Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

The PhD program in Environmental Geography at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam focuses on understanding the intricate interactions between land systems, ecosystems, and food systems and their relationship with human activities over time and space. Students will join an international research community, honing their skills in mapping, modeling, and analyzing socio-ecological changes.

What you'll study

PhD candidates will engage with the department's key research themes, which include:

• Socio-ecological system mapping and modeling
• Trade-offs between climate, biodiversity, and ecosystem services
• Land system change and sustainability transformations
• Sustainable land management and urban environments

The program structure is research-led and includes components such as:

• Research proposal and project design: Collaborate with supervisors to refine your research topic, questions, and methodology.
• Method development and data work: Gather, process, and analyze relevant spatial and qualitative data.
• Academic training: Enhance your research and academic writing skills through various departmental activities.
• Progress milestones: Engage in regular supervision meetings and formal progress reviews.
• Dissemination: Present your findings at seminars and conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Thesis: Complete a doctoral dissertation based on original research.

Research examples from the department include land use studies in diverse contexts such as woodlands in Kenya, traditional landscapes in Greece, tiger habitats in Cambodia, and urban green spaces in the Netherlands.

Entry requirements

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification in relevant fields such as geography, environmental sciences, earth sciences, spatial sciences, or related disciplines. There is no specific GRE/GMAT requirement for this program.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Environmental Geography PhD program can pursue diverse career paths in academia, research institutions, governmental agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. Opportunities may include roles in environmental consultancy, urban planning, policy development, and sustainable resource management, contributing to critical discussions on sustainability and environmental challenges globally.