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Sustainability Transitions

Discover how your creativity can contribute to solutions for societal challenges with this master's degree programme.

Master

Full-time

1 year

Starts in September

The Hague - Main Campus

English

Attend our information evening on October 16

subject to a positive accreditation decision by the NVAO Read more

Personen in overleg met laptop
Attend our information evening on October 16

subject to a positive accreditation decision by the NVAO Read more

Something for you?

How do you solve the societal sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow? In this full-time master’s programme, you’ll work on projects from your own professional environment. This allows you to learn to work in an interdisciplinary way, think critically, and make meaningful changes in systems, processes, and decision-making. 

Have you ever heard of ‘wicked problems’? These are the societal sustainability challenges we face today. They’re so complex that there is no single, clear-cut solution. You can’t solve them by viewing them from just one perspective. What’s needed is a multidisciplinary approach. In other words: zoom out first, then zoom in – and collaborate. That’s exactly what you’ll learn in our Master’s in Sustainability Transitions. 

In our Master’s in Sustainability Transitions, you’ll learn to think critically – to view issues through a range of expert lenses and from conflicting perspectives. You’ll consider the interests of various stakeholders, and of course, the influence of power on processes. It’s a challenge – because working across disciplines means accepting that no single person can see the full picture. That’s why we provide you with the tools to bring the right disciplines together and to tackle complex issues collaboratively. You’ll learn how to thrive in this complexity and how to make bold, effective decisions. 

The content of this programme teaches you to look at the world differently in order to find meaningful solutions. You’ll ask questions such as: Where does the status quo fail to contribute to a healthy world? And how can we change this for the better? This is how we confront tough sustainability challenges – with courage, with care, and with leadership. 

After completing this full-time Master’s in Sustainability Transitions, you’ll be part of the next generation of leaders tackling the immensely complex sustainability challenges of our time. 

Everything about admission

Admission requirements

hese are the requirements for this master’s programme:

  • You hold a relevant bachelor’s degree.
  • The programme will be fully in English, so a good command of the English language is required.
  • You have a clear interest in sustainability and complex societal challenges.
Entry advice

The part-time Master’s in Sustainability Transitions is suitable for graduates of any Applied Sciences University bachelor’s degree. The most important factor is that you have a strong passion for sustainability. We also ask you to demonstrate this.

Intake procedure

After your application, we will invite you for an intake interview with a lecturer from the programme. During this conversation, we will discuss your prior education, your passion for sustainability, and any relevant work experience. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Admission statements

No exceptions can be made to the official admission requirements. Only the Admissions team can make decisions about your eligibility based on the official rules. You cannot derive any rights from statements made by others regarding your eligibility or information on this website.

Why this programme?

  • The Master’s in Sustainability Transitions is hands-on
    You’ll be right in the thick of it. Around 80% of the time, you'll be actively working on real-world sustainability transitions.
  • You’ll learn to work across disciplines
    Your classmates will come from a variety of academic backgrounds. You’ll gain valuable experience collaborating in an interdisciplinary setting.
  • You can make a real impact in the sustainability transition 
    We’ll equip you with in-depth knowledge of sustainable development, environmental policy, and sustainability innovation – so you can truly make a difference.
  • Strong focus on personal leadership 
    Become the best version of yourself with coaching and personal development throughout the programme. 

Study choice activities

Join one of our study choice activities to find out if THUAS is the right fit for you.

groep studenten in atrium

Open Day

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Open Day

Is THUAS right for you? A visit to an Open Day is the perfect way to find out.

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Your time investment

8

Number of Hours (Work/Lectures) per Week

32

Number of self-study hours per week

1

Teaching days and time: Friday from 10.00AM to 4.00PM

40

Total Time Commitment

Programme content

What will you study?

Transition Labs

Together with 3 or 4 fellow students and external stakeholders, you’ll work on a so-called wicked problem – a real-life transition challenge. How do you tackle a sustainability issue that has no clear owner and no obvious solution? That’s exactly what you’ll explore together.

