What to expect? 

Through a mix of creative workshops, in-depth system analysis, and real-world collaborations, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to analyse change and act. You’ll learn to: 

• Analyse change – Navigate complexity of change

• Be Change – Understand what you need as a person to initiate change.

• Activate Change – Learn how to collaborate with others to drive change.

• Realise Change – Develop concrete strategies to implement change.  

Minor set-up (30 ECTS)

You’ll start with an interdisciplinary lecture series featuring leading researchers, in the course Futures in Focus (6 ECTS – Period 1).  

These researchers are part of different multidisciplinary teams who address complex societal issues through collaboration, both between disciplines within the UvA and with external partners. They work in one of four different themes: Sustainable Prosperity, Responsible Digital Transformations, Fair & Resilient Societies, Healthy Future.

Meanwhile, you’ll deep dive into one of these themes by doing an interdisciplinary literature review in Complexity of Change (6 ECTS – period 1 & 2). 
 
Working in interdisciplinary teams within your chosen theme, you’ll tackle a real-world transition challenge in collaboration with a societal organisation in Project Change Making (18 ECTS – Periods 2 & 3). Using the Transition Cycle—Imagine, Connect, Act, Assess, you’ll translate insights into action. 

Making real-world change 

Work with inspiring societal partners on urgent transition challenges, such as: 

• Municipality of Amsterdam – What if Amsterdam was a zero-waste city? 
• Makers Unite – What if newcomers were seen as contributors rather than outsiders? 
• FeedbackFruits – What if AI revolutionized education? 
• Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport – What if healthcare prioritized well-being over treating illnesses? 

Entry Requirements

• This minor is open to students who have successfully completed at least 60 EC of first-year coursework at a university bachelor’s level. 

• Students from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) who finished their first-year programme (60 EC) can also be admitted by mailing the examination board. 

• No prior knowledge is required. 

• This minor is open to all UvA students.

Application and Admission 

The registration period for a minor in the academic year 2026-2027 is open between April 1st and May 6th.

Non-UvA-students: This minor is part of the degree programme Interdisciplinaire sociale wetenschap. For your registration as an elective student, select the ‘Interdisciplinaire sociale wetenschap’ - elective degree programme in Studielink.

NB: Only Non-UvA students need to upload a transcript of grades.

Contact 

For more general information about applying for and taking a minor contact Roosmarijn van Woerden: r.vanwoerden@uva.nl