Matthew de Ruijter

2nd year student

''My interest in sustainability began during my Bachelor's, particularly through a course on urban sustainability. This led me to pursue a Sustainable Development minor, which deepened my interest in the field. I became especially motivated to focus on quantifying sustainability to identify environmental hotspots and improve product systems. I chose this particular master’s programme because it offers courses such as Life Cycle Assessment, Material Flow Analysis, and Environmental Input-Output Analysis—powerful tools for assessing the sustainability of systems. This focus on sustainability quantification is, in my view, one of the programme’s most unique strengths. It allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests. In my case, I chose to specialise in sustainability assessment using methodologies developed at Leiden University. At the same time, the programme also supports specialisation in other areas, such as energy transitions, water resource management, and social sustainability, providing a broad yet flexible foundation for diverse career paths.

Furthermore, I find this master’s programme particularly unique because of its interdisciplinary nature, jointly offered by Leiden University and TU Delft. Studying within this dual-university structure not only gave me access to a broad range of skills and perspectives but also exposed me to a diverse group of students. This diversity encouraged me to become more open-minded and to appreciate different approaches to problem-solving—an asset in any professional environment. 

Lastly, I truly cherish the student community within the programme. It brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared commitment to making the world a better place. What I value most is the genuine care students show for one another’s well-being—offering support through both the highs and lows of the academic journey. This strong sense of connection and mutual support made my Master's experience truly unforgettable. Whether through social events or collaborative group projects, I look back with a smile on the meaningful conversations, shared memories, and valuable advice exchanged among peers throughout the programme.'' Matthew de Ruijter – 2ndyear student Background: BA Urban Studies, Leiden University & Minor Sustainable Development, Leiden University

Lorette Gallois

2nd year student

''Coming from an inter-disciplinary bachelor programme, I was eager to learn more specific tools to tackle sustainability challenges, tools that can quantify the socio-environmental impacts of various industries in diverse sectors, and on different scales. And that is exactly what the Leiden University and TU Delft MSc Industrial Ecology programme offered. On top of deepening my knowledge and skills on the required social, economic, and environmental transitions our world needs, and the possible solutions to achieve them, I got to meet and work with passionate and driven students, professors, and stakeholders outside the university. If you are looking for a programme that will provide you with a strong sustainability tool-box and surround yourself with motivated peers, look no further!'' Lorette Gallois – 2nd year student Background: Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges (Leiden University College)

Erdem Ertürk

1st year student

''I was always curious about studying in the Netherlands due to the focus on the circular economy and sustainable business models. Companies like Fairphone, Triodos, MUD Jeans and Swapfiets, to name a few, made me aware of how advanced businesses are in the transition towards alternative practices. Also, I had the opportunity to discover the country during an Interrail trip and appreciated the proximity of cities in the Randstad area, as well as being mobile by bike. After my Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering and Management, I was looking for a programme which set itself apart from the ‘mainstream’ and covered topics related to the circular economy. I never heard of the school of Industrial Ecology and became only aware through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s on Circular Economy.

Life in the Netherlands can be both tough and rewarding; the former due to finding housing and higher costs for mobility. The latter due to the short travel time and accessibility of cities like Leiden, The Hague and Delft, where my everyday routine is concentrated. I have the opportunity to both follow my interests and hobbies, and take inspiring courses from a variety of disciplines. Which is also in my eyes one of the key strengths of the Industrial Ecology programme. Since students are given the freedom to elect courses between Leiden University and TU Delft, individual preferences can be followed and expertise in desired areas built. Facing the study work load in a quarter can be and is challenging; it is nevertheless reassuring that coordinators, advisors and teachers in the programme are flexible in adapting deadlines and supporting students in their learning experiences as much as they can. As an Industrial Ecology Master’s student one is part of a big family, with people from diverse backgrounds, open to socialize and share thoughts and feelings. It is always a nice occasion to meet fellow students in the different cities and have a chat. Also finding people who share one’s passions, which led in my case to founding the Industrial Ecology band ‘Entropic Groove’. The student association ‘Shift’ offers many opportunities to engage and connect beyond Industrial Ecology, learning for one’s personal, academic and professional life. And above all, enjoying student life!

This is why Industrial Ecology is the best match for curious, diverse and critically thinking people who want to learn more about methods and tools to grasp and analyze sustainability in its various dimensions.'' Erdem Ertürk – 1st year student Background: BSc Industrial Engineering and Management, Technische Universität Berlin