Program
The economy of the future no longer relies on maximizing profits. Instead, it is based on reproducing, recycling, and reusing. This MSc program trains you to become a change agent who helps international companies transition to a circular economy.
Circular Economy in a nutshell
The full-time Circular Economy program takes 1 year and covers 2 semesters. The key focus? Doing practice-based research for an international company together with a fellow student. During your program, you learn how to create business models based on multiple value creation. And you learn the ins and outs of multidisciplinary collaboration. For most of the program, you get to choose your own learning objectives. The master comprises a total of 60 ECTS credits.
Meet lecturers & students
Get an inside view of the Circular Economy program at HAN. Become a student for a day, join a sample lecture or meet 1:1 with a lecturer online or on campus. We are currently offering the following activities:
- Meet 1:1 with a lecturer (online or on campus)
- Sample lecture
Podcast Circular Economy
How do you make the most out of your studies? What do you learn in this program? What are your career opportunities? Host Angela Piccioni and current master student Veerle Elings answer all of these questions in the Circular Economy podcast. Whether you've already decided that you want to become a change maker or you're just starting to look into the field, this podcast is for you.
1st semester
In the 1st semester, you start working on a practical research problem.
1st Semester
During the introductory week, you dive into the world of the circular economy. Visit leading companies and projects. And gain insights into the societal, political, and economic background of sustainability.
Next you explore the 6 capitals of sustainability: financial capital, manufacturing capital, human capital, social and relationship capital, intellectual capital, and natural capital.
You also attend courses and workshops on research, leadership, and skills. And you work with a fellow student on a practical research problem for an international company or organization. Your first step is to analyze the organization in question.
Portfolio
At the end of the 1st semester, you submit a portfolio with 3 products: integral analysis, interview reports, and priorities. You’ll present these products during an assessment and submit a reflection portfolio. You’ll be assessed on both portfolio presentations and a theory exam. Topics on the exam are:
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Sustainability of the global system
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Social order and systems
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Global ecosystems and transitions
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Multiple value creation
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The six capitals of sustainability
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Integrated thinking
Academic calendar
The academic year runs from September to August. In that time you have 42 weeks of education. The rest of the time you have holidays.
2nd semester
In the 2nd semester, you focus on creating a design that solves the problem of your company or organization.
Design
In the 2nd semester, you continue working on your practical research problem. Now you focus on coming up with a design to solve the problem. Together with your lecturers and the organization, you decide which topics and skills you need to focus on. You also attend lectures and workshops. Go on field trips. Engage in consultation interviews with professionals. Write an article or create a podcast on your design and personal findings. Finally, you conclude the MSc with an assessment of your 2nd-semester portfolio. Your lecturers will assess your reflective portfolio and your self-image. These are the topics that you cover:
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Design thinking
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Moral deliberation
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Business and profit models
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Transformational leadership
Research
The HAN Center for Multiple Value Creation has an extensive international network. The companies in this network pass on concrete sustainability issues. You work on these issues together with fellow students, researchers, and professionals in our Innovation Lab. Here you do research on various alternative solutions to facilitate the transition from a linear to a circular economy. You also develop your skills as a change agent.
A good match?
Want to discover whether Circular Economy at HAN is the right choice for you? Experience it for yourself at the Open Day. Our students and staff look forward to meeting you there!
Master of Science in Circular Economy
After 1 year of hard work, you’ve earned your Master of Science in Circular Economy. Congratulations! The program you've completed is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). That means you now have an internationally recognized degree. Ready to get your career moving as a change agent who speeds up the transition to a sustainable future?
Master of Science
Careers
Find out about job opportunities for graduates in Circular Economy.
