Global Project and Change Management

In years 1 and 2 you will learn the basics of becoming a project manager and change agent. From day one, you will work on projects for real-life clients to make a real impact. We will equip you to thrive in today's ever-changing world by focusing on three areas which will enhance your knowledge, qualities, and skills:

1. World - understand how the world works and how it could operate differently. You will focus on why society is structured the way it is and why people have one ideology or another. You will learn to think critically – why are things the way they are?
    
2. Professional - learn how to operate as a professional in this world. You will learn how to manage projects, conduct academic research, communicate professionally. You will also acquire knowledge about existing businesses and how to develop new businesses.
    
3. Me - discover and develop your professional and personal identity. Topics like personal and character development, building resilience and self-reflection will be addressed. You will answer questions like: How does sustainability relate to my personal life? What type of leader am I? Which core values do I have? In this video we tell you why resilience-driven education is important(opens in new tab).

Explore student projects 

In years 3 and 4, you’ll expand your skills as an international project manager and change agent. Each year is divided into two semesters, making four semesters in total. In year 3, you can choose the order of your semesters. In year 4, the semester order is fixed. 

• Managing Projects for Sustainable Development (year 3)
• Free choice (minor or electives) / study abroad (year 3)
• Value Creators (year 4)
• Internship & Capstone (year 4)

Managing Projects for Sustainable Development

In this minor, you will work in small teams on real-world projects for clients in the Netherlands or abroad, driving change and innovation through collaboration. The assignment will be broadly related to one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Projects span across countries such as Uganda, Kosovo, Ghana, Romania, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Chile. In addition to applying knowledge and project management skills, we prioritize the development of 'Twenty-First Century skills,' including collaboration, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

• Read more about the minor Managing Projects for Sustainable Development. This is also offered as exchange programme for students from other universities.
• Discover projects students have worked on before.

Your choice: minor, electives or study abroad

This semester offers you the chance to expand your expertise in a field of your choice. You have the freedom to explore your interests, whether it's journalism, design, finance, marine biology, or learning a new language. Choose from 150+ international partner universities or stay in the Netherlands. If you are planning to pursue a master’s degree, you can also use this semester to complete any required pre-master’s courses.

Value Creators

Your Value Creators project will have a transdisciplinary approach. Instead of working on a project linked to one client or one organization, you will address issues that involve multiple stakeholders. You will act as an independent change consultant, integrating the needs and expectations of multiple actors and networks. For example, if you care about the issue of sustainable mobility in a city, you may engage with policymakers, urban developers, local businesses, transport and infrastructure agencies and companies, and citizens.

• Read more about the minor Value Creators.
• Read how four students developed their own What If Street Festival, born from curiosity, research, and a drive to spark imagination.
• Explore other examples(opens in new tab) of societal value created by students.
• Join the Value Creators network(opens in new tab).

Internship and Capstone

During your final semester, you will have the opportunity to participate in a research-based internship anywhere in the world. This allows you to apply your professional knowledge and skills as an international project manager. Your internship will involve writing your thesis and developing a research-based professional product. You can go for one of three tracks: Academic, Professional or Entrepreneurial. Each track is designed to support your interests and aspirations. 

Currently, our final-year students are working on projects related to:

• Climate and the energy transition
• Youth mental health
• Human rights and social equality
• Circular fashion and sustainable production
• Food systems and reducing food waste
• Ocean and biodiversity protection

The Capstone is the final part of your internship and the GPCM programme. During a three-week period, you will showcase the competencies you have gained throughout the programme, highlighting your ability to effectively manage projects and enact change within your chosen professional domain.

A week in the programme of Global Project and Change Management consists of 40 hours, 20 contact hours for classes and workshops and 20 hours for individual assignments, group work and homework.

View curriculum 

Global Project and Change Management is a top-rated programme (Keuzegids 2026), placing us among the top Bachelor of Business Administration programmes in the Netherlands.
The assessment relies on feedback from the National Student Survey (NSE) and data provided by the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH).

