Environment and Society Studies

The Master's specialisation 'European spatial and environmental planning' prepares for a career in the area of strategic spatial planning and European spatial planning and territorial cooperation.

The spatial impacts of European Union policy are visible wherever we look. Transnational transport connections, such as the Öresund bridge, or nature protection through the Natura2000 network, are examples of the influence of EU policy on land use patterns in our regions. The freedoms of the Single European Market give EU citizens the right to work and to buy a house in another country, and companies the opportunity to settle anywhere in the EU. The globalisation of the economy and increasing interlinkages between regions have led to a growth in transport volumes across the EU, as exemplified by recent expansions of many European airports. Many of these EU developments have considerable spatial and environmental implications.

This international and European dimension to spatial and environmental planning in the nations and regions of the EU is the focus of our full-time international Master specialisation on 'European spatial and environmental planning' (ESEP).

The Master's in European spatial and environmental planning is a specialistion of the Master's programme in Human Geography.

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You will study the way issues of complex global sustainability are addressed by international governance arrangements, rules and organisations, both public and private.

In the Master's specialisation in Global Environment and Sustainability you'll gain the required knowledge of the economic, political, ethical and societal dimensions shaping environmental problems and possible solutions in a globalising world. You'll be introduced to the latest scientific insights, which will be illustrated with numerous examples of how countries all over the world tackle these problems and the various interests at play.

This specialisation focuses on the relationships between global players like international institutions, multinational companies, environmental organisations and the regimes that govern over the world's natural resources. Of course, this involves understanding what the major environmental treaties like the Treaty of Lisbon and the Kyoto-protocol are based upon as well as how these climate policies are developed. But it also includes understanding how agreements and partnerships between, for example, NGOs and corporations operate.

Global Environment and Sustainability is a specialisation of the Master's programme Environment and Society Studies.

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In this specialisaton you study innovations and socio-economic transformations that enhance an environmentally sustainable economy, in particular affects the role of business and the market.

More and more businesses believe they have a responsibility to tackle environmental challenges and, indeed, do so. But how can all businesses be forced to think of both planet and profit? Does it work best when the pressure comes directly from governance in the form of economic sanctions and legislation? Or is it better that the pressure comes from consumers demanding sustainability?

In this Master's, you will learn about behavioural economics, organisational studies and innovation management as well as about different environmentally sustainable economies. Examples of sustainable economy include the we-economy, the bio-economy, the circular economy and the sharing economy. Another crucial question is whether these can exist in the current market where the main focus lies on economic growth.

Because of the attention given to both strategy and policy, you'll be able to work as an advisor for both the private and public sector. You could help governmental organisations and NGOs stimulate companies and consumers to make the needed change.

The Master's in Corporate Sustainability is a specialisation of the Master's in Environment and Society Studies.

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