Environmental Science for Sustainability, Ecosystems and Technology  fulltime programme

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You want to solve problems like climate change and plastic soup. Environmental Science for Sustainability, Ecosystems and Technology turns you into a versatile environmental professional.

After finishing the Environmental Science for Sustainable Energy and Technology (ESSET) programme you will be able to find solutions to complex sustainable challenges.

For example, a municipality wants to be carbon-neutral by 2040. As a consultant you find ways to reduce their energy consumption and implement sustainable energy sources. You research solar panel yields and develop strategies to reuse CO2 for efficient food crop growth. Your solutions take different perspectives into account like social, economic and environmental points of view.

Through internationally oriented projects, training and courses, during this study you will learn about subjects like sustainable energy technologies, bio-based waste management, biomimicry, clean-up technologies, cost-benefit analysis and environmental policy and law.

The ESSET programme is rooted in the natural sciences, tackling real-world problems and offering project-based solutions. You will gain valuable career-oriented experience through projects for real clients, international field trips and 2 work placements.

You will graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

Breda • Top rated programme
Breda • Top rated programme
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Programme features

A practical, hands-on and challenging programme rooted in the natural sciences
Internationally oriented programme, in both content and student/lecturer population
Career-oriented, offering real-world, project-based education and two work placements

More about this study programme

What will you be trained to do

Your job

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 Environment, Health and Safety job in 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 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.

Environment-Health-Safety 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.

What is expected of you

You want to keep the planet safe for future generations. You are concerned about issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, plastic waste and water pollution. You are interested in science subjects and 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. If you recognise yourself in these qualities, then the ESSET (Milieukunde) programme is something for you.

Follow-up education

After the ESSET programme you can apply for a Master of Science degree (MSc) programme at universities in Wageningen, Utrecht or Maastricht, for example. Possible subjects are sustainable development, industrial ecology and soil science. Depending on the MSc degree programme, you might need to take a preparatory semester or year before you can be admitted. The ESSET department has excellent links with various universities that recognise the programme as outstanding.

Stories about the programme

Claudia Berenice Cortina Castro

It stands out from all other Environmental Sciences programmes. The practical and personal approach makes it very unique.

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Petko Marinikov

Teamwork is essential and the group work is really enjoyable.

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Valeria Schwartz Quappe

The programme has so many different subjects in each quarter, which are super interesting and informative.

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Julia Lascano Piazzo

I really enjoy working on group projects where I team up with students from all over the world.

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Liam Geschwindt

I wanted to study a programme with the objective of preventing and mitigating the effects of climate change.

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Programme structure

Study programme

ESSET has a structure that prepares you for the future. It starts with the foundation phase, defined by a broad yet deep understanding of the main environmental topics, using courses, projects, practicals and trainings.

In the advanced phase, you can specialise by choosing 1 of 2 study tracks. Enabling you to pursue a career in Sustainable Energy & Resource Recovery or Water Management, Climate & Ecosystems. Further you can define your path by 2 work placements and an exchange programme.

Year 1

The first year focuses on the major climate and sustainability challenges. You will enhance and put to use basic skills like math, chemistry and biology, and on language, intercultural sensitivity and professional communication skills. We also introduce the main environmental issues. You will learn to work in projects on environmental challenges, sharing the skills and knowledge of fellow (international) students to jointly find a solution.

Important courses:

  • Environmental chemistry
  • Laboratory skills
  • Microbiology
  • Sustainable energy
  • Ecology

Year 2

In the second year you do advanced coursework and work on more complex projects. New environmental areas of interest are introduced, like circular economy and climate change. Starting from quarter 3 you will be encouraged to carve your own career path. This will start by selecting 1 of 2 tracks: Sustainable Energy & Resource Recovery or Water Management, Ecosystems & Climate Change.

Important courses:

  • Climate change
  • Lifecycle analysis
  • Water management
  • Environmental technology
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Year 3

In the third year you do a work placement and continue with the track-specific specialization from year 2. During the track-specific specialization you will gain in-depth understanding of specific environmental themes and do research and advisory projects for real clients. The work placement can vary, from working for an environmental consultancy to doing research at an institute. You are in the lead when finding and selecting an appropriate internship opportunity.

