Circular Cities and Communities
Circular Cities & Communities

Circular Cities & Communities

Smart use of energy and materials - that’s what our bachelor track Circular Cities and Communities is all about. Think about it: we can reuse demolition waste to build new houses, and waste heat from a data center is perfect for heating homes… Our international programme will equip you with the skills and knowledge to develop green and sustainable solutions and help cities in transitioning to a circular economy.

This programme is part of our Dutch bachelor Built Environment. It's the one and only programme for circular building specialists in Europe. Employers are eager to hire these professionals as we aim for 100% circularity by 2050. So, let’s get started and create smart urban solutions!

  • Location Heerlen
  • Duration 4 years, start in September
  • Language English

Highlights of Circular Cities & Communities

About the Education

What will you learn at Circular Cities & Communities?

We will work on developing a comprehensive understanding of managing resources like energy, water and CO2 in a circular way. You will learn to apply these principles in product design and urban planning. Key skills include:

  • designing eco-friendly products and urban spaces
  • guiding cities and communities towards greater sustainability

You will also gain essential knowledge in the built environment, such as drawing. Professional skills, such as communication and co-operation, and research skills are emphasized to prepare for your future career. 

Your week at Circular Cities & Communities

Your week at Circular Cities & Communities is a mix of theory lessons and workshops where we train practical and technical skills. We work a lot in real-life situations. Together with local governments, businesses, and community organizations you will work on urban sustainability challenges. This gives you plenty of space to think creatively! Teamwork is, of course, very important. Each week starts with a new topic. In groups, you will explore that topic further for real clients! And if you get stuck, your teacher is happy to help.

You’ll be at school 5 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The lessons are scheduled at fixed times each week, which is helpful for planning your personal life as well. On average, you will spend about 40 hours per week on your studies.

International classroom

Our programme welcomes students from all over the world and focuses on circular cities worldwide. You will work with classmates from different countries, making your learning experience richer and helping you see things from a global point of view. Classes are taught in English.

study-structure

Programme structure

  • Year 1: basic knowledge

    You'll be introduced to three key learning lines: circular flow, circular process, and circular design. Professional and research skills, as well as knowledge in the built environment (such as drawing) are also emphasized. 

    Block 1
    We'll start with the basics of Circular Cities and Communities and focus on developing your professional skills, such as communication and co-operation.

    Block 2
    The focus is on circular flow: learning how to manage materials, water, energy, CO2, data and people within urban settings. 

    Block 3
    We delve into the circular process. You'll learn how to: 

    • Help systems to change slowly and sustainably 
    • Identify the people who have an interest 
    • Address needs and concerns  
    • Develop circular business cases 

    Block 4
    The focus shifts to circular design: we'll work on creating sustainable urban and product designs. 

  • Year 2: deepening and applying knowledge  

    Your understanding of Circular Cities and Communities will grow as we tackle more complex and large-scale challenges. We will explore data-driven strategies to develop innovative and sustainable designs. Combining circular solutions with urban dynamics will create effective approaches to real-world problems. Along the way, you will refine your practical skills and strengthen your ability to work in an interdisciplinary way.

  • Year 3: internship and minors 

    Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice in real-world settings: 

    • Internships: Spend 2 quarters as an intern, gaining industry experience and valuable insights. This hands-on experience will help you understand the practical aspects of sustainable urban development and build your professional network. 
    • Minors: the other 2 quarters are dedicated to minors, giving you the opportunity to broaden and deepen your knowledge through various specialized courses. These courses allow you to explore new areas of interest and strengthen your expertise in specific aspects of circular cities and communities. 
  • Year 4: minors and graduation

    In your final year, you'll continue to refine your expertise and prepare for your future career: 

    • Minors: You'll take 2 more minors, further specializing in areas that match your interests and career goals. These courses cover a range of topics to help you profile yourself and deepen your knowledge. 
    • Thesis: The culmination of your journey! This is your chance to apply all the skills and knowledge you've acquired to solve a real-world problem. Your thesis will showcase your ability to develop innovative solutions for sustainable urban development. 
Entrance requirements

Entrance requirements

If you’re interested in creating greener, smarter cities and want to make a real impact on the environment, this track is for you. 

  • Non-Dutch

    A secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch levels (MBO-4, HAVO and VWO), e.g.:

    • Abitur, Fachhochschulreife
    • International baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate
    • High school, GPA average at least 3.0

    Extra admission requirements

    English language

    • EU: Additional proof of English for EU students is only needed when they did not have English as their exam course.
    • Non-EU: Students from outside of the EU are required to take an IELTS (score at least 6) or TOEFL test (paper score at least 550 or Internet 80). Please note that your test results must be valid at the start of the programme. TOEFL and IELTS scores expire after 2 years. Cambridge certificates are valid indefinitely.

    Mathematics
    EQF level 4 diploma with mathematics up to and including the final year. If you do not meet these mathematics requirements you have to pass the OMPT test level C.

    Immigration regulations
    Do not forget to check the immigration regulations imposed by the Dutch authorities. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa for The Netherlands. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Therefore, start your application process well in advance to avoid disappointment.


    Application deadline
    Applications for enrolment should be in our possession before the deadline. They differ for EU- and Non-EU students:

    • NL students: 1st of July
    • EU students: 1st June
    • Non-EU students: 1st May
  • Dutch diploma

    Please check the requirements on our Dutch page

Tuition fees

As a degree-seeking student you will have to pay annual tuition fees. Students from the EU pay the statutory tuition fees, and non-EU students pay the institutional tuition fees. Normally speaking, these fees are waived for exchange students from partner universities.

How to apply

If you want to study at Zuyd, you first need to register via Studielink. This is the national application website for higher education in the Netherlands. Make sure you choose:

  • Built Environment > English track


More about registration

Career

Career opportunities

Graduating from the Circular Cities & Communities programme opens the door to many exciting and impactful career opportunities. You’ll become a leader in sustainable urban development, with the skills to transform cities into circular, eco-friendly communities. You’ll be ready for roles in urban planning, sustainability consulting, and more.

Here are some potential job roles you could pursue:

  • Construction project manager

    Lead and manage construction projects with a focus on sustainability, making sure that buildings and infrastructure are eco-friendly and use resources efficiently.

  • Sustainable systems installer

    Set up and manage systems that improve energy efficiency and sustainability, like renewable energy setups and water recycling systems.

  • Civil infrastructure designer

    Design and create infrastructure projects that help build sustainable cities, such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems.

  • Data analyst for sustainable development

    Analyze data to improve sustainable practices and policies. Use your skills to help organizations and governments make smart, eco-friendly decisions.

  • Sustainable architect

    Design buildings and structures that are both attractive and environmentally friendly. Focus on creating spaces that use fewer resources and are more sustainable.

  • Sustainability manager

    Lead sustainability projects within organizations, helping them reduce their environmental impact and adopt eco-friendly practices in all areas.

  • Process engineer

    Develop and improve processes in different industries to boost sustainability. Work on making manufacturing, energy production, and other areas more efficient and reducing waste.

  • Circular economy policy advisor

    Advise governments, businesses, and organizations on policies and strategies to support a circular economy. Help shape the future of sustainable city development with smart policymaking.

Built Environment | Circular Cities & Communities
Nieuw Eyckholt 300
6419 DJ Heerlen
The Netherlands