Specialisation Policy and Society

For who is this specialisation?

This specialisation is a good fit for two types of students. Those who either have a background in political science, public administration, human geography or a comparable study programme and are especially interested to apply this in the field of nature conservation. And those with a background in biology, nature conservation, environmental sciences or natural resource management who are interested in the societal, political and legislative part of forest and nature conservation.

The areas of expertise in this specialisation

Nature conservation & policy

This specialisation teaches how nature conservation policy is set up. You learn to analyse how different actors and stakeholders influence governance.

Nature & Society

With Policy & Society you focus on ‘views on nature’, engagement in nature conservation of civilians, and also protests and conflict situations.

Nature & Local communities

The interplay between both livelihoods, local communities and their role in nature management practices is one of the topics addressed in the specialisation Policy & Society.

Courses

This specialisation has one compulsory course and you have to select several courses (restricted optionals). You complete the specialisation with your MSc thesis.

Compulsory course

• Social and Political Theory

Select one course from

• Communities, Conservation and Development

• Decision Making in Forest and Nature Management: Theory and Practice

Select one course from

• Advanced International

• Environmental Politics & Diplomacy

• Environment and Development

• Environmental Psychology

Select one course from

• Quantitative Research Methodology and Statistics

• Methodology for Field Research in the Social Science

Thesis

You will do your thesis at the Forest and Nature Conservation Policy. See also Thesis & Internship. Links to all courses can be found in the course catalogue.

Career prospects

This specialisation provides an excellent preparation for Dutch as well as European and non-European jobs. Read the story of Policy and Society alumna Simone or find out more about future careers.

Student experience

Learn more about this specialisation from Fennekes experiences. You can also read or watch the experiences of other students.

How to apply

Are you interested in following the specialisation Policy and Society of the master's Forest and Nature Conservation? We have put together all information you need to complete your application before the application deadline.

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