COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s program in Societal Transitions is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, analyse, and actively contribute to complex societal changes. Throughout the year, students follow a combination of core courses, electives, and reflection tracks that build toward a graduation project. The curriculum draws from multiple disciplines, encouraging students to critically engage with theories and methods while developing their own perspectives. Course formats include lectures, discussion groups, design and experimentation sessions, and field trips.Core courses cover five interdisciplinary fields: transition science, philosophy, ecological sustainability, behavioural science, and urban planning. These provide students with a deep understanding of system dynamics, sustainability, human behaviour, and the complexities of urban change. Parallel reflection and leadership tracks allow students to critically assess their experiences, communicate effectively, and develop the leadership skills needed to drive societal transitions.Students also choose electives from collaborating schools within Erasmus University, such as Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus School of History, Culture, and Communication, Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, and the International Institute of Social Studies. These electives enable students to tailor their studies and deepen expertise in areas aligned with their interests.The program offers two specialisations: Energy Transition and Urban Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change. The Energy Transition specialisation focuses on sustainable energy systems, integrating lectures, case studies, practical simulations, and site visits to explore fair and rapid transitions. The Urban Environment specialisation examines how cities adapt to climate change and improve environmental resilience, combining theoretical modules with applied advisory assignments. Both pathways culminate in a graduation project within the chosen domain.