ICP Master of Science in Sustainable Development (Leuven) (120 ECTS) Master of Science
Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community
Direct
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
After admission procedure
Other bachelor programmes can be admitted after an admission procedure.
Interested students should send a motivation letter (mentioning the track for which they wish to apply) and a copy of their transcripts to the program director Constanza Parra and the program coordinator Klara Claessens.
After a preparatory programme
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
- After successfully completing the preparatory programme: Preparatory Programme: Master of Sustainable Development (
Leuven, 12 sp. )
, the following degrees are accepted:
- Bachelor in de politieke wetenschappen en de sociologie (Leuven)
After an abridged programme
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
- After successfully completing the abridged programme: Bachelor in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen (
Leuven, 60 sp. )
, the following degrees are accepted:
- Bachelor in de biochemie en de biotechnologie (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de biomedische wetenschappen (Kortrijk, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de biowetenschappen (Geel)
- Bachelor in de chemie (Kortrijk, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de farmaceutische wetenschappen (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de fysica (Leuven) (Minor bio-chemische wetenschappen)
- Bachelor in de geneeskunde (Kortrijk, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de industriële wetenschappen (Gent, Leuven, Sint-Katelijne-Waver) (Afstudeerrichting chemie)
- Bachelor in de industriële wetenschappen (Diepenbeek) (Afstudeerrichting chemie)
- Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen: architectuur (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de lichamelijke opvoeding en de bewegingswetenschappen (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de revalidatiewetenschappen en de kinesitherapie (Brugge, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de wiskunde (Leuven) (Minor fysica en sterrenkunde)
Additional information
More information about the programme is to be found here.
Students with a degree not obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community
Students who did not obtain their previous degree(s) at an institution of the Flemish Community should submit an application via the Admissions Office: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/.
You can find a list of core documents, which should be submitted with every application, here: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/requesteddocuments.
Diploma requirements
This Master programme aims at attracting students from both natural and social sciences, willing to bridge both ecological and societal domains of the interdisciplinary sustainability problematic. We expect good candidates with a background in the following fields: geography, ecology, sustainability studies, bio-economy, spatial planning, development studies, environmental management, environmental sciences, biodiversity, conservation biology, landscape ecology, political ecology, human ecology, social ecology, etc. However, students with a more general background in social sciences (economics, political sciences, sociology, anthropology) and applied sciences (bio-engineering, architecture) are also invited to apply.Language requirements
All applicants must prove their proficiency in English. The accepted English proficiency tests are:- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94, with minimum subscores of 19 for Reading, 18 for Listening, 19 for Speaking and 21 for Writing
- IELTS Academic test: minimum overall score of 7.0, with minimum subscores of 6.5 for Reading, 6.0 for Listening, 6.0 for Speaking and 6.0 for Writing
- Advanced or Proficiency Cambridge Certificates: minimum score of 185, with at least 176 for reading and 169 for listening, speaking and writing.
The following applicants are exempted from submitting an English proficiency certificate:
- Applicants who have obtained a previous university degree taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Their diploma and transcripts suffice, provided they confirm that the entire university study was completely taught in English in one of the previous countries.
- Applicants who have obtained a Belgian diploma.
Absolutely no other diplomas will be accepted as evidence even if the applicant has followed an exclusively English-taught programme.
Additional requirements
In your motivation letter, please motivate you specialisation choice (‘Ecology’ or ‘Space and Society’) and indicate your research interests/possible topics for your dissertation (with maximum 500 words). So please make sure you select your track correctly. More information can be found here and here.Students with a degree obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community
Direct
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
After admission procedure
Other bachelor programmes can be admitted after an admission procedure.
Interested students should send a motivation letter (mentioning the track for which they wish to apply) and a copy of their transcripts to the program director Constanza Parra and the program coordinator Klara Claessens.
