Bachelor in Sustainabilty (BASUS)

Are you ready to explore sustainability beyond slogans and buzzwords—to truly understand why creating a sustainable future is both challenging and essential? The Bachelor in Sustainability (BASUS) is Europe's first international joint degree designed specifically for students who want to unravel the complex social, economic, and environmental dimensions shaping today's world. A joint degree offered by eight leading European universities, BASUS immerses you in a unique interdisciplinary and intercultural study experience that combines innovative teaching methods and collaborative learning environments to understand and address pressing sustainability challenges.

All students begin their first year with a common introductory phase at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, following a specialization track at one of the partner universities in the second and third year. The University of Zurich (UZH) offers the Social Sciences and Humanities track, which provides students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in the subject, integrating a range of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, ethics and finance. Students address key questions such as

• Why do some societies successfully transition towards sustainability, while others struggle?
• What role do culture, politics, and economics play in shaping sustainable outcomes?
• How can different actors actively contribute to meaningful sustainability transitions?

Through research-based courses that address real-world sustainability challenges and a wide range of disciplinary and thematic specialization options, students can tailor their studies to academic or practice-oriented career paths.

This program is a great fit if you...

• Want to see sustainability as more than just a buzzword and recognize it as a complex issue involving society, politics, and economics.
• Are curious about how societies function, eager to question why existing systems are often unsustainable, and motivated to explore solutions for a more just and sustainable future.
• Want to understand how social scientists contribute to sustainability alongside environmental engineers, activists, businesses, and policymakers — and how collaboration leads to more effective solutions.
• Want a degree that combines theoretical knowledge with practical tools, empowering you to become an active “change agent” for sustainability.
• Are excited about an interdisciplinary and international study experience that takes you to multiple universities across Europe.

If this sounds like you, BASUS is your program!

• Interdisciplinary & international: BASUS is Europe’s first international joint degree in sustainability, offering students the opportunity to study at up to three leading European universities. This interdisciplinary program gives you a wide yet in-depth perspective on sustainability and allows you to learn from researchers and practitioners across Europe.
• Hands-on & research-oriented: By combining cutting-edge research with hands-on experience, BASUS empowers students to be-come knowledgeable and effective change-makers.
• Excellent career prospects: BASUS graduates are well-equipped for careers in sustainability management, policy consulting, NGOs, international organizations, journalism, and academia. The degree is recognized across Europe, opening doors to a wide range of Master’s programs, from sustainability studies to social sciences.