Since 2021, the Environmental Psychology research group at University of Groningen and the Institute of Sustainable Psychology at Leuphana University have worked together to offer a Double Degree Master (DDM) in Sustainability and Environmental Psychology.
Throughout the master’s programme, students address the human dimensions of the most pressing sustainability issues and by building human capital for genuinely sustainable solutions. Students begin their studies at Leuphana University, and then spend their second year of the master Environmental Psychology here in Groningen.
Sustainable transformation
Here is some more information about the programme, courtesy of the Institute of Sustainable Psychology group’s site:
“As environmental and societal challenges intensify, the need for sustainable transformation has never been more urgent. Yet, transitioning towards sustainability involves more than technological solutions or policy reforms — it requires a deep understanding of human behaviour as a driver or barrier of this transition.
The Master’s programme in Psychology and Sustainability at Leuphana University is designed to empower you to explore the critical role of psychology in driving this change.
Through a mix of theory and practical application, you’ll learn to understand, predict, and influence behaviours that advance sustainability efforts.”
Sharing experiences
Every year, researchers and students from the two universities have come together – either in Groningen or in Lüneburg – to share their experiences and hear how they evaluate the programme. This year, it was Groningen’s turn to host the group from Germany here at the faculty of behavioral and social sciences.
One unique feature of the DDM with Leuphana is “supervision tandems”, where students are supervised by one thesis supervisor from Groningen and one from Leuphana. Earlier this month, the visiting scholars and students were welcomed by the vice dean of the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Hilda Amsing, and the supervision tandems gave brief presentations about their joint areas of expertise, namely:
- interactive public participation and transformative decision making
- energy trading
- public perceptions about support for climate policies
- pro-environmental norms in children
- inclusivity in pro-environmental initiatives
- populism and climate policy
- computation modelling of sustainable behaviour
- reducing energy poverty
It was a pleasure to host them here in Groningen, and to see our city through their eyes during their stay.
The University of Groningen offers a range of dual degree programmes with strategic international partner universities worldwide, enabling students to study abroad and learn about different approaches.
