Bachelor in Environmental Science

Introduction

Environmental and spatial issues are getting more important on a local, regional, national and global scale. The sustainable development is a constant concern in the development of all kinds of policies. Environmental quality and spatial quality are essential concepts to deal with from the perspective of a sustainable future.

In the Netherlands the Buildings, Environmental and Spatial disciplines have good tradition and have resulted in important developments in Environmental Policies and Spatial Planning. Saxion is an University of Applied Science and one of the leading institutes in this field in the Netherlands and is recognised for its expertise in these disciplines of study.

Course content

The courses comprise five units:

1. The first unit comprises two subject:
   1. Induction course, An introduction to the disciplines of Environmental Studies and Spatial Planning. (1 ECTS-credits)
   2. Professional skills training (5 ECTS-credits)
      1. Research Methodology
      2. Communication Skills, which comprises two main aspects: communication skills, intercultural relationships and group processes; and proficiency in English: training in oral presentation and writing skills.
2. Environmental Impact Assessment (8 ECTS-credits)
   1. Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Strategic Planning as a policy instrument
   2. Identification of environmental parameters for environmental and spatial quality
   3. Research Methodology of E.I.A., prediction of effects, scenario development, Multi-Criteria Analysis, potential solutions.
3. Water Management (12 ECTS-credits)
   1. Flood protection, river and coastal infrastructures
   2. Industrial activities and pollution
   3. Environmental Management in industry
   4. Spatial planning of industrial sites
4. Capita Selecta / Specialisation programmes (or pathways, 6 ECTS-credits): In this unit the most important subjects and new developments in the professional field of
   1. Civil Engineering (CE)
   2. Environmental Science (ES)
   3. Environmental Technology (ET)
   4. Urban and Regional Planning (URP) is brought to the attention. These courses are taught separately, but students are welcome to the lecturers of other specialisations.
5. Research Project (28 ECTS-credits), in which the student conducts a research on a current problem in the field of their specialization. The Research Project starts with a course in research methods and techniques.

Specific requirements

This course is aimed at:

*Erasmus/Socrates exchange students in a related course from our international partners in Europe.
*Dutch students with at least 3 year education in a similar course and interested in a multicultural aspect within their major.
* All students from around the world who have studied Environmental Science and who wish to obtain a Dutch bachelor degree in Environmental Science.

You can find general entry requirements for this course here. In addition to these general requirements:

• 3 year education in a similar course or 4 year in a related course,
• working experience can compensate education.

Career prospects

The course in environmental sciences equips the graduates for a number of specific positions:

• At government institutions;
• At national authorities;
• At firms of consulting engineers;
• At ecology groups and non-governmental organisations;
• At industries.