Environmental Sciences for Sustainable Energy and Technology

About the programme

Issues like global warming, pollution and resource use interest you. You want to keep the planet safe for future generations. You are interested in science subjects and you have an open mind towards other cultures. The Environmental Science for Sustainable Energy and Technology (ESSET) programme will prepare you for a successful career as an environmental professional.

This programme is about environmental science with an international character. At Avans University of Applied Sciences, we follow a project-based approach. This means in addition to attending classes, you will benefit from working with students from all over the world in several projects and training sessions.

The topics covered in this programme are diverse. You will get to learn about sustainable energy techniques, bio-based waste management, environmental pollution and cleanup technology, cost-benefit analyses, stakeholder analyses and environmental law and policy.

Given our diverse student population, you will learn in an international environment and approach every topic from an global perspective.

Lecturers and staff members at our university are highly qualified. Our approach is personal. You will work in small groups and enjoy a friendly, collaborative learning environment.

Why study ESSET?

• Full accreditation by the NVAO
• Truly international community
• Highly qualified education and staff members
• Small groups – team assignments of no more than 8 students with weekly lecturer instructions, courses have a maximum of 26 students and laboratory courses have a maximum of 24 students.
• Intensive guidance of the student by a personal coach and study counsellor
• Personal approach, small scale

Key subjects

• Group projects and experiments
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Chemistry, Ecology and Biology
• Policy and Intercultural Communication

Add communication and language skills too and you are ready for an international career.

Curriculum overview

First year courses focus on basic knowledge and skills. You will take classes in maths, chemistry and biology. Additionally, you will strengthen your intercultural skills by learning a foreign language. Project work is another key component of this year. The main focus will be on emvironmental issues.

In the second year, you follow a specialisation of your choice. For this academic year, there are two available options: Sustainable Energy and Resources Recovery and Water Management, Climate and Ecosystems. You will do advanced coursework and take on more complex projects relevant to your chosen track.

The third year starts with a work placement, followed by a semester dedicated to your specialisation. Your work placement can vary, from working for an environmental consultancy to doing research at a research university.

In your final year, there is an opportunity to go on an exchange to one of our partner universities. Alternatively, you can take a minor. The second semester of this year will be centred on a graduation assignment. You can complete it with a Dutch or foreign company, research institute, environmental organisation or our Research Group.

ESSET candidates

• have open minds towards other cultures
• are team players
• are a bit adventurous
• are self-motivated
• are independent

Entry requirements

To apply to this programme, you will need 3 A Levels, to include Chemistry and Maths.

More information on the ESSET programme can be found on the website.

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