Content of the training

Discover your passion for sustainability and innovation in the Bachelor's program in Green Chemistry, where you'll develop expertise in sustainable chemical applications and address global environmental challenges. This innovative program in Emmen focuses on environmentally friendly materials, resource efficiency, and circular processes, preparing you for a career in the chemical industry focused on sustainability. 

That's why you choose the Green Chemistry program: 

• You will gain practical experience in laboratories, conduct applied research focused on sustainable chemical processes and resource-efficient methods that promote environmentally friendly practices.
• Explore groundbreaking green technologies and their applications across various sectors, including sustainable materials, biochemistry and analytical chemistry.
• Expand your expertise through innovative applied research within the Circular Plastics research group, focusing on biopolymers, (chemical) recycling, and circular design.
• Specialize in your field with unique minors such as Circular Plastics and Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
• Benefit from the exceptional personal attention our Emmen campus offers, with a dedicated study coach who guides your development.
• We offer an accelerated master's program, allowing you to continue your master's degree in Polymer Engineering with a focus on sustainable polymers. You can complete your bachelor's and master's degrees in just 5 years.
• After graduation, enjoy excellent job opportunities in sustainability-focused industries, both in the Netherlands and globally, and contribute to the circular economy.

In the first year You'll gain a strong foundation in green chemistry and develop diverse skills you can apply in the chemical laboratory. You'll work on projects in small teams and gain practical experience from the outset. Throughout the year, you'll be supported by your study career coach and lecturers, who will help you further develop your professional skills.

Semester 1 - Green Chemistry essentials: Skills, knowledge and ethics
In the first semester, you'll gain a solid foundation in (green) chemistry, laboratory skills, and statistics. You'll gain experience with the 12 principles of green chemistry and sustainability, and discuss environmental issues and ethical dilemmas in the field.

Semester 2 - Green Synthesis: From Laboratory to Industry
Together with your teammates, you will synthesize, purify, and characterize an organic compound using (micro)experiments, focusing on the associated reaction mechanisms, and provide advice on greener synthesis methods. During a short internship, you will delve into one of the many companies in our network and provide recommendations to help them become more sustainable.

Form of the training (program)

In the second year In the Green Chemistry program, you'll delve deeper into various sustainability themes, examining them from a chemical perspective. You'll also take a minor, and career orientation plays a key role.

Minor: Education of your choice
During your minor, you'll focus on a specific topic or expand your knowledge with an additional one. This allows you to truly take control of your education by providing customized solutions. At NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, you can choose from various minors in the technical domain. Examples of these minors include Sustainable Polymers, Circular Plastics, I'M AI - Artificial Intelligence for Everyone, Waterproof - Engineering Safe Sustainable Water, and Composite Design Solutions.

Designing for tomorrow: Innovative sustainability strategies
Develop a strategy to address a sustainability problem and come up with creative and innovative ideas to find a solution for a cleaner world. You'll work closely with the Water Technology and Circular Plastics research groups. You'll optimize various processes with a focus on alternative chemicals, solvents, and reuse.

During the third and final year Gain experience in a professional environment by completing an internship (or graduation internship) at a company of your choice. You'll demonstrate that you've become a Green Chemistry professional.

Applied Research: Turning Ideas into Industry Impact
You'll arrange your own internship for your graduation project, but we have an extensive network of interesting companies where you can work on exciting projects and learn from experienced professionals. During this internship, you'll collaborate with a company or organization to address an unsolved problem while conducting in-depth research. This experience provides practical experience in a professional environment and allows you to develop and demonstrate essential skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently. By successfully completing your graduation project, you demonstrate your readiness for the (green) chemical job market. You'll not only gain valuable experience but also learn the ins and outs of the industry from seasoned professionals.

Practical information

To be admitted to a 3-year bachelor's program (also known as a fast track), you need a pre-university education (VWO) diploma. Visit our English-language program website for more information about the admissions procedure. 

As a student, you pay tuition fees every year. The amount depends on several factors, such as your nationality and any higher education qualifications you have already obtained. Read more about tuition fees and their amounts here.