Environment and Society Studies

The Master’s program in Environment and Society Studies at Radboud University offers students a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education aimed at understanding the complex relationships between human societies and the natural environment. This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about addressing environmental challenges through a sociological, cultural, and policy-oriented perspective. Throughout the program, students explore critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable development, and environmental justice, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, encouraging students to critically analyze how societal structures, cultural values, and economic systems influence environmental outcomes. Core courses cover topics like environmental governance, social perceptions of nature, sustainability policy, and environmental communication. Students are also given the opportunity to specialize in areas such as environmental psychology, anthropology, or policy analysis, tailoring their education to their specific interests and career goals.

Radboud University emphasizes a participatory learning environment, including group projects, fieldwork, guest lectures, and internships with organizations and policymakers involved in environmental issues. The program fosters a global perspective, preparing graduates to work effectively in international contexts and multicultural settings. Graduates of the Environment and Society Studies program often pursue careers in environmental consultancy, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, or academic research. The program also provides a solid foundation for further academic studies, such as a PhD in environmental social sciences.

Located in Nijmegen, the university offers a vibrant student community and access to a network of professionals and researchers dedicated to sustainability and social sciences. The program promotes critical thinking, ethical reflection, and active citizenship, empowering students to become responsible leaders in tackling environmental challenges locally and globally. Graduates leave equipped with multidisciplinary knowledge, analytical skills, and a commitment to sustainable development, ready to contribute meaningfully to creating a more sustainable and equitable world.

• Foundations of Language and Communication
• Corpus and Experimental Methods
• Research Orientation
• Specialisation courses (Psycholinguistics, Language Acquisition, Language and speech technology, language and society, communication)
• Skills/methods electives
• Lab Rotations
• Term Paper
• Grant Proposal Writing
• Master's thesis

A completed Bachelor's degree

A Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies, in Linguistics, in a modern language or a related area. Your average grade during the second and third years of your BA studies has to have been at least a 7.5 and your Bachelor’s thesis had to have received a grade of at least 8.0. (Grades in the Netherlands are out of 10. For more information see Conversion of international grades). Your Bachelor's thesis or a dedicated research proposal will also need to demonstrate that you’re sufficiently talented for scientific research.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to be fluent in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of >=600 (paper based) or >=100 (internet based)
• A IELTS score of >=7.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Strong motivation

You have to be able to demonstrate your motivation for and affinity with international academic research. A selection committee will evaluate the motivation of each applicant separately.

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), 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 (€2,083 in 2019/2020). 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 (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

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 Environment and Society Studies program at Radboud University is designed to examine the complex relationships between human societies and the natural environment. The program offers students a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, integrating perspectives from social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable development, environmental policy, societal change, and the ethical dimensions of environmental challenges. Students explore topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental justice, and resource management, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program encourages critical thinking and active engagement with local and global environmental issues through research projects, fieldwork, and internships. Radboud University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches ensures that graduates are well-equipped to develop innovative solutions for sustainable futures. Educational activities include lectures, seminars, group discussions, and individual assignments, fostering collaborative learning and intellectual flexibility. The diverse student body and international staff provide a vibrant academic environment, supporting cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in environmental consultancy, policy-making, NGOs, research institutions, and sustainable development organizations. The program’s unique combination of social sciences and environmental sciences aims to produce graduates who are able to influence policy and effect positive change in society. Additionally, the university’s strong connections with environmental organizations and government agencies offer students valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships and collaborative projects. The Environment and Society Studies program also emphasizes ethical considerations and social responsibility, preparing students to address pressing environmental challenges responsibly. Overall, this program at Radboud University aims to develop knowledgeable, skilled, and committed individuals capable of contributing effectively to environmental sustainability and societal well-being at both local and global levels.