About the programme
The master’s programme is research driven and mindful of ethics, gender and diversity. It offers a transversal core programme on sustainable development and two tracks of specialisation: a Space & Society track and an Ecology track. The distinctive strength of this master’s programme is an interdisciplinary character that bridges societal and ecological sustainability challenges while engaging with real-world settings, localities and communities.
The common core involves the building up and integration of fundamental expertise in sustainable development, including theory, methodology and practical applications in both ecology and social science. It comprises academic levelling training, courses covering different sustainability aspects, the formulation of an individual research portfolio, as well as a field trip in the Global South, an internship and a thesis.
- The Space & Society track focuses on the societal component of sustainability transition, including social, economic, political and cultural dimensions.
- The Ecology track focuses on both the conser vation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biodiversity at all organisational levels (species, genes and ecosystems). Integration between both tracks will mainly be done through sustainable development practice at the local community level.
A major methodological innovation introduced by this programme is the Sustainable Development Living Lab, a mobile platform through which the ICP community applies sustainability knowledge to problems of the Global South. The Living Lab is designed as a space of dialogue and co-learning between different agents and institutions involved in the creation, implementation, governance and assessment of sustainable development. The lab connects students, staff from the KU Leuven and Global South partner institutions from Africa, Asia and Latin America, but also practitioners and policy-makers, NGOs, representatives of the private sector, among others.
Read more on the programme's website.
Programme Master of Sustainable Development
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Admission requirements
All students who did not obtain their previous degree at an institution of the Flemish Community, must submit an application via the Admissions office. Be sure to check out the specific admission requirements (diploma requirements, language requirements and possible additional requirements). The only way to know whether you can be admitted to any of our programmes is by applying and completing the application process.
Official and current admission requirements
Student profile
If you have a broad interest in a comprehensive approach to sustainable development, the Master of Sustainable Development may be the programme for you.
Application window
For the most recent - and only official information - on application deadlines, check the application window for this programme.
Application procedure
Check the information on how to apply for this programme. There is also a video that explains the application procedure from start to finish.
Tuition fees
It is worth noting that our tuition fees are more affordable than many other leading universities thanks to generous government financing of higher education in Belgium. The fees for any individual student are contingent upon their academic programme and the nationality of the student.
For the most recent – and only official information – on the tuition fees, check the tuition fee calculator.
Scholarships
KU Leuven offers a variety of scholarships for qualifying students. Just as with our tuition fees, these scholarships may be contingent on a student’s academic programme or nationality, so be sure to thoroughly check eligibility requirements before applying.
Career perspectives
Career perspectives for alumni can be found in all sectors where sustainable development actions are being implemented at the local, national and international level. These include NGOs, civil society organisation, private enterprises, government admini strations, multi ¬lateral organisations, universities and research centres.
Career support
Our Student Career Center is happy to put you on the right track towards your first work experience, but also coaches you in the search for an interesting job and helps you with job interviews.
Entrepreneurship
For students wanting to start their own business KU Leuven also has KICK, the KU Leuven community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.
Our alumni network
As a KU Leuven graduate, you are part of a worldwide network of over 290 000 alumni. Stay in touch with your former classmates with the exclusive alumni platform KU Leuven Connect.
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