Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science for Sustainability, Ecosystems and Technology

You are passionate about nature and its conservation. You want to keep the Earth safe for future generations. You are interested in science subjects and you have an open mind towards other cultures. You are a team player and, at the same time, self-motivated. You are adventurous, independent and enthusiastic about studying and working abroad.

The job opportunities after you graduate are excellent. You could, for instance, join a government agency where you would develop and implement environmental policies. Or you might target an Environmental, Health and Safety job in the industry. Or maybe you would prefer to work in an environmental consultancy where assignments range from technical solutions to environmental licensing or policy-making.

Potential Careers After the Programme

Consultant at an Engineering Firm

You provide science-driven and cost-effective advice to a wide range of clients on topics such as soil remediation, climate change adaptation, energy use reduction and air quality.

Policy Development Officer in a Government Agency

You work for a government agency where you have to determine how the government can achieve certain environmental goals. You also have to monitor the implementation of the policy proposed and check whether you achieve the goals.

Environmental Licensing Officer in a Government Agency

Many industrial activities require an environmental licence. You work for the government to produce the environmental licence for a specific company. Or you check the company to see whether it meets the licensing requirements.

ESG Officer: Environment, Social, Governance Officer

You work in industry. You are responsible for a safe working environment for the employees of the company. You also have to make sure the company works within the boundaries of its environmental licence. You keep pushing the company to develop more sustainable production techniques.

Water Board Enforcement Officer

You work for a government agency or a water board. You may be involved in water treatment techniques or in managing water quality and quantity.

Junior Engineer

You work in a company's R&D department. You mainly assist colleagues with their projects but also do research into new technological developments that will lower environmental impacts.

Environmental Science for Sustainability, Ecosystems and Technology is a four-year Bachelor of Science programme. We offer an international programme on environmental science, small scale and with personalized study paths. You will start with a solid base and variety of themes, activities and training to foster professional skills and competencies. During the programme, you will be offered various choices to personalize your study path, based on your own interests and strong points. When you graduate, you will have a complete toolbox to face even the most pressing challenges.

Year 1

In the first year, we cover relevant themes such as plastic pollution, climate change, water quality and ecosystem analysis. In four quarters, you will work on these themes and various practical assignments, combining theory and practice. You will conduct experiments in the lab, do field research in nature and process environmental data with mathematical models. Furthermore, you will work on your communication and intercultural skills, and discover your strengths, under the guidance of a personal coach.

Courses

• Theme: Plastic Pollution
• Theme: Climate Change
• Theme: Water quality
• Theme: Ecosystem analysis

Year 2

In the second year of ESSET, you will deepen and broaden your knowledge and skills. You will work on projects related to sustainable industries and the circular economy. You will have the opportunity to specialize further with choice modules within Avans and our faculty. This freedom of choice allows you to connect to what motivates you and what you want to become good at.

Courses

• Theme: Sustainable Industries
• Theme: Circular economy
• Choice module within Avans
• Choice module within our faculty

Year 3

In the third year, you do an internship and follow one of our two-semester programmes: Sustainable technology and management or Nature-based solutions. The internship can vary, from working for an environmental consultancy, a sustainability department at a company, to doing research at a research university.

Important Activities

• Internship semester
• Sustainable technology and management (specialization 1)
• Nature-based solutions (specialization 2)

Year 4

In the fourth year, you can choose a minor within Avans or with one of our partner universities. During the final half of the fourth year, you complete your graduation assignment at a Dutch or international company, research institute, environmental organisation or our Research Groups.

Important Activities

• Minor programme (within Avans or at a partner school abroad)
• Graduation project (in the Netherlands or abroad)

Three-year programme

Candidates with a diploma equal to a Pre-University Level (Dutch vwo or International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma) with a science profile (chemistry and mathematics) and English might be eligible to start in the second year. In this case, you will follow a special three-year programme, enabling you to obtain your bachelor's diploma in three years. The short-track programme is more intense and challenging, but the reward is high. In addition, you will still enjoy the practice-based education and one year of working experience. This sets our short-track programme apart from other University level BSc programmes.

If you follow the short-track programme, your 1st year will consist of 1st and 2nd year elements. In your 2nd and 3rd year, you will follow the normal internship and graduation project path.

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