Master of Sustainable Development (MSc)

The Master in Sustainable Development is a research driven educational programme, mindful of ethics, gender and diversity, that prepares the sustainability leaders of the future. The main objective is to train you to become an agent of change that will imagine, trigger and build the sustainability transition of the twenty-first century. The distinctive strength of this master's programme is its interdisciplinary character that bridges societal, ecological and sustainability challenges.

What is the programme all about?

This programme trains future sustainability leaders and acquaints them with the necessary interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and methodologies to address and solve the intertwined socio-ecological challenges that currently hinder the construction of more sustainable paths of development.

This master's programme embraces sustainable development beyond the walls of universities and classrooms to engage with real-world localities in their search for solutions to pressing problems. You will carry out state-of-the-art scientific research in the functioning of geo and ecosystems at different spatial and temporal scales.

The Master in Sustainable Development contains two different tracks: the Erasmus Mundus joint Master in Sustainable Territorial Development and the ICP Master of Science in Sustainable Development. 

Structure 

This active research-driven education model has five main pillars:

• Pillar 1: Consists of research-based teaching, taught by experts in different sustainability domains.
• Pillar 2: Training in research practices, stimulating critical learners, systemic thinking and creativity in the solution of complex socio-ecological problems.
• Pillar 3: Is informed by the needs of regions in the global south, addressing the economic, social and ecological challenges. 
• Pillar 4: Is based on the active integration of fieldwork in the Southern hemisphere, internships, thesis and portfolio development.
• Pillar 5: The KU Leuven Sustainability Living Lab is the real-world platform where the outcomes of the Master will be tested and implemented.

You choose between two specialisations: ‘Space and Society’ and ‘Ecology’.  

Strengths

• A unique benefit of the interuniversity nature of the programmes is that both European and non-European students alike can study together and gain multicultural experiences and an international, academic perspective.
• The master will be assessed and conducted in a real-world setting, in tune with the most contemporary international agenda and the most engaging sustainability debates.
• During the master you will participate in the Sustainable Development Living Lab Project. This award-winning course offers a unique research immersion in the Global South.