Study programme - BSc Environmental Sciences

The bachelor's programme in Environmental Sciences is a three-year programme, and includes 180 ECTS credits (60 credits per year). The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is an international system in which each credit represents around 28 hours of study. The Wageningen University & Research academic year is divided into six teaching periods. Usually the first six weeks of each period are devoted to classes and practicums; the seventh week is for private study, to prepare for the exams that are given in week 8. Students take two subjects per teaching period; one morning subject, and one afternoon subject.

Year 1

In the first year you will take a broad set of courses to create a solid foundation but soon you will deepen the knowledge previously acquired and follow some more applied courses. You will follow some basic courses such as mathematics, statistics and chemistry. You will also follow courses about soil processes, water and environmental technology in your first year. At the end of the year you can apply your knowledge and insights in a real life context.

Year 2

Courses on air quality, environmental policy and system earth are part of the second year. You gain a deeper understanding of the area that appeals to you most by choosing one of three specialisations: Environmental Quality and Systems Analysis, Environmental Technology or Environmental Policy and Economics. You will end the second year with a knowledge integration course in which you try to solve a real life case with your group in a sustainable way. During this course you will go abroad with your fellow students to carry out the research on location

Year 3

During the third year you gain more extensive knowledge in your specialisation, which you can apply in your individual thesis. The other semester is available for elective courses at Wageningen University & Research or at another university in the Netherlands or abroad.

Minor

During your third year, you can broaden or deepen your knowledge with a minor. You can choose from almost fifty minors within Wageningen University & Research. You can also follow a minor at another university in the Netherlands or abroad, or compose a minor yourself. Your study advisor is able to assist you further with this.

Teaching methods

The study consists of:

  • Lectures: a teacher explains the subject matter to the class;
  • Tutorials and group work: you do an assignment with a project group;
  • Practicals: you do experiments in a laboratory or practical room. With computer practicals you do experiments in a virtual environment;
  • Fieldwork: go out for practical assignments at home or abroad;
  • Self-study: self-study is included in your schedule, but you can also plant it outside of it.

Study guidance

At WUR, we find personal guidance and contact very important. That is why the number of supervisors (teachers, study advisors and supervisors) who help you complete your studies is much larger than at other universities in the Netherlands. This reduces the chance that you will drop out during your studies. This personal touch also makes studying more enjoyable and proves that we are truly committed to you.

Compare the programme

Curious about how this bachelor's compares to similar ones at other universities? Compare Environmental Sciences with other programmes.

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