International Development Management - Sustainable Value Chains

 

Will you work towards a fair world?

How will you ensure sustainable development where everyone benefits without this resulting in the depletion of the earth? During your studies, you will learn how to use a practical approach to strike a balance between people, the earth and prosperity.

During your studies, you will be committed to the rebuilding of society following disasters, to building a better future for the rural population or you will contribute to fair economic chains from raw materials to consumers. In all cases, you will learn how to bring people together in various cultural and social environments, to defend interests, and to facilitate and supervise developments and innovation.

You do not do this from behind a desk, but you seek practical situations and direct contact with people.

Study programme

In the first year, you will gain an overview of the key areas in international development. These include sustainability, rural community development, project management and innovation.

The second year starts with an internship, followed by more academic training in food security, sustainable agriculture, inclusive entrepreneurship and building resilient communities.

The third year consists of a specialisation and an internship in sustainable value chains.

Building a fair and sustainable world

The world seems to be getting smaller by the day, while the differences between people are getting bigger and bigger. Opportunities are unequally distributed and the dominant economic interests damage our natural living conditions and harm our natural resources. Fortunately, people, organisations and companies increasingly see the necessity of change and are acting accordingly. Fair Trade is one of the ways of doing that: chains which truly ensure a better life for the people who produce our coffee, tea, cocoa, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, cotton, and many other tropical crops.

As a chain expert, you will create a better existence for the producers and their organisations, working together with businesses, NGOs and (local) governments. In order to achieve this responsible trade, you will use your knowledge of sustainable food production as well as your people skills and, not least, your economic drive.

Making a difference through trade

No more business as usual. In this professional field, you learn how to set up chains that do not harm our planet and provide a decent income for all those involved. Farmers and rural communities all around the world face environmental, economic and social challenges e.g. effects of climate change, lack of access to the market, loss of biodiversity, overuse of pesticides or the struggle to earn a decent income.

Sustainable Value Chains hands students tools and knowledge to address these issues. Are you all about sustainable agricultural production, fair trade and environmental protection? Then this is the study for you.

In the final year, you will take a minor to diversify your experience and complete a graduation project.

Entry requirements

This programme is open to anyone with 3 A Levels or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. Maths and economics are recommended subjects but not mandatory.

Meet Van Hall Larenstein

"VHL offers many opportunities which are not commonly available in the UK. Since visiting the open day, I just knew that VHL was for me and from then I felt very satisfied with my decision to study at VHL. I would encourage students to visit the open day if they have the opportunity as it really confirmed VHL is the place for me."

Ella Peters

Coming to an Open Day is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Van Hall Larenstein and the "International Development Management" programme.

Upcoming open days:

• 16th February 2019

Van Hall Larenstein also offers the "International Development Management" webinar, which you can access via the university's website. The next webinar takes place on 5th March 2019 and you can sign up at www.vhluniversity.com.

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