Student Led Module

In this module, you'll focus on your own development in both knowledge and skills. This includes areas like systems thinking, regenerative leadership, and creating future scenarios. Together with your mentor, you’ll decide where to focus, based on your background and case study. You’ll then create a plan, including criteria for successful completion.

Regeneration and Sustainability Transitions

In this module, you’ll learn about transitions, systems thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research. You’ll become familiar with different theories and methods, helping to build a shared foundation of knowledge that will support teamwork throughout the rest of the programme.

Transition Labs

Together with 3 or 4 fellow students and external stakeholders, you’ll work on a so-called wicked problem – a real-life transition challenge. How do you tackle a sustainability issue that has no clear owner and no obvious solution? That’s exactly what you’ll explore together.

Student Led Module

In this module, you'll focus on your own development in both knowledge and skills. This includes areas like systems thinking, regenerative leadership, and creating future scenarios. Together with your mentor, you’ll decide where to focus, based on your background and case study. You’ll then create a plan, including criteria for successful completion.

Transformative Research and Co-Creation

In this module, you'll develop your research skills. Based on both theory and practice, you’ll learn how to conduct research in the context of complex transitions. You’ll also explore how to apply co-creation. We’ll teach you various processes to help with this.

Transition Labs

Together with 3 or 4 fellow students and external stakeholders, you’ll work on a so-called wicked problem – a real-life transition challenge. How do you tackle a sustainability issue that has no clear owner and no obvious solution? That’s exactly what you’ll explore together.

Personal Project

In this module, you’ll work on a project based on your own work environment, from A to Z, including thorough methodological research. Of course, your project must align with the context of the sustainability transition.

Strategising for Sustainability

Strategic thinking is the focus of this module. You’ll be prepared to lead transformations in organisations and society. Through both theory and practice, you’ll learn how to strategically manage the co-creation process with various stakeholders. How do you organise such a process? How do you coordinate large groups of people? How do you identify opportunities for innovation and regeneration? By the end, you’ll have built your own personal toolbox for making real change in the world.

Transition Labs

Together with 3 or 4 fellow students and external stakeholders, you’ll work on a so-called wicked problem – a real-life transition challenge. How do you tackle a sustainability issue that has no clear owner and no obvious solution? That’s exactly what you’ll explore together.

Personal Project

In this module, you’ll work on a project based on your own work environment, from A to Z, including thorough methodological research. Of course, your project must align with the context of the sustainability transition.

Regenerative Leadership

This module immerses you in the principles and applications of leadership, with sustainability at its core. You’ll learn about the emotional and psychological aspects of working through global crises. As a leader, you need to be resilient, inspiring, and aware of both your own emotions and those of the people around you. We’ll provide you with tools and techniques to stay motivated and hopeful, even when facing major challenges. 
Learning Methods

Projects 
The curriculum for this programme consists of 80% projects. In these projects, you’ll actively work on transitions. You’ll be in the thick of it! These projects usually take place outside the university, at real-world project locations.  

Interdisciplinary 
This Master’s teaches you how to work interdisciplinary. This happens quite naturally, as nearly all students have different academic backgrounds. By collaborating on projects, you’ll learn to broaden your perspective. Each student brings their own expertise, and therefore, a different viewpoint. Sometimes, these perspectives may conflict. How do you handle that? 

Coaching 
There’s a significant amount of coaching in this programme. You’ll work on your personal development. Together with your mentor, you’ll decide where the focus will lie, based on your background and case. One thing is certain: you’ll learn how to communicate clearly, effectively, and inspiringly. You’ll learn to deal with high levels of uncertainty and develop your personal leadership skills. Getting things done! That’s ultimately what we’re here for. 

Testimonials from our lecturers

What can you expect from the academic year? Our lecturers make a quick introduction and tell you more about the degree programme and the classes that they teach.

Aniek Draaisma

Aniek Draaisma

“In the Master's programme in Sustainability Transitions, we place a strong emphasis on the skills needed to drive sustainability transitions. We focus on who you are as a person and the kind of professional you want to become. Which qualities can we further develop to ensure that you can take the lead?

