Specialisation in Corporate Sustainability
In this Master's programme we rethink economic processes to enhance the environmental responsibility of businesses. We reflect on and develop new business models in light of a sustainable future. How can we make the economy work within the boundaries of our planet? You learn about ecological economics, organisational studies and innovation management as well as about various new market trends relevant for sustainable economies and corporations.
Specialisation course: WEconomy: Exploring Transitional Business and Society Trends
Businesses and societies are in the midst of a transformation from linear to other forms of economy. We summarise this as the WEconomy. These various transformations lead to debates on the direction and sustainability of our economies and societies. In this core course "Weconomy, exploring transitional business and society trends" we focus on seven trends and related debates with regards to new forms of economy : circular economy, functional economy, collaborative economy, sharing economy, bio-based economy, selfproduction and 'the wild card' Internet of Things. Analysis and debate on these upcoming forms of economy are important in light of both positive and negative effects on people, profit and planet: these new trends have consequences for value creation, business opportunities and sustainability.
Master's Thesis
The Master's thesis is a crucial part of your curriculum and consists of an individual research project in which you investigate a topic of your choice in the field of Environmental and Society Studies. You should start thinking about a suitable topic for your thesis very early in the programme; we will help you make a thesis proposal in the course Research Methods and preparing Master Thesis. The goals of the Master's thesis are to mobilise and integrate the theoretical and empirical knowledge and methods from the preceding courses for use in your own research project.
The research project is conducted in an external setting. This means that you link your research to one of the available internships, or we can help you find an internship of your own choice. The research project and internship will be closely supervised, the first by our expert staff and the second by your internship supervisor on location.
Elective courses
As electives you can choose from all master’s courses offered by the department of Geography, Planning and Environment. Other master’s courses might be permitted if they are relevant for Environment and Society Studies. Please consult the programme coordinator of ESS for this.