Transformation Studies

Program overview

This English-taught, interdisciplinary Master’s programme trains you to analyse, accompany and actively shape complex processes of cultural, socio-technical and economic change. You will carry out independent research, development or consulting projects that address real-world transformation challenges and learn to situate those changes within their social and environmental contexts. The course is explicitly application-oriented and supports cooperation with practitioners, so theory is consistently linked to practice.

The degree prepares graduates for careers in a growing, sustainability-focused professional field that deals with transformations such as structural change in industry, digitalisation, climate change and sustainable development, (de)globalisation, and debates around postmodernism or post-growth. Teaching combines perspectives from social sciences, technology, economics and law, and stresses inter- and transdisciplinary approaches so you can understand technical, economic and social facets of change and develop concrete strategies and solutions for crises and transitions.

You will also develop a range of professional and personal competencies: rigorous methodological skills for analysing contexts and designing solutions, knowledge of science & technology studies alongside social, economic and legal frameworks, and communicative, media, ethical and discursive abilities. The programme emphasizes responsible, critical thinking, intercultural collaboration and language skills to prepare students for teamwork and collective problem solving in international settings.

Key competencies and skills you will gain

• Ability to analyse complexity in cultural, socio-technical and economic transformation processes
• Practical experience in independently implemented research, development or consulting projects
• Knowledge of science & technology studies, social and economic sciences, and legal aspects of transformation
• Methods for investigating, designing and shaping transformation processes, including strong methodological competence
• Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary working skills, combining social, technical, economic and legal perspectives
• Communicative, discursive, media and ethical competencies for stakeholder engagement
• Critical judgment, responsible and reflective thinking, and rational argumentation
• Intercultural competence, teamwork and collaborative problem-solving, plus enhancement of foreign language skills

Program structure and learning outcomes

This master's curriculum begins with a choice of one of three specialization tracks: Sociocultural Transformation; Socioeconomic and Institutional Transformation; or Sociotechnical Transformation. Switching between these fields later is permitted but requires examination-board approval and must not substantially prolong the overall duration of study. All teaching and examinations are conducted in English.

The programme comprises 120 CP in total and is built around three core modules that introduce key transformation theories and research methodologies (18 CP). A large elective component (60 CP) allows deep specialization: at least 36 CP must come from the chosen field of study, 12 CP from method-focused modules, 6 CP from other fields, and 6 CP from the interdisciplinary studies programme of the BTUa study project. In addition, students complete an applied study project in transformation research (12 CP) and a 30 CP Master’s thesis.

Graduates will develop theoretical and methodological competence in understanding and guiding social, institutional, and technological change; advanced research skills for interdisciplinary transformation studies; and practical experience through an applied research project and a substantial thesis. The programme supports international experience — mobility windows are available for periods of study abroad if students follow the standard curriculum — and students are encouraged to prepare an individual study plan with guidance from a faculty mentor to ensure timely progress toward the Master’s thesis.

Requirements and key points

• Choose one initial field: Sociocultural Transformation; Socioeconomic and Institutional Transformation; or Sociotechnical Transformation.
• Field changes allowed with examination-board approval if they do not significantly extend study duration.
• Language of instruction and examination: English.
• Total workload: 120 CP.
• Core modules: three modules (18 CP) focused on transformation theories and methodologies.
• Electives: 60 CP total — minimum 36 CP from the chosen field; 12 CP from methods modules; 6 CP from other fields; 6 CP from the interdisciplinary studies programme of the BTUa study project.
• Applied study project in transformation research: 12 CP.
• Master’s thesis: 30 CP.
• Mobility windows available for study abroad, subject to study progress and adherence to the standard curriculum.
• Strong recommendation to create an individual study plan and to work with a faculty mentor for thesis preparation and overall course planning.

Graduates are prepared for careers in research, R&D, consulting, policy development and practice‑oriented roles that address complex societal transformations. Typical sectors include public administration, NGOs, international organisations, industry departments managing structural change or sustainability transitions, and consultancy firms focusing on digitalisation, climate adaptation and socio‑economic transformation.

The programme equips students with methodological and interdisciplinary problem‑solving skills, communication and project design competencies, and the ability to work with stakeholders across sectors—qualifications valued in organisations that require evidence‑based strategies for managing change.