Sustainable Development, full-time, second cycle

Sustainable Development II degree course with a general academic profile is conducted in English by the University Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (UCBS).

Societies around the world today face a major challenge: rethinking their development model in order to lay the foundations for a more sustainable, positive and equitable future. This challenge requires an interdisciplinary approach, interlinkages between different fields of research, a shared commitment to scientific and educational potential and deeper collaboration with the environment. Sustainable Development (SD) studies respond to this challenge.

The guiding idea of education in the field of Sustainable Development (hereinafter: SD) is interdisciplinary. This reflects the organization of the educational process based on a harmonious involvement under the chairmanship and involvement of the University Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development (UCBS) of eight units of the University of Warsaw. The following faculties of the University of Warsaw take part in the preparation of the new faculty of study: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Regional Studies, Geology, Economic Sciences, Law and Administration and the Faculty of Management at the University of Warsaw. The SD studies will be conducted at the second level of education. SD studies offer integrated knowledge, its broad but in-depth understanding in various areas of science. The programme gives insight into the complexity of sustainability challenges as well as the variety of available solutions. Knowledge, skills and social competences passed during the studies support the shaping of an individual view of the world, building an open and critical attitude to the changing reality.

In addition, during the didactic process, students have the opportunity to acquire many competences and practical skills to help them start and function in a rapidly changing world. Experience from countries where sustainable development is more firmly anchored in governance and management shows that people who have completed such studies are among those who are positively perceived during their applications for important managerial and advisory positions.

The field of study does not close in one field/discipline. It is implemented on the borderline between the fields of science and natural sciences and social sciences and the humanities; in the following disciplines: biological, chemical, physical, earth and environment sciences, science, legal and social sciences, as well as classes in philosophy, social communication and entrepreneurship.

Subjects in the field of SD are collected in modules, assigned to individual semesters during two-year studies (4 semesters). Subjects introduced in the first semester introduce issues of sustainable development from the environmental, economic and socio-legal perspective. In the second semester, students become acquainted with the planning and management processes as well as the use of raw materials and economic analysis in the implementation of sustainable development goals, both in cities and in rural areas. Students have the opportunity to choose classes according to their interests. Semester III offers an overview of the best practices and tools currently used to support sustainable development processes. Most of the classes this semester have the character of practical projects with the participation of practitioners and experts from outside the University of Warsaw. Semester IV is devoted to writing a master's thesis and this is also done by a research field study in organizations and institutions selected in accordance with the subject of the work being carried out. Forms of implementation of education modules used for SD are: lectures, auditory exercises, laboratory exercises, seminars, workshops and practicum, as well as - determining the specificity of natural studies - field and seminar exercises, trips to nature, engineering and cultural objects.

Interdisciplinarity of knowledge and diversity of didactic offer in the field of Sustainable Development allow us to obtain comprehensive academic education useful for various professions. SD graduates will be prepared to work in the following sectors: public, private and non-profit, in international or national organisations; in research and analytical centres. In particular in institutions dealing with environmental monitoring, waste management, local and regional development, consulting companies, scientific and research and development institutions and business.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field and the participation of staff from many faculties of the University, classes will take place at various faculties of the University of Warsaw, however most classes will take place on the Ochota campus.

More information about the SD course are available on the website http://ucbs.uw.edu.pl

Qualification rules for candidates with Polish diplomas

The minimum number of points needed to be qualified: 5

The recruitment procedure will be conducted on the basis of an interview in English. During the interview the candidate's scope of knowledge relating to the Sustainable Development Goals and related tasks contained in the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 will be assessed.

We recommend candidates to get familiar with general information available at the website: UN/ Department of Economic and Social Affairs website – section devoted to SDG knowledge https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Topics for the interview are following:

• The sustainable development goals SDGs
• How do we measure progress of SD

• Social Inclusion
• Education for All
• Health for All
• Food Security
• Planetary boundaries and biodiversity
• Capital approach to sustainable development
• The Role of Institutions in Building Frameworks to Measure Sustainable Development

• Climate change
• Sustainable transport

Details of the interview:

• The interview will be held online. After registration for the interview the candidate will get the link to the meeting.
• The interview will last max 20 minutes.

- Before the interview, the candidate's identity will be checked based on the ID presented.

• Language of the interview: English.
• Absence at the interview results in the candidate's ineligibility for studies and awarding them 0 points in the qualification procedure.
• A maximum of 10 points can be obtained in the qualification procedure.
• The minimum number of points in the qualification procedure required to qualify for studies is 5 points.

Admission rules for candidates with foreign diplomas

Candidates with a foreign diploma are qualified on the basis of the same rules as those with diplomas obtained in Poland.

Checking candidates' competence to undertake studies conducted in the English language 

In the admission procedure for second-cycle studies conducted in English, candidates are required to present a document confirming their knowledge of English at a level of at least B2 (in line with the general requirements set out in the recruitment resolution document).

Language competence will be checked during the exam in English, which checks candidates' knowledge of sustainable development, only in relation to candidates who do not have a document confirming the expected language competence recognized by the University of Warsaw.

The minimum number of points in the qualification procedure required to qualify for studies is 5 points. Qualifying for studies is tantamount to confirming the knowledge of the English language at the required level.

Information on documents certifying knowledge of the English language. >> Check! <<

Deadlines

Qualification interview:
6th of May, 2024, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (interview will be conducted online via Google Meet)
7th of May, 2024, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (interview will be conducted online via Google Meet)
8th of May, 2024, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (interview will be conducted online via Google Meet)
9th of May, 2024, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (interview will be conducted online via Google Meet) - reserve date

Announcement of results: 13th of May, 2024

Reception of documents: 

• I round: 13th-15th of May, 2024
• II round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during I round): 16th-17th of May, 2024
• III round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during II round): 20th-21st of May, 2024
• additional rounds will be announced in case of not fulfilling the limits

Payments

Application fee

Student's ID payment (ELS)

The studies are payable - tuition fees

Required documents

List of required documents submitted by candidates qualified for studies

Additional information

Find us on the map: University Center for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development