After a preparatory programme
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
- After successfully completing the preparatory programme: Preparatory Programme: Master of Sustainable Development (
Leuven, 12 sp. )
, the following degrees are accepted:
- Bachelor in de politieke wetenschappen en de sociologie (Leuven)
After an abridged programme
On the basis of the following degrees, or similar degrees, obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community:
- After successfully completing the abridged programme: Bachelor in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen (
Leuven, 60 sp. )
, the following degrees are accepted:
- Bachelor in de biochemie en de biotechnologie (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de biomedische wetenschappen (Kortrijk, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de biowetenschappen (Geel)
- Bachelor in de chemie (Kortrijk, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de farmaceutische wetenschappen (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de fysica (Leuven) (Minor bio-chemische wetenschappen)
- Bachelor in de geneeskunde (Kortrijk, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de industriële wetenschappen (Gent, Leuven, Sint-Katelijne-Waver) (Afstudeerrichting chemie)
- Bachelor in de industriële wetenschappen (Diepenbeek) (Afstudeerrichting chemie)
- Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de ingenieurswetenschappen: architectuur (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de lichamelijke opvoeding en de bewegingswetenschappen (Leuven)
- Bachelor in de revalidatiewetenschappen en de kinesitherapie (Brugge, Leuven)
- Bachelor in de wiskunde (Leuven) (Minor fysica en sterrenkunde)
Additional information
More information about the programme is to be found here.
Students with a degree not obtained at an institution of the Flemish Community
Students who did not obtain their previous degree(s) at an institution of the Flemish Community should submit an application via the Admissions Office: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/.
You can find a list of core documents, which should be submitted with every application, here: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/application/requesteddocuments.
Diploma requirements
This Master programme aims at attracting students from both natural and social sciences, willing to bridge both ecological and societal domains of the interdisciplinary sustainability problematic. We expect good candidates with a background in the following fields: geography, ecology, sustainability studies, bio-economy, spatial planning, development studies, environmental management, environmental sciences, biodiversity, conservation biology, landscape ecology, political ecology, human ecology, social ecology, etc. However, students with a more general background in social sciences (economics, political sciences, sociology, anthropology) and applied sciences (bio-engineering, architecture) are also invited to apply.Language requirements
All applicants must prove their proficiency in English. The accepted English proficiency tests are:- TOEFL iBT: minimum overall score of 94, with minimum subscores of 19 for Reading, 18 for Listening, 19 for Speaking and 21 for Writing
- IELTS Academic test: minimum overall score of 7.0, with minimum subscores of 6.5 for Reading, 6.0 for Listening, 6.0 for Speaking and 6.0 for Writing
- Advanced or Proficiency Cambridge Certificates: minimum score of 185, with at least 176 for reading and 169 for listening, speaking and writing.
The following applicants are exempted from submitting an English proficiency certificate:
- Applicants who have obtained a previous university degree taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Their diploma and transcripts suffice, provided they confirm that the entire university study was completely taught in English in one of the previous countries.
- Applicants who have obtained a Belgian diploma.
Absolutely no other diplomas will be accepted as evidence even if the applicant has followed an exclusively English-taught programme.
Additional requirements
In your motivation letter, please motivate you specialisation choice (‘Ecology’ or ‘Space and Society’) and indicate your research interests/possible topics for your dissertation (with maximum 500 words). So please make sure you select your track correctly. More information can be found here and here.-
-
Strengthening Courses
Students who did not have G0D10A "Introduction to Cartography" or similar courses in their prior education, are obliged to include it in their programme. Students who take the Ecology track and dit not have G0U71A "Introduction to Geoprocessing" or a similar course in their prior education, are obliged to include it in their programme.
Students from the Space and Society track who did not have G0I65B "Qualitative Research methods" or similar courses in their prior education are obliged to include it in their programme.3 ECTS Introduction to Geoprocessing G0U71A staff staff
Implementation of GIS-algorithms (2 ECTS) G0M91a staff staff
Take home assignment (1 ECTS) G0U71a staff staff
3 ECTS Introduction to Cartography G0D10A staff staff
Introduction to Cartography: Lectures 1 (1 ECTS) G0D11a staff staff
Introduction to Cartography: Lectures 2 (1 ECTS) G0D12a staff staff
Introduction to Cartography: Exercises (1 ECTS) G0D13a staff staff
3 ECTS Qualitative Research Methods G0I65B staff staff
Qualitative Research Methods (3 ECTS) G0I65a staff staff
-
Common Basis Courses
All courses are compulsory.
Transitional Measures 2024-2025:
Students who started the master programme before 2024-2025 take G0U60A 'Individual Portfolio in Sustainable Development' for 6 credits. Students who start the programme in 2024-2025 will take G0U60B Individual Portfolio in Sustainable Development for 3 credits in the second phase of the programme.6 ECTS Global Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability G0R56A staff staff
- H.Jacquemyn (coordinator)
- O.Honnay
- H.Jacquemyn
- N.
