Do you deeply care about our planet and are you eager to make a real change? Then our two-year MSc programme Industrial Ecology may be the place for you. The interdisciplinary programme, offered jointly by Leiden University and TU Delft, is a true powerhouse for sustainability solutions. As a student you will acquire essential knowledge and tools, while being part of a closely-knit international academic community with shared values and a shared purpose.
Programme overview
Our planet needs urgent solutions to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and other environmental threats. Sustainability is key to tackling those global challenges, and this is where Industrial Ecology (IE) comes in. One could define IE as the ensemble of methods to systematically assess the interactions between human activities and the environment, offering a holistic and practical approach towards sustainability. As the science of sustainability, Industrial Ecology focuses on optimising resource use, minimising waste, and reducing environmental impact across the life cycle of products and processes.
8 reasons to choose Industrial Ecology in Leiden and Delft
- Teaching by internationally renowned experts at two world-class universities, who bring their cutting-edge research into the classroom.
- An interdisciplinary approach that provides broad knowledge across various aspects of sustainability, enabling you to make a real impact in the field.
- A highly customisable programme, that lets you follow your own interests and ambitions. Of course, guidance is available to help you specialise in your chosen path.
- A strong sense of community and shared purpose and commitment among students and faculty, where diverse cultural backgrounds enhance collaboration.
- Highly interactive classes and focusing on theory as well as hands-on practice.
- Seminars in small groups with plenty of room for personal attention and development.
- A solid preparation for the job market with sustainability expertise and tools, combined with in-demand skills like critical and creative thinking, systems thinking, programming, presentation, teamwork, and project management.
- Opportunities for collaboration with third parties, such as national or international partner universities, NGOs, industrial partners and government institutes. You can also spend a semester abroad at a partner university.
Student story:
Kim: “I chose the MSc Industrial Ecology (IE) programme to tackle sustainability challenges hands-on, at every level. Its mix of disciplines perfectly matched my varied interests. What drew me most to IE was its holistic approach. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about understanding how everything connects and finding solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
While I expected to learn about making industrial systems more sustainable, and I did, IE also surprised me with the concept of urban metabolism. Viewing cities as living organisms, with inputs, outputs, and a delicate balance, was eye-opening. It’s a fresh perspective with big implications for our urban future. In today’s world, we need comprehensive solutions. Additionally, what truly adds value to my experience is the sense of community within the programme.”
More information:
E-mail: studyadvisor-ie@cml.leidenuniv.nl
Website: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/study-programmes/master/industrial-ecology
Find us during the Next Step Master Day the 10th of February 2026!
