Each student is required to (i) obtain at least 14 credits, in keeping with the instructions that will be provided during orientation, and (ii) complete all degree requirements by July of his/her third year. Students must complete a dissertation on one of several UNU-IAS research themes focusing on global change and sustainability.
Note: The curriculum is reviewed on a yearly basis, so the course offerings may not be identical to the ones listed below.
Overview Courses (Compulsory)
- Trans-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar I & II*
- Sustainability Science Research Seminar*
Courses marked with * are compulsory for first-year MSc and PhD students.
Elective Courses
- The United Nations System and Sustainable Development*
- Global Change and Planetary Boundaries*
- Principles of International Development Project*
- Frontier of Sustainability Science
- Water Resources Systems
- Environmental Science for Sustainability
- Environmental Politics and Climate Change
- Law and Practice of the United Nations
- Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Analysis: Theory and Application
Environmental Statistics and Research Methods - From SDGs to Climate Change: Implementation Strategies for its Adaptation and Mitigation
- Inclusive Learning Technology for Sustainable Development
- Studies of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes
Courses marked with * are held over a short period as part of the UNU Intensive Core (IC) Courses.
A wide range of elective courses offered by partner universities are also available to UNU-IAS students through credit exchange arrangements.