Important activities:

  • Internship
  • Project Sustainable Energy and Resource Recovery (option specialisation 1)
  • Project Water management, Ecosystems and Climate Change (option specialization 2)

Year 4

In your fourth year, you can take the minor Biobased Technology & Business Development, Disruptive Events, or a minor in another programme at Avans. Or at our partner universities. This allows you to pursue new or interdisciplinary topics and further enrich your professional competencies. During the second half of the year you will complete a graduation assignment within a company, agency or organisation. You can choose between the graduation projects we have available or find one yourself.

Important activities:

  • Exchange programme Avans or partner university (interdisciplinary)
  • Graduation assignment

Specialisations

Studying at Avans offers you the opportunity to specialise. Some programmes require you to choose your major before you start. All study programmes give you the chance to follow a minor in year 3 or 4. This will help you broaden or deepen your knowledge. Below you find the majors and minors for this study programme. You can also opt for a minor from a different programme, unless your programme has a compulsory minor.

Specialisation Sustainable Energy & Resource Recovery

This specialisation, 1 of the 2 tracks offered in year 3, focuses on environmental consultancy and includes advanced courses, client-based projects and professional development skills.

This semester programme of year 3 trains you to become a multidisciplinary professional, capable of fostering links between different disciplines while keeping a helicopter view on the whole project.

The topics of the programme will vary, based on the study track you chose in year 2. This track will focus on the resource recovery and renewable energy themes, offering advanced projects and courses on these themes.

The credit rating of this programme is 30 ECTS credits.

9 ECTS credits are covered by various in-depth courses, such as Energy analysis and Advanced water treatment.

18 ECTS credits are awarded for 2 projects in which groups of 4 to 5 students work on a specific topic. Workshops and field trips are included in these projects. The projects relate to the zero carbon transition and biopolymers from wastewater.

3 ECTS credits must be earned through the professional and personal development module. This module includes elective courses and the individual profile.

The target groups for this semester programme are Environmental Science for Sustainable Energy and Technology (ESSET) students and students on the fast-track ESSET programme or the ESSET exchange programme of year 3.

Specialisation Water management, Ecology & Climate Change

This specialisation, 1 of the 2 tracks offered in year 3, focuses on environmental consultancy and includes advanced courses, client-based projects and professional development skills.

This year 3 semester programme trains you to become a multidisciplinary professional, capable of fostering links between different disciplines while keeping a helicopter view on the whole project.

The topics of the programme will vary, based on the study track you chose in year 2. This track will focus on the water management, ecology and climate change themes, offering advanced projects and courses on these themes.

The credit rating of this programme is 30 ECTS credits.

9 ECTS credits are covered by various in-depth courses, such as Sustainable soil management and Advanced water management.

18 ECTS credits are awarded for 2 projects in which groups of 4 to 5 students work on a specific topic. Workshops and field trips are included in these projects. The projects relate to regional climate adaptation and ecosystem services.

3 ECTS credits must be earned through the professional and personal development module. This module includes elective courses and the individual profile.

The target groups for this semester programme are Environmental Science for Sustainable Energy and Technology (ESSET) students and students on the fast-track ESSET programme or the ESSET exchange programme of year 3.

Minor Disruptive Events

This year 4 multidisciplinary minor will investigate how external events (disasters) impact nature and society, and teach you how to respond and act.

Every year more people are on the move because of disasters and conflict, and the number and impact of disasters keeps increasing due to climate change. Migration flows raise questions about terrorists in our society, and in Europe this is a lively topic of debate. Within and between cities and countries an increasing polarisation is seen. You will learn about and analyse different approaches and reflect on the resilience of societies.

Gain experience in analysing complex challenges and providing sustainable solutions for national and international disaster contexts, and become a leader in risk and resilience with your own professional background! You will learn through experiments, simulations, projects, field trips, lectures and literature.

This programme is framed around 2 modules comprising several projects and courses equalling 30 ECTS credits. The first model focuses on natural disasters and responses, aiming to reduce the impact of natural disasters around the world. In the second module you will learn to understand the main European issues that have caused disruption in recent years – migration and migration-related. 2 study trips within Europe are part of this module.

Minor Biobased Technology and Business Development

The climate is changing and resources are depleting. Join this international minor and discover the possibilities of biobased technologies and business developments to address these issues.

