For a better tomorrow: addressing complex environmental challenges in cities in a sustainable and (eco)technological way
Worldwide, increasing urbanisation poses many environmental challenges: use of resources, production of waste, quality of air and water, energy demand, effects of climate change, health problems, and so on. The complexity of these urban environmental problems is substantial. In order to tackle them, we need expertise from different disciplines, with a focus on sustainability and (eco)technological innovation.
The University of Antwerp, Ghent University and
KU Leuven jointly offer you this unique Master of Bioscience Engineering: Sustainable Urban Bioscience Engineering. Taught in English, the programme is aimed at students with a background in bioscience engineering of related fields. Through a multidisciplinary approach you will gain in-depth knowledge, skills and attitudes to tackle complex urban environmental issues and to offer sustainable (eco)technological solutions in an international perspective.
A few key defining elements of this two-year Master’s programme (120 ECTS)
A Master’s programme jointly organized by the University of Antwerp (coordinator), Ghent University and KU Leuven, leading to a joint Master’s degree.
Aimed at an international audience of students and experts and educating students to function in an international context.
A bioscience engineering programme with explicit focus on environmental challenges in urban environments.
An integral and multidisciplinary approach: in-depth knowledge of scientific and (eco)technological perspectives with explicit attention to sustainability aspects,combined with insights from other disciplines relevant in an urban context (e.g. urban development, mobility, urban sociology, smart cities).
Problem-based education through interactive, multidisciplinary and integrated projects (CityLabs).
Intense cooperation with external partners.
A compulsory internship.
What our students say
“If I had to choose again, I would absolutely choose this Master’s program once more!”
“During this Master’s programme I could understand how the concepts we studied – like urban heat islands, green infrastructure, and stakeholder management – are applied in real projects. SUBE doesn’t just teach you what to know, it teaches you how to make it matter.”
“SUBE uniquely combines bioscience, engineering, and sustainability to tackle urban challenges. Working with professionals from different backgrounds during my internship made me realise how valuable this interdisciplinary training really is.”
“Many people told me that the title ‘engineer’ matters more than the specific programme. But since I switched to SUBE, I feel like it really offers something different — especially the integration of theory and practice in the CityLabs.”
“SUBE gave me a solid foundation in systems thinking, which helped me understand the complex links between biodiversity, climate risks, and urban resilience.”
“Thanks to SUBE, I entered the work field with practical skills, a systems mindset, and the ability to communicate across disciplines — and that made all the difference.”
“SUBE prepares you not only technically, but also teaches you to collaborate and communicate across disciplines – essential skills for creating sustainable impact.”
“What makes SUBE stand out is the strong connection between theory and practice. The CityLabs and mandatory internship make the programme so much more relevant than other master’s degrees.”
“The SUBE programme gave me the confidence to contribute meaningfully in a professional setting. I could see the direct value of what we learned, from technical tools like QGIS to broader concepts like sustainable urban development.”
Curious to know more about this new programme? Watch the video below!
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