Study areasSustainability

What sustainability degree is right for me?

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Looking for a Master's in Sustainability? The University of Twente offers various degrees that can help you contribute to environmental change and global sustainability.

As a highly-ranked, technical university that places high value on innovations with societal impact, we continuously ask ourselves: how can we empower society through sustainable solutions, developments and innovations? If you are asking yourself the same question, then you have come to the right place! At the University of Twente, sustainability is a key theme in our study and research programmes. 

What sustainability degree is right for me? 

If you are interested in studying environmental sustainability, you may be wondering: what role do I want to fulfil in my future career? You might want to become an engineer who can lead the implementation of sustainable energy systems of the future, or you could become a change leader and focus on transition management from a sociotechnical, socioecological, or socioeconomic perspective. You could also become a remote sensing specialist, able to map out (the impact of) deforestation, melting sea ice, or natural disasters such as tsunamis and find solutions by using spatial data. Or what about becoming an expert in water technology, focusing on sustainable water supply, wastewater treatment or water pollution?

Whichever aspect of sustainability you would like to focus on in your master's: the University of Twente has got you covered!

What can I do with a master's in sustainability? 

The urgent need for climate action and the globally adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have raised the demand for experts in sustainable development in all kinds of sectors worldwide. And with new regulations and policies being implemented to combat climate change, governments as well as businesses are looking for experts that can help them address the challenges and opportunities of a more sustainable future. 

Of course, sustainability is a broad topic that can, and needs, to be tackled from a variety of perspectives. So if you are interested in pursuing a career in the sustainability area, there are a lot of options open to you, from engineering, management, consultancy, research positions and more. 

Jobs in sustainability

After obtaining a degree in sustainability, the list of jobs you can pursue in the global sustainability field is nearly endless and depends, of course, highly on the type of master's you have completed.

Students in front of a wind tunnel
Examples of jobs in sustainability our alumni hold
  1. Energy engineer
  2. Sustainability consultant
  3. Climate data analyst
  4. Wind turbine technician 
  5. Renewable energy consultant
  6. Water treatment specialist
  7. Environmental policy officer

Why study sustainability?

Increasing urbanisation, globalisation, and population and industry growth put a lot of pressure on natural systems, leading to the depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and problematic climate change. The growing impacts of human activities on the environment threaten not only the well-being of people and the planet today but also the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Action is crucial to develop and implement solutions that can contribute to an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future. But how can a study in sustainability help to address these challenges? 

Sustainability development issues can be seen as so-called 'wicked problems' that have no clear, one-size-fits-all solution. They are complex, multifaceted, and require multidisciplinary collaboration. This means that there are a lot of different expertise areas you can educate yourself in that can help you make a green impact, from engineering, environmental science, governance and public policy, business and management, and social, and behavioural sciences. Whichever angle you decide to take, at the University of Twente, you have many opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills in the field of global sustainability science. Studying at a leading, technology-driven university will give you a unique perspective on sustainability issues and the opportunity to build a more sustainable future with cutting-edge technologies and innovations.

Find your sustainability programme

Do you need support to find out which sustainability master's programme is right for you? Then get in touch with our Student Services support team. They are happy to help you! 

Also, there are great ways to learn more about a particular study such as an Online Open Day or an online meetup with a student. Go to the study choice calendar for an overview of activities to get to know a study better. And don't forget to sign up below for updates on our events.

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