Global Environment and Sustainability

The Master's programme in Global Environment and Sustainability at Radboud University is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by our planet today. This programme offers a unique integration of environmental sciences, social sciences, and policy analysis, allowing students to develop a holistic understanding of the complex interactions between human societies and natural ecosystems. Throughout the programme, students will explore topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable development, environmental policy, and resource management. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, NGOs, and the private sector. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, case studies, and fieldwork, leading to a deeper understanding of real-world environmental issues. The programme also offers specializations and elective courses that enable students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. With a strong focus on international perspectives and global challenges, the Master's in Global Environment and Sustainability aims to foster environmentally responsible leaders who can contribute to creating sustainable solutions for a resilient future. The university's commitment to sustainability and research excellence ensures that students benefit from cutting-edge knowledge and innovative approaches to environmental problem-solving. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to work on sustainable development initiatives, environmental consulting, policy advising, and academia, making meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable and equitable world.

The Master’s programme in Global Environment and Sustainability at Radboud University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental challenges on a global scale. This programme combines insights from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to foster a holistic understanding of sustainability issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and environmental justice. Throughout the programme, students explore the scientific principles underlying environmental processes, as well as the socio-economic and political factors that influence environmental decision-making and policy development.

The curriculum includes courses on global environmental challenges, sustainable development, environmental governance, and responsible resource management. Students learn to analyze environmental problems from multiple perspectives and develop innovative solutions that are both scientifically sound and socially acceptable. Emphasis is placed on practical skills such as environmental assessment, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The programme also provides opportunities for fieldwork, project work, and internships, enabling students to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts.

Collaboration and intercultural competence are core components of the curriculum, preparing students to work effectively in international and multicultural teams. The programme is aimed at those passionate about making a positive impact on the planet and seeking to develop a career in environmental policy, consultancy, research, or advocacy. Graduates of the programme are equipped to contribute to sustainable development goals at local, national, and global levels, promoting environmental integrity and social equity. With a flexible structure and a variety of specializations, the Master’s in Global Environment and Sustainability at Radboud University offers a rigorous academic experience combined with practical relevance, empowering students to become effective change-makers in the field of sustainability.

A completed academic Bachelor's degree

In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Spatial Planning, Human Geography, or another related discipline.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers* of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or need one of the following certificates:

• A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
• An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no lower than 6.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

A background in research methodology

Because of the academic nature of this programme, we require all our students to have basic training in research processes, e.g. research design and data analysis.

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The MSc in Global Environment and Sustainability at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to address pressing global environmental challenges. The curriculum integrates perspectives from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, enabling students to understand complex sustainability issues from multiple angles. Students explore topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, pollution, and sustainable development. The programme emphasizes both theoretical understanding and real-world application, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions through project-based learning, case studies, and collaborative research.

Throughout the programme, students gain critical insight into environmental policies, international agreements, and sustainable practices implemented across different sectors and regions. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, social justice, and community involvement in promoting sustainability. Students can choose specializations aligned with their career interests, including policy analysis, environmental management, or social innovation. The teaching staff comprises experts from diverse disciplines, fostering an interdisciplinary learning environment.

Radboud University provides state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic community, supporting students in engaging with real-world sustainability challenges. The programme often includes internships, field trips, and collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance experiential learning. Graduates of the MSc in Global Environment and Sustainability are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, policy-making, advocacy, research, and international organizations. They are equipped with the critical thinking skills, technical knowledge, and ethical sensibilities necessary to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts. The programme promotes a holistic understanding of environmental issues, encouraging students to become proactive agents of change in creating a more sustainable future.