Our environment is increasingly affected by human impact. To protect it, we need skilled professionals that can manage landscapes and geo-ecosystems for the benefit of future generations. This requires in-depth knowledge of environmental systems and the ability to work together in interdisciplinary teams and to deal with transitions in relation to global change.
Environmental Management is a two-year programme (120 EC) with 30-36 EC dedicated to compulsory courses, an independent Master’s research project (36 EC) as well as an internship in corporate consultancy, civil society or a governmental organisation (at least 18EC).
An additional 30-36 EC can be devoted to either elective courses or a minor (Science for Sustainability minor is recommended).
* mandatory with enrolment in September, elective with enrolment in February
** mandatory with enrolment in February, elective with enrolment in September
* mandatory with enrolment in September, elective with enrolment in February
** mandatory with enrolment in February, elective with enrolment in September
You can also choose from selected courses from other programmes, such as: Biogeochemical cycles (6 EC), Environments through Time (6 EC), Science Based Geo-ecosystem Management (6 EC), Metropole Ecology (6 EC), Ecotoxicology and Environmental Chemistry (6 EC).
The Master’s thesis research project is literally your masterpiece. It is an independent research project supervised by an expert. The topic of your research is preferably closely linked to the research of the group but can also be chosen freely as long as an expert on the topic can be found to supervise you. During the period that you are working on your research project you will be a member of a research group to optimise communication with your peers and supervisors, to provide you with a broader perspective by being involved in other research as well, and to facilitate you in developing your professional network.
Environmental Management works across disciplines and is firmly embedded in the interdisciplinary Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) which covers high quality research on earth surface science, ecology, environmental chemistry, (soil-)chemical analytics and modelling, but MSc thesis research can also be carried out at partner institutions.
All students enrolled in Earth Sciences are requested to bring their own laptop, due to the nature of the programme. More information on specific system requirements can be found here.
At the UvA you can choose to do your Master’s programme with a society-/ business-oriented major or minor that focuses on other skills than doing research. In this case you will follow the programme of your chosen scientific discipline during the first year of your Master’s (although slightly adjusted), and a society-/ business-oriented major or minor during the second year. You will graduate as a Master of Science. If you have the ambition to do a professional specialisation make sure to inform about conditions early in your Master's programme.
This track is a specialisation of the UvA Master's programme Earth Sciences, which has been accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that upon successful completion of the programme (a total of 120 EC), you will receive a legally recognised Master's degree in Earth Sciences and the title Master of Science (MSc).