Bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences

Your first year starts with introductory and exploratory courses, but you’ll quickly move on to building deeper knowledge and learning how to apply it to real-world sustainability challenges. You’ll also take essential subjects such as mathematics, statistics and chemistry. And of course, courses on soil processes, water and environmental technology are included in your first-year programme. By the end of the year, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge and insights in a concrete project or context.

Courses first year.

In the first half of your second year, you’ll take courses that prepare you for choosing your specialisation. Once you’ve made your choice, the second half of the year focuses on subjects related to your track, whether that’s the technological, social or systems-oriented side of environmental sciences.

Courses second year.

In your third year, you no longer take general courses. One half of the year is dedicated to completing your specialisation, and the other half is free space: you can choose a minor or create your own set of courses based on your interests.
You’ll finish your Bachelor’s with a thesis, a research project that you design yourself.

Courses third year.

In your third year, you choose a minor, a chance to broaden your knowledge or dive deeper into a topic you find interesting. Examples include Geo-information for Environment, Society or Natural Resource Conflict and Governance and Management of Terrestrial Ecosystem,. You can also take courses at other universities in the Netherlands or abroad. Your study adviser will help you find the option that fits you best.

Check out all minors here.

At WUR, we believe personal guidance and contact are very important. That's why we have significantly more support staff (lecturers, study advisors, and student counsellors) available to help you progress through your studies than at other universities in the Netherlands. This reduces the risk of you dropping out. This personal touch also enhances your learning experience, proving that we truly care about you.

The programme consists of several types of learning activities:

• Lectures: a lecturer explains the theory to the whole class.
• Tutorials and group work: you work on assignments with fellow students, sometimes with guidance from a teacher.
• Practicals: you carry out experiments in a laboratory or practical room. In computer practicals, you work in a virtual environment.
• Fieldwork and excursions: you apply theory in real situations, for example through outdoor field research.
• Self-study: partly scheduled in your timetable, but also flexible to plan in your own time.

Some bachelor's programs are quite similar. We've listed the key differences for you:

• BSc Earth System Sciences
  While Environmental Sciences focuses on the entire chain of societal causes, geoscientific processes in soil, water, and the atmosphere, consequences for humans and nature, and on policy instruments and technological solutions for environmental and sustainability issues, Earth System Sciences focuses on geoscientific processes.
• BSc Forest and Nature Management & BSc Biology
  The Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences goes beyond (the management of) living nature; it also involves humans, the quality of their living environment, and the application of knowledge about organisms and ecosystems in designing solutions for environmental and sustainability issues.
• BSc International Land and Water Management & BSc International Development Studies
  These programs focus on agricultural and development issues in developing countries. Environmental Sciences also has an international character due to the various cross-border environmental and sustainability issues it addresses.
• BSc Biotechnology & BSc Molecular Life Sciences 
  Interconnections with these programs are mainly found in the Environmental Technology major. Environmental Sciences focuses less on the molecular level and considers the importance of social acceptance in its technical designs for sustainable solutions.
• BSc Tourism 
  Learn how tourism contributes to economic development, the preservation of culture, nature, and the environment, and play a role in the development and implementation of sustainable tourism.

How does this program compare to other universities? Check the numbers here.

Many students pursue a master's degree after their bachelor's degree. This allows you to gain even more knowledge and skills. These master's programs are a good fit:

• MSc Environmental Sciences
• MSc Urban Environmental Management
• MSc Climate Studies
• MSc Biobased Sciences
• MSc Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
• MSc Development and Rural Innovation 

After your bachelor's degree, you can also choose a different master's program at WUR. In your third year, with the help of your academic advisor, you'll compile courses that will prepare you well, ensuring you can progress without delay. Prefer to attend a different university or study abroad? That's often possible too, as your WUR bachelor's degree is recognised worldwide.

This program will prepare you for employment in the Netherlands and abroad. Consider positions such as:

• Environmental researcher at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) or a university.
• Sustainability policy advisor at a municipality or ministry.
• Environmental and energy consultant at a consultancy firm.
• Climate adaptation project leader at NGOs or international organisations.
• Sustainability manager at companies in the food, energy, or technology sectors.

Student Career Services facilitates WUR students towards the labour market. If you need help in your orientation towards your future career. 

To be admitted to the bachelor's programme Environmental Sciences, you should have studied mathematics, physics and chemistry.

Have a look at the Application & Admission page for starting at Wageningen University & Research and check whether your prior (international) education qualifies you for this bachelor's programme. 

Are you a Dutch student? Switch the language to Dutch at the top of these pages to view the admission information that applies to you.

Studying a program costs money. Curious about the costs involved? You can find all information about the costs of this program on this page.

Wageningen offers a diverse, enjoyable, and amiable student community. Despite being a small town, you get to know people from all over the world because of Wageningen University & Research's global atmosphere. Everything in town is relatively accessible by bicycle, and the campus is contemporary and green. Whether it's a sporting event, a party, or a laid-back evening with friends at one of the student associations, there's always something going on. Additionally, there are parks, forests, and a river nearby, so if you enjoy the outdoors, you're in the right area.

Discover everything about student life here.