SPECIALISATIONS

At the beginning of the 2nd year, students will have to select a specialisation path. For each of the specialisations, a course programme is defined. A specialisation is composed of a cluster of Specialisation Modules (12 EC), a Thesis Preparation Module (6 EC), and a Thesis Research Project (30 EC). The work on the MSc thesis may include an internship in a company or an institute outside the university. The programme as a whole - optional courses, and thesis subject - must be subject to approval of the Board of Examiners.

Students can select, depending on their interest and background, one of the following specialisations. Below, the specialisationsare described in more detail:

• Industrial ecology - Integrated Systems Analysis
• Industrial ecology - Organization and Transition Management
• Industrial ecology - Technological Systems Innovation

IE - integrated systems analysis (primarily in Leiden)
In the triad "analysis, design, implementation", the Leiden specialisation is directed at analysis. Important keywords for this track are: systems analysis, analytical tools, metabolism of society, system earth, analogy biosphere-technosphere. Specialisation will be possible in the development of analytic tools such as Life Cycle Assessment, Material Flow Accounting or Substance Flow Analysis, or in the application of such tools to interesting and relevant sustainability issues. Compulsory course for this track is Life Cycle Assessment (6 ECTS). Work on the Thesis Research Project can be done within CML, at other groups of Leiden University, or at other institutions for research or policy such as RIVM, TNO or the Ministry of the Environment.

IE - technological systems innovation (primarily in Delft)
The specialisation'Technological systems innovation' conveys knowledge of the requirements derived from the concept of industrial ecology for technological systems at various system levels. After completion, the students have expert knowledge of structured methodologies and processes for technical design or technical innovation. In this specialisation, the students obtain technological expertise in a relevant topic of their choice, like sustainable design of chemical processes, ecodesign of consumer products, use and introduction of renewable energy concepts, sustainable building etc. An integral part of the research subjects is the communication with actors to determine and evaluate the consistency of designs with sustainable development. The final research result is the presentation of a feasible design result or innovation strategy with a clear contribution in the industrial ecology field.

IE - organisation and transition management (primarily in Delft)
The structure of modern societies is based on a social system wherein organisations and individuals (actors) are interactively institutionalised. The positions of actors and organisations are part of a dynamic process of change, based on different power positions. In a historical perspective, the current industrial situation is the result of more than two centuries of industrial development, and the current environmental policy situation is the result of more than three decades of public environmental policy and its elaboration within industrial activities. Against this background, industrial ecology is introduced as a concept within an organisational and management theory perspective. The Industrial Ecology Core module on Social Sciences focuses on the organisation and management dimensions that are related to the reduction of industrial emissions, waste flows, energy use and usage of materials within in-company procedures and beyond the level of single organisations