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 necessary condition for joining the graduate programme in Sustainable Development in English language is to have any degree "licencjat", B.A., B.Sc., "magister", M.A., M.Sc., engineer or equivalent degree.

The qualification procedure will be carried out on the basis of:

• Average of grades from studies

• Result of the interview in English checking the predispositions of candidates to study and their interest in sustainable development issues.

For the arithmetic average of the grades from studies, a maximum of 40 points can be obtained.

The average of grades from the studies will be converted into points as follows (applies to diplomas obtained in Poland):

From the interview the candidate may receive a maximum of 60 points. Absence in an interview will result in the candidate being unqualified and awarded 0 points on the ranking list.

Knowledge of sustainable development will be assessed by representatives of the Sustainable Development staff.

Topics for the interview:

1. A history of sustainable development
2. How do we measure progress
3. The sustainable development goals SDGs
4. Social Inclusion
5. Education for All
6. Health for All
7. Food Security
8. Planetary boundaries and biodiversity
9. Capital approach to sustainable development
10. The Role of Institutions in Building Frameworks to Measure Sustainable Development
11. Climate change
12. Sustainable transport

Detailed questions for the interview:

1. The history of sustainable development

• What do you know about Agenda 2030?
• Could you provide some examples of any important international commitments towards achieving sustainability other than Agenda 2030?

2. How do we measure progress

• The 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030 along with a related set of targeted measures are specific indicators of progress in achieving Agenda 2030. Could you provide an example of any specific target set up in relation to 17 SDGs?
• Could you provide any examples of a specific methodology or indicator for monitoring progress in achieving sustainability?

3. The sustainable development goals SDGs

• What do you know about Sustainable Development Goals?
• Which SDGs, in your opinion, are particularly important in achieving progress towards sustainability in the World?

4. Social Inclusion

• Which SDG contributes the most towards social inclusion?
• Could you provide any examples of problems and barriers in achieving social inclusion in your country?

5. Education for All

• Which SDG contributes the most to the achievement of good quality education for all?
• Could you provide examples of activities which can contribute to the achievement of good quality education?

6. Health for All

• Which SDG contributes the most to the achievement of good health and well-being?
• Could you provide examples of activities which can contribute to the achievement of good health and well-being?

7. Food Security

• Which SDG contributes the most to the achievement of food security?
• Could you explain the relationships between food security and environmental changes?

8. Planetary boundaries and biodiversity

• What are the most alarming symptoms of biodiversity loss? How is this connected with sustainability?
• How can you contribute to protecting biodiversity?

9. Capital approach to sustainable development

• How do you understand the term “Capital”. Could you explain what can be considered “capital” in achieving sustainability?
• How do you understand the statement “Culture is a driver and enabler of sustainable development and essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda”? Can culture be considered capital?

10. The role of institutions in building frameworks to measure sustainable development

• What institutions on the highest level are responsible for measuring progress in achieving SDGs?
• What institution in your country is responsible for measuring progress in achieving sustainability?

11. Climate change

• Which SDG contributes the most taking action towards climate protection?
• What are the most alarming symptoms of climate changes? How is this connected with sustainability?

12. Sustainable transport

• How do you understand the term “sustainable transport’?
• Could you provide examples of systemic (big scale) solutions which contribute towards sustainable transport?

To find the answers to the above questions candidates may look through the following resources:

• on-line publication: UNESCO moving forward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• website: SDGs Knowledge Platform

In case of candidates without a document certifying knowledge of the English language at level B2, language assessment will be carried out during the interview. Candidates who do not speak English at least at B2 level will not be considered in the qualification process. The language proficiency of candidates at B2 - CEFR level will be assessed by the representative of the Center for Foreign Language Teacher Training and European Education of the University of Warsaw invited to participate in the recruitment committee.

A maximum of 100 points can be obtained in the qualification procedure. The minimum number of points in the qualification procedure required to qualify for studies is 50 points.

Admission procedure for candidates with foreign diplomas

Candidates are qualified on the same rules as applicable to candidates with Polish diplomas.

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

Deadlines

Date of the interview: 16th, 17th of September, 2019, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Announcement of results: 20th of September, 2019

Reception of documents:

• I round: 20th, 23rd-24th of September, 2019, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  
• II round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during I round): 25th-26th of September, 2019, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  

Payments

Application fee

Student's ID payment (ELS)

Required documents

List of required documents submitted by candidates qualified for studies

Additional information

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