Sustainability is a global and multidisciplinary challenge that requires a cross-boundary approach

In this programme you will make a contribution to sustainable development! With the “Challenge Sustainability” minor, HAS Green Academy wants to connect students from different countries and study programmes. Developed by the department of Environmental Studies and based on a unique concept within the HAS educational programme, this fourth-year minor welcomes students from a variety of disciplines from all over the world.

Given all the uncertainty surrounding the future and the challenges it holds, this minor aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to help them find their way as young professionals. This specialization will take place during the first semester of the academic year. For 20 weeks, groups of students will operate as consultancy teams, working on several sustainability projects. Students can focus on a single project or choose to work on different projects at the same time. The projects will benefit from the variety of expertise and talents contributed by students with different backgrounds. In this semester, the students will be triggered to design their own learning journey.

After this minor the student is able to contribute to preferably companies, organizations, professorships in the field of food, agro or bio-based production and living environment by: 

• Making a (social) analysis  for a situation in which an organization looks for new perspectives in order to make a contribution to sustainability. 

• mapping the effects of processes on environment and assess their impact by using methodologies such as: a Life Cycle Analysis or a Social Cost Benefit Analysis. 

• Translating research problems into research questions 

• Setting up and carrying out a systematic and structured methodology by making a project plan. 

• Executing a reflection on used methods and acting.   

• Drawing conclusions based on obtained results from the research, interpretation and discussion that contributes to the realization of future expectations in the short, medium and long term in the given social context. The advice includes a balancing of interests and ethical dilemmas.  

• Formulating applicable recommendations based on the conclusions for the client and other stakeholders that are supply chain focused and takes multi-disciplinary environmental issues into account.

Students have to able to act as a specialist and have done so in a working environment (work placement). Therefore the access requirements are:

For students from universities of applied sciences:

• At least 100 ECTS credits of the subjects of the study program
• At least 40 ECTS credits of a work placement

For students from universities:

• At least 80 ECTS credits of the subjects of the study programme
• At least 20 ECTS credits of a work placement

To participate in this minor you must be full time available. No time table available yet. 

In essence, this specialization consists of two assignments that will be assessed to complete this course.

1. Essay (30%) individual
2. Advisory product (70%) group product