The body of the broadening minor Biobased Technology and Business development consists of a multidisciplinary group project. In this project you work for a client that wants to become more sustainable and/or introduce a new sustainable product on the market. It is your task to come up with a business plan for your client looking at the technical aspects, marketing and finances. To be able to do this, your group will consist of four international students with different backgrounds (engineering, environmental science, financial, marketing).

To help you to participate in discussions on biobased technology and business development and realize an excellent plan and advice for your client, your group will have weekly meetings with your group tutor. You will also be able to confer with technical, financial and marketing specialists. Additionally you will get several skills workshops, guest lectures and take several courses and trainings (depending on your educational background).

Here you can find more information about the courses and trainings.

Admissions requirements

  • Exam

  • Score

  • IELTS overall band
    6
  • TOEFL computer based
    213
  • TOEFL internet based
    80

Read the detailed information on English language admissions requirements.

More about admission requirements

Prior education

The level of your prior education has to be equivalent to a Higher General Secondary Education level (Dutch havo) with science profile (chemistry and mathematics) and English or Pre-University Level (Dutch vwo) with science profile (chemistry and mathematics) and English.

In addition to the minimum diploma requirements, adequate knowledge of mathematics and chemistry is required. Additional knowledge of science subjects like biology and physics is preferred.

If you are unsure whether you meet the admission requirements, please send us an email. If we are not familiar with your foreign diploma, NUFFIC, the Dutch organisation for international recognition of diploma, will check the level for us.

Read more about international secondary education diplomas.

Assessment interview

You will be invited for an introductory interview after completing an online assignment. Interviews with Dutch students take place at Avans. Interviews with foreign students are conducted via Skype or telephone.

Entrance examination

Only if prior knowledge does not seem sufficient.

Language test

If there are doubts about language ability.

Questions about the programme

If you have a question about this programme, please send us an email. We will be glad to help you.

Short tracks

If your diploma is equal to Dutch vwo with a science subject cluster you may be eligible to transfer into the second year. In this case, you will follow a modified programme that leads to a bachelor's degree in 3 years.

If you have completed at least 2 years of university education in a subject related to the environmental sciences you may be eligible to enrol on the two-year programme. This means you will join the programme in the third year and obtain your bachelor's degree in 2 years.

Practical Information

Apply

Note: If you want to apply for this study programme, please search for 'B Environment' to find this programme in Studielink.

If you have decided to pursue this study programme you will need to register for it. Before you do, make sure you have informed yourself about our rules and regulations.

Please apply via our Dutch website if you are a Dutch student.

Application procedure

You must apply for this bachelor's degree programme via the Studielink website.

In addition to the application procedure via Studielink you must also send us several documents.

Be sure to keep an eye on the enrolment deadline. You will find the deadline on the page 'Admissions requirements' of this programme.

Start month Location Application deadline
September EU 31 August 2023
September Non EU 1 May 2023

Please note: applicants with a Dutch diploma must have applied by the 1st of May. Non-EEA students with a non-Dutch diploma also apply by the 1st of May. The deadline for EU students with a non-Dutch diploma is 31 August. When you meet the deadline you give Avans enough time to process your application and, if applicable, apply for a visa.

After application we will contact you to inform you on the further procedure.  

Scholarships

Scholarships are much sought after nowadays: nearly every student who decides to study abroad considers applying for one. Information about scholarships specific to Avans University of Applied Sciences can be found on our scholarship page

More information

For more information please contact Student Info on +31 (0) 88 525 75 50 or via this contact form.

Tuition fees

In the overview below you will find the tuition fee amounts that have been set for new students at Avans University of Applied Sciences.

Which of these 3 fees applies to you depends on the category you are in. In general, students from the European Economic Area (EEA) pay the statutory fee, while other students pay the institutional or non-EEA fee. Exchange students generally pay their tuition fees to their home institution and not to Avans.

Please check the tuition fees page for detailed information.

Fee Amount Year
Statutory fee € 2,209,- 2022 - 2023
Non-EER fee € 8,452,- 2022 - 2023
Institution fee € 8,452,- 2022 - 2023
Statutory fee € 2,314,- 2023 - 2024
Non-EER fee € 8,852,- 2023 - 2024
Institution fee € 8,852,- 2023 - 2024

Location

Discover location Lovensdijkstraat

Lovensdijk

Lovensdijkstraat 61-63
4818 AJ Breda

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