Program Overview

The Circular Economy and Society program is an important sustainability discourse that has gained significant attention in recent years. The concept is still under development and debate, with various public and private actors proposing different approaches to circularity.

Program Description

During this course, students will critically observe the current linear economic system of production and consumption and its socio-ecological impacts. The program will then study the fundamental principles of the circular economy as a proposed solution to the systemic problems of the linear economy. Students will analyze the many different approaches to this new circular paradigm, such as cradle-to-cradle, industrial ecology, doughnut economics, buen vivir, and degrowth.

Program Objectives

The program aims to provide students with a critical and holistic understanding of circularity transformations. Students will analyze specific cases both individually and in a group assignment to develop a comprehensive understanding of circular economy and society discourses.

Coordinator

The program is coordinated by Dr. Martin Calisto Friant.

Timetable

The timetable for the program can be found on Datanose.

Entry Requirements

The program is open to second-year and third-year UvA Bachelor's students and other interested parties, such as contract students or students from other Dutch higher education institutions. Master's students can only participate if there are still spots available.

Registration

UvA Bachelor's students can register from June 10 to 16, 2025, in the GLASS registration rounds. Master’s students can send a short motivation to register. ‘Bijvak’ students and contract students can register from June 10, 2025, until two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Costs

Prices can be found on the IIS website.

Microcredentials for Professionals

Contract students and UvA staff who successfully participate in the course’s assessment will receive information to obtain a digital certificate in the form of a microcredential.

SDGs in Education

The IIS strives to reflect current societal issues and challenges in its elective courses, honours modules, and degree programs and attempts to integrate the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in this course.

Program Details

• Mode: Open UvA Course
• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Language of instruction: English
• Start date: October

Additional Information

The program is part of the national microcredentials pilot, with which the higher education field is shaping a system for online certification of individual educational units. The IIS website provides more information about the pilot.

University of Amsterdam

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Overview:

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a renowned research university located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is one of Europe's leading universities, boasting over 40,000 students, 6,000 staff members, and 3,000 PhD candidates. The UvA is a hub for academic research and education, known for its commitment to connecting scientific research with societal challenges.

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Academic Programs:

The UvA offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Bachelor's:

Over 20 English-taught programs are available.

Master's:

Over 150 English-taught programs are offered.

For Professionals:

Short-term and long-term programs for those seeking to continue their education alongside their careers.

Summer School:

The UvA Summer School provides a variety of courses for international students.

Open Programs:

The UvA offers open programs for those interested in exploring specific topics.

Exchange:

The UvA participates in various exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad.

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Other:

The UvA is known for its strong research focus, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university also has a strong commitment to internationalization, with a diverse student body and faculty.