The international study programme “Sustainability and Future Societies” is launched at Vilnius University

In the autumn of 2025, a new international study programme, “Sustainability and Future Societies,” will be launched at Vilnius University (VU). It is the only programme of its kind in the Baltic region. We invite you to study with us!

Vilnius University ranks 439th among 5000 universities in the world ranking of QS universities. The new programme will be delivered at the Faculty of Philosophy at VU, one of its five institutes – the Institute of Sociology and Social Work. The Faculty of Philosophy of VU, due to the variety of study programmes, is called the “university within a university.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jolanta Aleknevičienė, Vice-Dean for Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy of VU, and Chair of the Study Programme “Sustainability and Future Societies” Committee Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ieva Adomaitytė-Subačienė spoke to us about the new programme.

What is the idea of a new study programme, “Sustainability and Future Societies”? Why is it relevant?

Jolanta Aleknevičienė: The Faculty of Philosophy at Vilnius University is an open space for a large academic community, offering twenty-four bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in the social sciences and humanities. Interdisciplinarity, high-level research and mutual collaboration with Lithuanian and foreign state, non-governmental and business organisations have made the establishment of a transdisciplinary study programme possible. Specialists in sociology, social work, social policy, philosophy, psychology, criminology, management and technology at Vilnius University, together with external partner organisations, participated in preparing this study programme.

“Sustainability and Future Societies” responds to the growing demand for sustainability professionals, as noted in various international studies, such as the Future of Jobs Report 2023. In addition, the regulatory environment for sustainability is becoming stricter under European Commission legal regulations. Employers are increasingly expressing the need for sustainability professionals, and organisations are placing greater focus on sustainability values.

The study programme emphasises the social aspects of sustainability, which include ensuring equal opportunities, providing quality education and other essential services, reducing poverty and inequality, developing sustainable cities and communities, and promoting good governance. This programme will provide students with professional tools and inspiration to act – to create change and look boldly at future society’s challenges.

The programme is international because it develops global competencies and places particular emphasis on intercultural skills. These new competencies will prepare students to communicate and work effectively in various intercultural environments. We view the international nature of our studies as a mark of quality, opportunity for development, and a gateway to new partnerships. We invite you to study with us at Vilnius University!

What is unique about the “Sustainability and Future Societies” study programme, and what kind of students are you waiting for?

Ieva Subačienė: Today’s world is extremely complex, so when creating this programme, we needed to break free from the boundaries of traditional teaching and the confines of conventional university settings. One of the main ideas is to teach students how to operate in an uncertain, constantly changing environment and to be able to analyse it critically.

Special attention will be paid to practical experience during studies – students will not be mere observers; they will become active participants in social innovations. They will learn how to develop realistic solutions, from data-driven policy recommendations to local community initiatives. Thus, not only is academic knowledge important, but also flexibility, creativity and the ability to analyse complex problems and critically evaluate information. Our graduates will be able to combine insights from different disciplines, integrating sociological, technological, economic and social aspects.

We are looking for curious, critically minded students who care about the world’s social challenges. This programme is for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how society works, how its structures are changing, and how we can build a more sustainable future. Learning will be based on problem-based approaches; students will conduct research, analyse, solve real-world challenges, assess social impact and develop projects. Our extensive partner network means students can test the social innovations they develop in real-life settings.

Our ideal student is one who not only asks questions but also seeks answers. They must have the courage to try new approaches, connect different areas and apply social innovations in practice. Students will benefit from developing analytical abilities, social sensitivity and teamwork skills. We will encourage them to step out of their comfort zones by participating in international discussions with peers from different countries and cultures, as we anticipate applications from around the world. We are looking for individuals who aspire to be both forecasters and creators of the future.

Career opportunities are extremely wide. Employers require specialists who can understand societal changes, analyse data, develop strategies and implement them. In the public sector, graduates can manage sustainable development projects, work in urban planning units as sustainability specialists, analyse climate change policies, research sustainability and social impact, and serve as community planning and urban resilience consultants.

In non-governmental organisations (NGOs), graduates can coordinate social business initiatives, defend human rights, and assess social and environmental impact. They will be well-equipped to manage sustainability projects, champion climate justice and community development programmes, and work as fundraising and information specialists.

In the private sector, graduates may work as sustainability consultants, environmental impact assessors, social innovation project specialists, and ethical supply chain management advisers. They will also be able to contribute to developing employee well-being and engagement programmes, focus on sustainability strategies in the workplace, and promote community-based volunteering.

Last but not least, this programme will provide students with professional tools and inspiration to act – to create change and boldly address future societal challenges.

In conclusion, the “Sustainability and Future Societies” programme at Vilnius University offers an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing contemporary social challenges. By combining academic rigour with practical experience, this programme equips you with the analytical, creative, and intercultural skills necessary to become a leader in sustainability.

If you are ready to challenge the status quo, engage in meaningful research, and contribute to creating a more sustainable future, we invite you to join our community of forward-thinking students. Apply now and take the first step towards transforming your passion for social change into a lifelong career.

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