Bachelor's degrees in Sustainable Development teach students the principles and practices of sustainability. Future graduates can use their knowledge and skills to address major environmental issues, like clean water scarcity, sanitation, renewable energy sources, reusing and recycling waste, overall pollution and the disappearance of endangered species.
If you believe that the natural environment is the most crucial resource for our wellbeing, and that taking care of it and its numerous resources and ecosystems is fundamental for our development and sustainability as a species, you should study a Bachelor's in Sustainable Development.
Most Sustainable Development courses are offered as B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) or B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) degrees. It will take 3 years to finish your studies in most countries around the world and 4 years if you study in the USA. While studying Sustainable Development, you can choose from various specialisations, such as Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Management, Planning and Property Development, Sustainable Urban Development, and others.
The courses you'll take during an undergraduate degree in Sustainable Development vary from one university and programme to another. However, you can expect to take classes in Fundamentals of Sustainability, Natural Resources Management, Green Marketing, Sustainable Consumption, Environmental Policy, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Buildings and Infrastructure, Technical Reading and Writing, etc.
Sustainable Development classes help students develop essential interdisciplinary skills. They range from environmental awareness, intercultural communication, and problem-solving to negotiation, project drafting and management, innovative thinking, and analytical mindset. These skills allow future sustainable development professionals to be part of or manage teams, organisations, and projects that have a positive impact on the natural environment. They achieve this by implementing, supporting, or advocating new sustainable systems, processes, and policies.
Sustainable Development graduates can find work opportunities at any public or private organisation which focuses on solving pollution-related issues or promotes ecological principles, tools, machinery, and systems. Some of the most popular jobs are sustainability specialist, sustainability consultant, climate change analyst, energy consultant, risk management specialist, etc.
These are the most recent and exciting trends in Sustainable Development: the use of circular solutions (keeping resources in use for as long as possible), a higher emphasis on replacing plastic with sustainable solutions, the sustainable consumption and the support of brands that demonstrate environmental awareness, the use of new technologies to help people get out of poverty and enjoy better access to health and education, etc.
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Not sure if Sustainable Development is for you?
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Read more about studying abroad in NetherlandsCan you handle the weather in Netherlands?
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