After graduation

Sustainability has become a topic that both governments and businesses are obligated to address, leading to a greater demand for individuals possessing the right qualifications. Below you will find out more about further possibilities for Master’s programmes and career perspectives.

What can you do with an academic degree?

Unlike vocational education, university education doesn't prepare you for a specific profession. Instead, it equips you with academic skills and critical thinking abilities. A Bachelor's degree provides a foundation for diverse career paths. While some students enter the job market after their Bachelor's, most pursue further studies at the Master's level. A Master's degree opens doors to various professions in science, business, policy, consulting, communications, or teaching, depending on your specialisation.

Associated Master’s programmes

Below you will find the associated Master’s programmes that you can take following your Global Sustainability Science Bachelor’s. Depending on the content of your Bachelor’s programme, particularly your electives, you can also be accepted into another Master’s programme at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ or elsewhere.

Career perspectives

Governments and businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, creating a high demand for individuals with your qualifications. This programme offers an excellent foundation for an international career, where you'll be admired for your versatility. Equipped with analytical skills and the ability to approach issues from multiple angles, you can make a significant impact by bridging gaps and finding solutions. Your expertise, clear communication, and teamwork skills make you invaluable to organisations with conflicting interests.

Managers seek consultants like you to develop sustainability policies or establish sustainable production chains. You may even start your own sustainable ventures or pursue roles like 'Healthy Water Specialist' or 'Sustainable Business Inspirator'. Alternatively, you can contribute to sustainability as a researcher or scientist.

Global Sustainability Science showed me where my strengths lie. I discovered that I like to translate research results into potential actions, to be the connector between science, policy, and implementation.

Yza de Ridder, Graduated 2021

Click the button below to read about some of our alumni and their careers.

Alumni Stories

Some of the career paths open to graduates of Global Sustainability Science are as follows:

Environmental and Sustainability Roles
  • Sustainability Consultant
    Advises companies or governments on sustainable practices and policies.
  • Environmental Analyst / Scientist
    Assesses environmental data to support conservation and sustainable development efforts.
  • Climate Change Analyst
    Works on modeling, mitigation, and adaptation strategies related to climate change.
  • Sustainability Officer / Manager
    Develops and manages sustainability strategies in corporations, municipalities, or NGOs.
Policy and Governance
  • Environmental Policy Advisor
    Helps design and implement policies related to climate, water, energy, or biodiversity.
  • International Development Officer
    Works with NGOs, UN agencies, or development banks on sustainable development programs.
  • Urban or Regional Planner (Sustainable Focus)
    Develops strategies for sustainable urban development and resource use.
Private Sector and Corporate Sustainability
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist
    Implements responsible business practices related to environment and society.
  • Supply Chain Sustainability Analyst
    Ensures that products and services are sourced and produced sustainably.
Nonprofit and International Organizations
  • Project Coordinator / Manager in NGOs
    Coordinates environmental or development projects on topics like clean energy, water access, etc.
  • UN or EU Sustainability Programs Staff
    Contributes to international sustainability goals and reporting.

Obtaining a PhD position

When you have completed a Master's programme and you are certain that you want to continue as a researcher, you can choose to do a PhD in your field. A PhD track takes four years and concludes with a dissertation with which you will be awarded a doctorate. Doctoral students - also known as PhDs - make an important contribution to Utrecht's research.