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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Header image Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Master - full-time

Sustainable Entrepreneurship

Ever considered a career in sustainability and management?This Master's programme will teach you everything you need to know about Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

The global economy is undergoing a transformation towards a sustainable society in which the interests of people, planet and profits together are the driving force, rather than neoclassical industrial economic systems. This transformation needs academic professionals who can demonstrate that sustainable entrepreneurship is key. Our programme trains these professionals.

Are you interested in:

  • developing a new perspective?
  • circular business models?
  • learning from real entrepreneurs?
  • developing your leadership and management skills and academic knowledge about sustainability?

Then join us at Campus Fryslân in Leeuwarden in the Master’s programme in Sustainable Entrepreneurship!

From HBO to MSc
Students who have an HBO Bachelor’s degree certificate of a programme with a strong relation to sustainability and knowledge of business administration or management may be admitted to the Sustainable Entrepreneurship after following the preparation course. Please be aware that the application deadline for this course is 3 January 2021!

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
67085
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Campus Fryslân
Apply now
Why study this programme in Leeuwarden?

Leeuwarden is the capital and the economic and cultural centre of the greenest and most beautiful province of the Netherlands; Friesland. Leeuwarden is gaining popularity among students which makes sense since there's plenty to do in the historical centre.

Unique about our programme:

  • developing a new perspective
  • learning from real entrepreneurs
  • multidisciplinary education
  • intellectual challenge combined with personal growth
Programme

Our programme takes 12 months (one year) of full-time study. We coach your academic, leadership and entrepreneurship ambitions in four blocks of 10 weeks each. During these 12 months you will become an expert in all elements of the successful business model of sustainable entrepreneurship.

You will learn how to design (block 1), implement (block 2) and successfully manage performance (block 3). In block 4 you will develop your sustainable ambitions in your personal Leadership project.

Your research will focus on a case from regional, national or international companies. You'll find your project in collaboration with the Campus Fryslân's network. You may also adopt one of the UN's challenges of sustainability or a personal sustainability challenge. We are an international programme. Sustainable challenges are relevant for all nations, regions, cities, businesses or people. We are open to companies or challenges that will serve as your host during the entire programme.

Periods
Courses1234
Foundations of Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Introduction to Key Concepts and Practices (5 EC)
Sustainable Entrepreneurial Strategy and Business Models (5 EC)
Sustainable Leadership (5 EC)
Contexts and Ecosystems of Sustainable Entrepreneurship (5 EC)
Organisations (5 EC)
Sustainable Networks and Supply Chains (5 EC)
Measuring Sustainable Performance of Organisations (5 EC)
Public Policy (5 EC)
Research methods (5 EC)
Qualitative project (15 EC, optional)
Quantitative project (15 EC, optional)

Curriculum

In the leadership project you will conduct independent academic research following to your own design, focusing on solving a problem relevant to a corporate sustainability challenge. You can choose one of the two options in the Leadership project; A. The database project B. The case study project

Depending on your individual entrepreneurship ambitions and leadership profiles, you will work with regional, national or international sustainable organisations. You will develop and present your leadership project for supervisors, peers and stakeholders on the Circular Minds Conference.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is unaccommodated
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Human Geography and PlanningUniversity of GroningenAdditional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Global Responsibility & LeadershipUniversity of GroningenAdditional requirements
Spatial Planning and DesignUniversity of GroningenAdditional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International BusinessAll Research universitiesAdditional requirements
Business AdministrationAll Research universities

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • written request
Econometrics and Operations ResearchAll Research universitiesAdditional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsAll Research universitiesAdditional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Industrial EngineeringUniversity of TwenteAdditional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
language test

An English Language Proficiency test may be required.
previous education

To be considered for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's degree and have knowledge/experience in sustainability, leadership and/or entrepreneurship and be familiar with conducting scientific research.

University of Groningen: Students with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or International Business of the University of Groningen have direct access to the Master Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

Other universities and degree programmes: Students with a Bachelor's Degree in Econometric and Operational Research, Economy and Business Administration, Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning, Spatial Planning and Design, Industrial Engineering & Management, University College Global Responsibility and Leadership or comparable bachelor degree's from the University of Groningen or another Dutch University may be admitted. Please submit an application to the SE Admissions Board. Please use this step-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/cf/centre-for-sustainable-entrepreneurship/master-sustainable-entrepreneurship/admission-and-application

Dutch students with an HBO degree in Business Administration or International Business or a comparable bachelor's degree may be admitted. Please submit an application to the SE Admissions Board. Please use this step-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/cf/centre-for-sustainable-entrepreneurship/master-sustainable-entrepreneurship/admission-and-application

After you complete your application, the SE Admissions Board will assess whether your educational, academic and/or professional background meet the specific programme requirements. The primary consideration is whether you will be able to complete the programme in the time allotted (one year). A strong indicator therefore is the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades you have obtained, together with work experiences and relevant skills in the subject area(s).

