Sustainable Development MA

The guiding idea of education in the field of Sustainable Development (hereinafter: SD) is interdisciplinary. This reflects the organization of the educational process based on a harmonious involvement under the chairmanship and involvement of the University Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (UCBS) of eight units of the University of Warsaw. The following faculties of the University of Warsaw take part in the preparation of the new faculty of study: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Regional Studies, Geology, Economic Sciences, Law and Administration and the Faculty of Management at the University of Warsaw. The SD studies will be conducted at the second level of education. SD studies offer integrated knowledge, its broad but in-depth understanding in various areas of science. The programme gives insight into the complexity of sustainability challenges as well as the variety of available solutions. Knowledge, skills and social competences passed during the studies support the shaping of an individual view of the world, building an open and critical attitude to the changing reality.

In addition, during the didactic process, students have the opportunity to acquire many competences and practical skills to help them start and function in a rapidly changing world. Experience from countries where sustainable development is more firmly anchored in governance and management shows that people who have completed such studies are among those who are positively perceived during their applications for important managerial and advisory positions.

The field of study does not close in one field/discipline. It is implemented on the borderline between the fields of science and natural sciences and social sciences and the humanities; in the following disciplines: biological, chemical, physical, earth and environment sciences, science, legal and social sciences, as well as classes in philosophy, social communication and entrepreneurship.

Subjects in the field of SD are collected in modules, assigned to individual semesters during two-year studies (4 semesters). Subjects introduced in the first semester introduce issues of sustainable development from the environmental, economic and socio-legal perspective. In the second semester, students become acquainted with the planning and management processes as well as the use of raw materials and economic analysis in the implementation of sustainable development goals, both in cities and in rural areas. Students have the opportunity to choose classes according to their interests. Semester III offers an overview of the best practices and tools currently used to support sustainable development processes. Most of the classes this semester have the character of practical projects with the participation of practitioners and experts from outside the University of Warsaw. Semester IV is devoted to writing a master's thesis and this is also done by a research field study in organizations and institutions selected in accordance with the subject of the work being carried out. Forms of implementation of education modules used for SD are: lectures, auditory exercises, laboratory exercises, seminars, workshops and practicum, as well as - determining the specificity of natural studies - field and seminar exercises, trips to nature, engineering and cultural objects.

Interdisciplinarity of knowledge and diversity of didactic offer in the field of Sustainable Development allow us to obtain comprehensive academic education useful for various professions. SD graduates will be prepared to work in the following sectors: public, private and non-profit, in international or national organisations; in research and analytical centres. In particular in institutions dealing with environmental monitoring, waste management, local and regional development, consulting companies, scientific and research and development institutions and business.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the participation of staff from many faculties of the University, classes will take place at various faculties of the University of Warsaw, however most classes will take place on the Ochota campus.