PhD in Sustainability Science

This 3-year PhD program in Sustainability Science prepares advanced researchers and change agents capable of addressing complex social-ecological challenges through transdisciplinary, solutions-oriented research. Aligned with EQF Level 8 (third cycle qualifications), the program integrates systems thinking, sustainability competencies, and rigorous research methodologies to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to advance sustainability transformations across academia, industry, government, and civil society.unu+2

The program follows a structured progression: Year 1 emphasizes advanced coursework, research design, and comprehensive examination; Year 2 focuses on intensive research execution, publication, and stakeholder engagement; Year 3 culminates in dissertation completion, defense, and professional positioning. Students engage with real-world sustainability challenges through partnerships with research institutes, policy organizations, and communities, producing original contributions at the frontier of sustainability science.

Program Learning Outcomes

Mastery of sustainability science theories, principles, and research at the highest international level.
Deep understanding of socio-ecological systems, complex adaptive systems, and cross-scale dynamics in sustainability transformations.
Critical awareness of climate change science, planetary boundaries, and global sustainability frameworks (SDGs, Paris Agreement)

Design and execute original, rigorous transdisciplinary research using advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
Communicate research findings effectively to academic, professional, policy, and public audiences through publications, presentations, and policy briefs.
Engage stakeholders in knowledge co-production, boundary spanning, and participatory research processes.

Systems-Thinking Competency – Address sustainability problems from holistic perspectives, identifying root causes and intermediate drivers of complex problem constellations.
Anticipatory/Futures-Thinking Competency – Analyze possible future trajectories, construct scenarios, and use visioning as catalysts for action.
Normative/Values-Thinking Competency – Map, specify, apply, reconcile, and negotiate values, principles, goals, and sustainability targets.
Strategic-Thinking Competency – Design and implement strategic plans toward sustainability, avoiding undesirable scenarios through transformative interventions.
Interpersonal Competency – Communicate, deliberate, negotiate, collaborate, and lead across diverse stakeholders and cultures.
Intrapersonal Competency – Reflect on personal values, biases, and emotional responses in sustainability work; develop self-awareness and resilience.
Implementation Competency – Translate research into actionable solutions, manage projects, and facilitate sustainability transformations in practice.
Integration Competency – Synthesize diverse knowledge systems (scientific, local, indigenous) and integrate across social and biophysical domains.

Demonstrate scholarly integrity, innovation, and sustained commitment to advancing sustainability science and practice.
Lead research projects in complex, unpredictable contexts with substantial authority and independence.
Initiate and manage national and international research collaborations with scientific rigor and ethical responsibility.

Career and Professional Development Areas

Earned

Duration

Program Learning Outcomes

Career and Professional Development Areas

Business Intelligence: Data Informed Business Decision‑Making with AI

Cybersecurity Awareness and Digital Compliance

Digital Literacy

Digital Marketing Strategist

Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Digital Economy

Marketing Tourism & Lived Experience

Bachelor’s in International Business & Geopolitics

Bachelor’s in AI-Powered Digital Marketing & Growth Analytics

Bachelor’s in Business Management Specialization in Business Intelligence

Bachelor’s in Business Management Specialization in Digital Marketing & Data Analytics

Bachelor’s in International Studies Specialization in Globalization

Master’s in Digital Marketing, Data and AI-Driven Marketing

Master’s in Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI

Master’s in Hospitality & Lived Experience

Master’s in Impact Investing & Social Finance

Master’s in International Supply Chain Management

Master’s in International Trade & Geopolitics