Supporting people in their development is my greatest passion. That’s why I enjoy the fact that personal development is a central theme throughout this Master's. We also teach a course that takes this guidance to the next level. It brings everything together: we deepen your personal growth and build a bridge to professional life. ” 
Jochem Vreeke

Jochem Vreeke

 “What I enjoy most about teaching is not so much transferring knowledge, but rather encouraging students to use that knowledge. I’m also deeply interested in the personal impact a study programme can have. That’s what makes this programme so special — it pays a lot of attention to that aspect. The focus in the Master's in Sustainability Transitions is truly on the student and how they can grow in guiding transitions.

In this programme, our role as lecturers is mainly to create the optimal conditions for learning, growth, and discovery. We engage in a dialogue with the student — a process of mutual exploration. That’s what makes this programme unique and innovative. We dive into new forms of education. ” 

Career Perspectives

Relevant positions

  • Process Director for Digital Sustainability

  • Programme Manager for Inclusive Energy Transition

  • Transition Manager in Circularity for the Manufacturing Industry

  • Coach in Systemic Co-design

  • Policy Advisor or Sustainability Consultant

  • Sustainability Coordinator

Non-relevant positions

  • Business process design of Lean Six Sigma coach

  • Project Manager for CSRD Legislation Implementation

  • Project Manager for Recycling in a Manufacturing Company

  • Industrial designer

  • Project Manager for Energy Supply Procurement

Further studies

Further cademic possibilites include PhD programmes, professional development (PD) programmes, or post-master specialisations in sustainable development and environmental policy. 

Practical information

What else do you need to know?

How to apply?

  • At this moment, registration via Studielink is not yet possible. Would you like to be notified when Studielink opens for registrations? Leave your details to be added to our mailing list. 

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Tuition fee

You will have to pay tuition fees when you enrol on a bachelor's programme. You can pay in one or more instalments. If you pay in more than one instalment a small administration fee is charged.  

More information about tuition fees  

Scholarships  
Find out more about scholarships for international students. Please note that these scholarships are one-off scholarships only, meaning that if you obtain them it is only for your first year of study.  

Student finance  
Dutch students qualify for extra financial support via a loan. Dutch students automatically qualify for this financial assistance and international students may be eligible if they have lived in the Netherlands for at least five years or are employed for at least 56 hours per month.  

Visa and residence permit  
More information about the visas and residence permits. 

Help with choosing a programme

What if you’re still unsure? 
You might be feeling excited about the Master’s in Sustainability Transitions. But you might also still have doubts or questions – even after attending an Open Day, or speaking with students, lecturers, parents or school counsellors. We're here to help you make the right choice. 

  • Are you choosing between multiple degree programmes? If so, get in touch with one of our study choice advisors for a personal consultation, or sign up for a study choice workshop. 
  • Are you specifically unsure about this programme? Then feel free to contact someone from the programme team with any questions you may have. You can do this using the questions button at the top right of this programme page. 
Support during your studies

You will receive support with your studies. Balancing study with work can be challenging, which is why we offer guidance. A study coach will work with you during study sessions both at school and at your workplace. Together, you will map out your desired study progress in relation to your workplace and create a personal plan for how you want to shape your studies and personal development. In addition to your study coach, you can turn to our psychologist, counselor, dean, or career center for assistance with any other questions or challenges you may encounter. For more information about deans/student psychologists, elite sports, support with the Dutch language, or studying with a disability, visit our page on study support. 

Diploma and Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this Master's, you will receive a diploma from The Hague University of Applied Sciences. You will be awarded the title MSc, Master of Science.

The Master's in Sustainability Transitions is an internationally accredited programme (MVO). 

Official Programme Name

This degree programme is registered in Registration of Institutions and Programmes (RIO): 

  • Official Programme Name: Sustainability Transitions 
  • Official International Name: Sustainability Transitions 
  • Programme Code (Isat): Available soon
  • Institution Code (Brin): Available soon

Both the official Dutch and the official international name of the degree programme (current at the time of your graduation) will be printed on your diploma. 
 
For more information on the accreditation of this degree programme, see the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) website. 

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