Gold medal from Elseviers’ Weekly’s Best Study Programmes. In the National Student Survey (NSE), students assess various aspects of their programme. These results are compared with similar programmes. A medal is awarded if a significantly-better-than-average score is achieved on at least five items. A top ranking for three years means a gold medal. 

Awards

Dutch Higher Education Award (Nederlandse Hogeronderwijspremie): In 2021, our Value Creators minor won the 3rd prize in the Dutch Higher Education Award, the highest national recognition for educational teams by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Triple E Awards – Entrepreneurship and Engagement Excellence Awards in higher education: In 2023, the minor Value Creators was placed 4th in the SDG Education Programme category for its transdisciplinary, student-led learning environment that empowers change agents to co-create “soulutions” for complex global challenges. 

In 2024, the Resiliency Labs, earned the 4th place in the Student-led Impact Initiative category for integrating resilience, wellbeing, and community-building into the curriculum through experiential activities co-created by students and staff.

Global recognition

Thanks to our strong partnerships, the programme has been highlighted internationally as a best practice and recognized by the United Nations as one of the world’s 73 leading programmes in education for sustainable development. Many of our students go on to become Earth Charter Young Leaders and Ambassadors.

Partners

• UN Academic Impact 
• Well-being Economy
• UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network 
• UN Habitat
• Earth Charter International
• Inner Development Goals Initiatives
• SDG HBO coalition (Vereniging Hogescholen)
• ComeniusNetwerk
• International Project Management Association (IPMA)

Accreditation

Global Project and Change Management has obtained the special accreditations Sustainability and Small Scale and Intensive. The certification is carried out by the NVAO(opens in new tab) (Nederlands Vlaams Accreditatie Organisatie), an independent organization for Dutch and Flemish (Belgian) education.

The Global Project and Change Management programme is part of Windesheim Honours College (WHC), an intensive, small-scale, international learning community for talented and socially engaged students who want to study in the field of international sustainable development and want to make a difference in the world. The level of education of the GPCM programme is inbetween a Research University and University of Applied Sciences (HBO+). 

Read more about Windesheim Honours College

Global Project and Change Management offers broad international career opportunities, from NGOs and governments to businesses or entrepreneurship. Here are some examples of where our alumni work.

• Sustainability Manager at Rabobank
  Work on sustainable financing solutions and advise businesses on green investments.
• Co-founder of Ragnarøk Sustainable Clothing
  Start and lead your own sustainable clothing brand with a focus on circular fashion.
• Project Manager in the wind turbine industry
  Lead the development and installation of wind turbines, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Read about Alexandra’s experience.
• Advisor Circular Economy at the Municipality of Zwolle
  Develop policies and projects to help businesses and citizens operate more sustainably.
• Programme Manager at the European Commission, Mexico
  Coordinate international projects and policies related to sustainability and development.
• Programme Manager Inclusive Supply Chains at Koltiva, Indonesia
  Ensure fair and sustainable trade chains in the agricultural and production sectors.
• Consultant Sustainability Grants at leading accountancy company, Amsterdam
  Decide which proposals to a sustainable world
• Assistant Professor, Climate Change Communication at the University of Amsterdam
  Conduct research and teach how climate change can be communicated more effectively. Listen to Christel’s story on Spotify(opens in new tab).
• Young Graduate Trainee in Strategic Evolution Policy at the European Space Agency, Paris
  Contribute to future strategies and innovative policies for space exploration and technology. Listen to Chiara’s story on Spotify(opens in new tab).
• Founder of Aviadi travels
  Organize sustainable tours in Madagaskar

Many of our students continue their education by pursuing a Master’s Degree. Research has a strong presence in our curriculum, therefore our students seldom have to do a pre-master and can enrol directly into a Master’s programme. We have a strong network of alumni at other universities and expertise in a variety of fields, so we can help you to make the right decision. Recent graduates have enrolled in programmes including:

• Climate Studies at Wageningen University
• Sustainable Development at Maastricht University
• International Relations at University of Glasgow
• Global Health at Copenhagen University
• Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Innovation at ESCP Business School in Berlin
• International Development: Poverty, Conflict, & Reconstruction at University of Manchester