The transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral society requires professionals with integrated technical, economic, legal, ethical and societal competencies. The University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (HU) introduces the full-time bachelor’s program Energy and Sustainable Development (“Energie en Duurzame Ontwikkeling”, EDO) (NLQF/EQF level 6), planned to start in September 2026. Developed through extensive consultation with 75 stakeholders from 60 organizations, the program aligns with HU’s mission-driven profile and integrates education, research and practice via authentic projects, learning teams and field labs. EDO prepares graduates for roles as system designer, advisor and project manager by cultivating six core competencies: analysing, designing, advising, managing, researching and professional development. The Body of Knowledge and Skills (BoKS) is organized in four learning tracks: Energy Technology in Transition (ETT), Built Environment in Transition (GOT), Ethics, Economics and Law (EER), and Energy and Sustainable Development in Society (EMA). Admission is open to NLQF/EQF level 4–5 diplomas, with structured technical support in the first term for students lacking prior science background. The curriculum spans four years, progressively increasing complexity, and culminates in an individual graduation project demonstrating competencies at final level. EDO responds to urgent societal needs by training connecting professionals capable of accelerating the energy transition in urban environments.
