who share values similar to mine has been incredibly motivating.'' Floor Broekman – 2nd year student Background: BSc Technische Bestuurskunde, Delft University of Technology (BSc Systems Engineering, Policy analysis and Management)
Industrial Ecology: the right master’s programme for you?
- Are you passionate about tackling global challenges such as climate change, the transition to renewable energy, the future of fossil fuels, resources management, circular economy, biodiversity loss, technological impacts, and behaviour change?
- Do you want to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future?
- Do you have a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, social sciences, or engineering sciences, and are you eager to integrate knowledge from all three fields?
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Are you ready to explore innovative, out-of-the-box solutions to real-world challenges?
If your answer is `yes’, then the Industrial Ecology MSc programme may be perfect for you!
Read more about the entry requirements for Industrial Ecology.
Chat with a student
Do you have a question about studying at Leiden University/TU Delft or student life in Leiden and Delft? Do you want more information about the Industrial Ecology master's programme? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!