Global Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability: Lectures (4 ECTS) G0R56a staff staff
Global Change, Ecosystems and Sustainability: Practicals (2 ECTS) G0R57a staff staff
6 ECTS The Sustainable Development Challenge G0U63B staff- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
staff
- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
The Sustainable Development Challenge: Seminars (3 ECTS) G0U57a staff staff
The Sustainable Development Challenge: Lectures (3 ECTS) G0U63a staff staff
6 ECTS Academic Leveling: Space, Society and Ecology G0U62B staff staff
- H.De Kort (coordinator)
- C.Parra Novoa
- N.
Academic Levelling: Space, Society and Ecology: Workshops and Poster Presentations (2.4 ECTS) G0D09a staff Academic Levelling: Space, Society and Ecology (3.6 ECTS) G0U62a staff staff
6 ECTS Geography of Development G0I81A staff staff
- M.Vanmaercke (coordinator)
- M.Loopmans
- M.Vanmaercke
Geography of Development (6 ECTS) G0I81a staff 6 ECTS Current Topics in Conservation Biology G0R78A staff staff
- O.Honnay (coordinator)
- R.Aerts
- O.Honnay
- S.Janssens
- N.
- T.Ceulemans (substitute)
Current Topics in Conservation Biology: Lectures (3.9 ECTS) G0R78a staff staff
- R.Aerts
- O.Honnay
- S.Janssens
- N.
- T.Ceulemans (substitute)
Currect Topics in Conservation Biology: Discussion Sessions and Presentations (1.3 ECTS) G0R79a staff Current Topics in Conservation Biology: Excursions (0.8 ECTS) G0R80a staff staff
6 ECTS Individual Portfolio in Sustainable Development G0U60A staff staff
Individual Portfolio in Sustainable Development (6 ECTS) G0U60a staff staff
-
Research and Professionalisation
Students choose one of the following groups.
-
Living Lab
Both courses are compulsory.
Transitional measure 2024-2025:
Students who already passed G0D75A Fieldwork in the Global South have to take G0U64A Sustainable Development Living Lab and Project.3 ECTS Fieldwork in the Global South G0D75A staff staff
- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- F.Vandelook (substitute)
Preparation Action Plans Sustainable Development Living Lab and Project (1.5 ECTS) G0D76a staff staff
- C.Parra Novoa
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- F.Vandelook (substitute)
Preparatory Seminars Sustainable Development Living Lab and Projects (1.5 ECTS) G0D77a staff staff
- C.Parra Novoa
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- F.Vandelook (substitute)
15 ECTS Sustainable Development Living Lab and Project G0U64A staff staff
- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- F.Vandelook (substitute)
Fieldwork in the Global South (7.5 ECTS) G0U66a staff staff
- C.Parra Novoa
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- F.Vandelook (substitute)
Preparation of Development Plan (7.5 ECTS) G0U67a staff staff
- C.Parra Novoa
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- F.Vandelook (substitute)
-
Internship
18 ECTS Sustainable Development Internship G00K2A staff- N.
staff
- N.
Sustainable Development Internship (18 ECTS) G00K2a staff- N.
staff
- N.
-
-
Specialisations
Choose one of the specialisations.
-
Specialisation: Space and Society
-
Compulsory courses
All courses are compulsory.
Students also select a methodological elective course that complements their background degree and/or that caters for a specific methodological need. They can select this course from the KU Leuven offer. The choice will have to be approved by the programma director.6 ECTS Housing and the city G0S30A staff staff
Housing and the City: Lectures/Seminars (6 ECTS) G0S31a staff staff
3 ECTS Tourism, Globalisation and Sustainable Development G0T80A staff staff
- H.Stoffelen (coordinator)
- C.Parra Novoa
- H.Stoffelen
Tourism, Globalisation and Sustainable Development (3 ECTS) G0S13a staff 3 ECTS Political Ecology G0S40A staff staff
Political Ecology: Lectures and Seminars (3 ECTS) G0S40a staff staff
6 ECTS Applied Bioeconomics and Policy I0U40B staff- J.Relaes
- N.
staff
- J.Relaes
- N.
Applied Bioeconomics and Policy (6 ECTS) I0U40a staff- J.Relaes
- N.
staff
- J.Relaes
- N.
