Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with the Master’s program in Earth Sciences - Global Environmental Change and Policy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This interdisciplinary course delves into the intricate relationships between Earth's systems, climate, land use, ecosystems, and environmental risks. By bridging scientific insights with policy and governance, this program prepares you to address pressing global environmental challenges and formulate evidence-based solutions.

What you'll study

The curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of global environmental change through a blend of core courses and practical research training. Key areas of focus include:

• Challenges and Solutions for Global Environmental Change and Policy
• Climate Systems
• Environmental Policy for Global Environmental Change and Policy
• Land Use Change and Ecosystems
• Methods of Environment and Resource Management
• Methods of Global Environmental Change
• Designing Interdisciplinary Research

Capstone Research Component: The program culminates in an applied research project where you will integrate scientific methods with policy-relevant inquiries, providing a practical framework for addressing environmental issues.

Entry requirements

To be considered for this program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

General Requirements

Your educational background should be equivalent to a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, typically with a duration of three years.

Program-specific Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences or a closely related field.
• Understanding of essential Earth-science processes, including interactions within the Earth system.
• Demonstrated academic skills, such as analytical and critical thinking, and proficiency in scientific writing, ideally shown through a Bachelor’s thesis or similar work.
• Basic programming skills.
• Fundamental GIS skills.

Note: Applicants with a closely related background may still be considered if their coursework and skills align well with the program objectives.

Career prospects

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths in environmental policy, research, and management. Potential roles include environmental consultants, policy analysts, researchers, and government advisors, among others. With the growing emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience, the demand for professionals skilled in both science and policy is on the rise, offering a wealth of opportunities for impactful careers in the field of environmental change.