Sustainability education

Maastricht University aims to equip all students with the knowledge, skills and mindset to become responsible global citizens and agents of sustainable change. Sustainability is being integrated across all programmes, guided by the Global Citizenship for Sustainable Development framework.

Through Problem-Based Learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are encouraged to critically engage with real-world challenges—from climate change to social inequality. UM also supports staff in embedding sustainability into their teaching and fosters student-led initiatives that bring sustainable thinking to life on campus.

Education at UM is not only about learning about sustainability, but also learning for sustainability—empowering students to make a meaningful impact in their future careers and communities.

The topic sustainable development in courses and programmes at UM

UM's aim is to integrate sustainable development in all programmes. Each educational program incorporates sustainable development (competencies) into the core curricula in a way that is appropriate and relevant to the programme. This is done by finding faculties' unique perspectives and ways to add value to contribute to a sustainable world.

Since the project team has started taking count of courses which integrate the topic of sustainability, sustainable development, and/or the Sustainable Development Goals into their course descriptions in 2018-2019, the number of courses has increased substantially. Since then, the count has gone up from 9 to more than 57 Bachelor level courses, and from 17 to more than 33 Master level courses for the academic year 2022-2023. For an overview of the courses and programmes on various levels, please see here.

Climate Fresk

To raise awareness and understanding of climate change, UM has organised a multitude of Climate Fresk workshops with participation from hundreds of students and staff. This engaging workshop uses a collaborative game based on scientific sources, allowing participants to uncover the complex web of causes and consequences of climate disruption. The sessions spark insightful discussions and help translate knowledge into action, both individually and institutionally. They are part of a broader strategy to build climate literacy across the university. Due to their success, Climate Fresks will continue to be offered as part of UM’s sustainability engagement programme.

Read here how SSPS students of the Maastricht Sustainability Institute started their trimester with a Climate Fresk.

Are you interested in becoming a facilitator after the workshop or do you have any inquiries? Contact Ahmed Hussain.

Circular Economy Collage

We recently hosted a fantastic Circular Economy Collage at the Sustainability Hub, turning complex concepts into a collaborative collage! Around 15 enthusiastic participants dove deep into the principles of circularity, sparking great conversations and crafting a vivid visual representation of the transition away from the linear model.

The atmosphere was buzzing with new ideas and a shared passion for a more sustainable future. This event is a powerful way to understand the circular economy's challenges and opportunities.Plus, we used this event to set the date for the next Sustainability Festival! Stay tuned for the official announcement soon!

If youd like to attend future workshops, learn more about circularity, or explore how to become a facilitator? Email the Green Office to express your interest in more events and training opportunities! Let's keep the circle turning!