6 ECTS Strategic Spatial Planning H02N1A staff- P.Van den Broeck (coordinator)
staff
- P.Van den Broeck (coordinator)
Strategic Spatial Planning: Lecture (3 ECTS) H02N1a staff staff
Strategic Spatial Planning: Practices (1 ECTS) H02N2a staff staff
Strategic Spatial Planning: Assignment (2 ECTS) H0H43a staff staff
-
Methodological Elective Course
In the first phase students also select a methodological elective course that complements their background degree and/or that caters for a specific methodological need. They can select this course from the KU Leuven offer. The choice will have to be approved by the programma director.
Students who already obtained a credit for G0I65B 'Geographical Research Methods 2: Advanced Qualitative Methods in Human Geography' do not have to take this elective course.
-
Master's Thesis
The Master's Thesis is compulsory.
Students graduating in 2024-2025 take G0V80C Master’s Thesis and Professionalisation.30 ECTS Master's Thesis and Professionalization G0V80C staff- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
- N.
staff
- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
- N.
Internship (12 ECTS) G0D14a staff- N.
staff
- N.
Master's Thesis (18 ECTS) G0D15a staff- N.
staff
- N.
-
Transitional Measures
As from 2025-2026 This course will be the new Master's Thesis.
Students graduating in 2024-2025 take G0V80C Master’s Thesis and Professionalisation.30 ECTS Master’s Thesis G00K3A staff- N.
staff
- N.
Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS) G00K3a staff- N.
staff
- N.
-
-
Specialisation: Ecology
-
Compulsory Courses
All courses are compulsory.
4 ECTS Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services I0U37A staff staff
- B.Muys (coordinator)
- C.Parra Novoa
- K.Van Meerbeek
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (3 ECTS) I0U38a staff Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Exercises (1 ECTS) I0U39a staff staff
6 ECTS Terrestrial Ecology G0F89A staff- O.Honnay (coordinator)
- H.Jacquemyn
staff
- O.Honnay (coordinator)
- H.Jacquemyn
Terrestrial Ecology (4.4 ECTS) G0F89a staff staff
Terrestrial Ecology: Practical Course (1.6 ECTS) G0F90a staff staff
6 ECTS Biogeography and Macro-ecology G0F91A staff staff
- H.Jacquemyn (coordinator)
- H.De Kort
- H.Jacquemyn
Biogeography and Macro-ecology (5 ECTS) G0F91a staff staff
Biogeography and Macro-ecology: Exercises (1 ECTS) G0F92a staff staff
6 ECTS Freshwater and Marine Ecology G0R62A staff staff
- L.De Meester (coordinator)
- S.Maes
- N.
Freshwater and Marine Ecology: Lectures (3.5 ECTS) G0R62a staff- S.Maes
- N.
staff
- S.Maes
- N.
Freshwater and Marine Ecology: Exercises (1.5 ECTS) G0R63a staff staff
Freshwater and Marine Ecology: Excursion (1 ECTS) G0R64a staff- S.Maes
- N.
staff
- S.Maes
- N.
6 ECTS Modelling Land Use Changes G0I83A staff staff
- A.Van Rompaey (coordinator)
- N.
- L.Hemerijckx (substitute)
Modelling Land Use Changes: Lectures (4 ECTS) G0I83a staff staff
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- L.Hemerijckx (substitute)
Modelling Land Use Changes: Exercises (2 ECTS) G0I84a staff staff
- A.Van Rompaey
- N.
- L.Hemerijckx (substitute)
-
Master's Thesis
The Master's Thesis is compulsory.
Students graduating in 2024-2025 take G0Z47A Master’s Thesis and Professionalisation.30 ECTS Master's Thesis and Professionalization G0Z47A staff- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
- N.
staff
- C.Parra Novoa (coordinator)
- N.
Internship (12 ECTS) G0Z48a staff- N.
staff
- N.
Master's Thesis (18 ECTS) G0Z49a staff- N.
staff
- N.
-
Transitional Measures
As from 2025-2026 This course will be the new Master's Thesis.
30 ECTS Master’s Thesis G00K4A staff- N.
staff
- N.
Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS) G00K4a staff- N.
staff
- N.
-
-
-
Optional Courses
Students can choose for at least 6 credits courses or till the total of their master programme is at least 120 credits. They can choose these courses or other courses approved by the promotor and programme director.
G0I60A will not be taught as from academic year 20213 ECTS Culture and Tourism G0K26B staff staff
Culture and Tourism (3 ECTS) G0S50a staff staff
3 ECTS Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Development G0V81C staff- N.
staff
- N.
Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Development: Lectures (3 ECTS) G0V82a staff- N.
staff
- N.
-