MSc in Industrial Ecology

Leiden University

The Master of Science in Industrial Ecology (IE) offers talented students from around the world the opportunity to enhance their expertise and work on the grand challenge of achieving global prosperity within planetary boundaries.

What does this master’s programme entail?

Industrial Ecology is an emerging scientific discipline that takes a systemic approach to sustainability problems. An interdisciplinary approach, integrating an engineering, environmental and social science perspective is essential for sustainable development. The Master in Industrial Ecology is a co-operation between Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. Both universities are at the forefront of the field of Industrial Ecology.

Why study Industrial Ecology at Leiden University?

• You will learn concepts, methods and tools to help you identify, design and critically evaluate sustainability solutions and their implementation.
• We offer an international multidisciplinary environment, where all students bring their own specific bachelor knowledge and cultural background. We believe that this multidisciplinary approach is the best way to move forward.
• Collaboration with third parties, such as national or international partner universities, NGOs, industrial partners, or government institutes is encouraged and facilitated.
• You will be inspired by professors from two world-class universities, who are at the forefront of the field of Industrial Ecology.

Industrial Ecology: the right master’s programme for you?

The programme is open to students from a wide range of studies in natural sciences, engineering and social sciences. If you are an idealistic, ambitious and critical thinking student who want to contribute to the development of solutions for persistent sustainability problems, this master programme is the right choice.

Career prospects

With a joint-degree diploma in Industrial Ecology you are well prepared for broad array of career prospects in business, industry and government, as well as non-governmental organisations, universities and research institutes.

Acquired skills and competence

After graduating you are able to analyse sustainability challenges, create and initiate innovative technological solutions, and come up with tools and strategies for management and policy regarding these solutions. You will have learned to think in systems instead of individual products, processes thereby designing science based solutions for sustainability problems. You will be able to combine the analytical focus of a natural scientist with the problem-solving capacity of an engineer and reflective capacity of a social scientist.

Career

Industrial Ecology graduates find employment opportunities throughout business, industry, and government, as well as in non-governmental organisations, universities and research institutes. They operate as mediators, system designers, innovators and scientific researchers. They are primarily engaged in activities designed to encourage people at all levels of society to consider adopting sustainable practices and to initiate change in existing patterns of production and consumption. Graduates of the programme typically secure suitable employment quickly after graduations.