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

  • You are (provisionally) admitted. (All conditions have been fulfilled but we might still need to receive certified documents).
  • You are conditionally admitted. You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. You will find the conditions of your admission in your decision letter.
  • You are not admitted. You are not admitted, because you do not meet the programme's entry requirements. The reasons will be clearly stated in the decision letter.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202101 September 2021
01 May 202201 September 2022
EU/EEA students01 May 202101 September 2021
01 May 202201 September 2022
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202101 September 2021
01 May 202201 September 2022

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
language test

Sufficient English language proficiency. With a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based) with a minimum of 21 for all items, IELTS: a minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 on all items, or Cambridge English; C1 advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180, or a certificate from the University of Groningen Language Centre; Minimum section score C1 (writing) and three B2's allowed. The only exception could be made for students with a BA/MA diploma from a University in an officially English speaking country, this decision is up to the Admission Officer.
previous education

To be considered for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's degree and have knowledge/experience in sustainability, leadership and/or entrepreneurship and be familiar with conducting scientific research. Preferably you have a degree from a research university in business administration, international business or a comparable bachelor degree.

Please submit an application to the SE Admissions Board and use this step-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/cf/centre-for-sustainable-entrepreneurship/master-sustainable-entrepreneurship/admission-and-application

After you complete your application, the SE Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements. The primary consideration is whether you will be able to complete the programme in the time allotted (one year). A strong indicator therefore is the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades you have obtained. Together with work experiences and relevant skills in the subject area(s).

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

  • You are (provisionally) admitted. (All conditions have been fulfilled but we might still need to receive certified documents.
  • You are conditionally admitted. You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. You will find the conditions of your admission in your decision letter.
  • You are not admitted. You are not admitted, because you do not meet the programme's entry requirements. The reasons will be clearly stated in the decision letter.

Language requirements

ExamMinimum score
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE)C1
C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE)C2
IELTS overall band6.5
IELTS listening6
IELTS reading6
IELTS writing6
IELTS speaking6
TOEFL computer based237
TOEFL internet based90

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202101 September 2021
01 May 202201 September 2022
EU/EEA students01 May 202101 September 2021
01 May 202201 September 2022
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202101 September 2021
01 May 202201 September 2022
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2020-2021€ 2143full-time
non-EU/EEA2020-2021€ 15000full-time
EU/EEA2021-2022€ 2168full-time
non-EU/EEA2021-2022€ 15900full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students
After your studies

Job prospects

Our labour market analysis shows that employment prospects in functions in the field of business administration are excellent. In the categories of general managers, managers and government officials especially, there is an ever-increasing need for graduates from business programmes with a focus on sustainable entrepreneurship.

Sustainability is relevant for careers in multinationals such as Royal Haskoning, Rabobank and Tauw but also in fast-growing niches in biobased and high-tech sectors and start-ups. Policymaking institutes nationwide also increasingly require new employees to define their personal career ambitions in line with sustainable societies. International organizations such as Deloitte consider in-depth knowledge and skills as a prerequisite for trainee programmes.

In short: our programme prepares for a meaningful career with the perspective of actually solving world challenges.

Job examples

  • Policymaker
  • Project manager
  • Internal consultant
  • SME consultant
  • Sustainability officer
  • Sustainable entrepreneur
Research

Centre for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (CSE)

The CSE believes we can balance and preserve our valuable systems. Sustainable entrepreneurs generate new business models which substantially reduce social and environmental impacts whilst simultaneously improving the quality of societies. The CSE wants to create a circular society. This translates in new programmes for university students, business leaders, and academic scholars, whom we provide with all knowledge and competencies they need to make sustainable entrepreneurship successful.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Dutch brochureEnglish brochure

Contact

  • Admission Office RUG
    Email: cf.msc.admission rug.nl
    Telephone: +31-(0)50 363 8976
  • Prospective Officer (General inquiries Sustainable Entrepreneurship programme)
    Email: cf-se rug.nl
    Telephone: +31 (0)58 205 5022

My knowledge about sustainability has increased a lot!

With this master, my knowledge about sustainability has increased a lot. I am now able to advise companies and friends about sustainable actions. As we are a small group, the classes are very dynamic and that allows us to learn faster and also collaborate with every classmate. On the other hand, I found the master program very academic. It teaches you how a sustainable entrepreneur is but, in my case, a classmate and I had to become an entrepreneur outside the university.

Germán Ramos Garcia

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You'll learn alternative ways of doing business

What I really like about this master is that the complexity of sustainability and entrepreneurship challenges our critical thinking in the face of controversial circumstances. The programme tests our judgement to evaluate a situation, a company and our own leadership. This programme won't teach you the tips and tricks to run a business daily, but it will show and encourage you to think of alternative ways of doing business other than the conventional solely money-driven fashion.

Roxanne Cacpal

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Study associations

Nobis Cura Futuri

Nobis Cura Futuri is the Study Association and the official embodiment of the international student community at Campus Fryslân.
https://www.rug.nl/cf/studeren-bij-cf/nobis-cura-futuri
Read more
Student profile

The SE programme attracts highly motivated students who have a wide range of interests and don't want to limit themselves to a single academic discipline. They share a desire to help save our planet for future generations by contributing knowledge and skills to a shift towards sustainable business models. The programme appeals to those looking for an intellectual challenge combined with personal growth.

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