Global Project and Change Management

In year 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 year 3 and 4, you will expand your horizon as an international project manager and change agent. These two years are divided into four semesters, each lasting half a year. You may choose the order of your semesters, except for the internship and capstone semester, which must be the final one. 

• Minor Managing Projects for Sustainable Development
• Minor Value Creators
• Free choice semester
• Internship & Capstone

Minor: 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 (SDG’s). 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 in a Globalized World. Or discover projects students have worked on before.

Minor: 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.
Explore examples of societal value created by students(opens in new tab).

Free choice semester (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, marine biology, or learning a new language. Choose from 150+ international partner universities(opens in new tab) 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.

Internship and Capstone

During your final semester, you will have the opportunity to participate in a research-based internship. 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. 

The Capstone serves as the culmination of both your internship and GPCM. 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.

Top rankings

According to the independent Selection Guide for Higher Education (HBO Keuzegids), our Global Project and Change Management program is a top-rated programme, placing us among the top Bachelor of Business Administration programmes in the Netherlands.
The assessment relies on feedback from the 2023 National Student Survey (NSE) and study success data provided by the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH).

Our programme received a golden 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. 

Prizes Minor Value Creators

Nederlandse Hogeronderwijspremie (Dutch Higher Education Award) Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is the highest award for education teams for mbo, of universities and universities of applied sciences. In 2021, Value Creators won the 3rd price. 

The Triple E Awards are a global recognition of efforts towards the quest for entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education. Out of 250 submissions, Value Creators became 4th in the category: SDG Education Programme (2023).

Global recognition

A close collaboration with our networks has contributed to our programme being highlighted as best practice at international level and recognized by the United Nations among the 73 top programmes in the world educating for sustainable development. A lot of our students have become Earth Charter Young Leaders and Ambassadors.

Partners

• UN Academic Impact 
• Wellbeing Economy
• UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network 
• UN Habitat
• Earth Charter International
• Inner Development Goals Initiatives
• Vereniging Hogescholen (SDG HBO coalition)
• ComeniusNetwerk
• 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 (Nederlands Vlaams Accreditatie Organisatie), an independent organization for Dutch and Flemish (Belgian) education. The full report can be found on the website of the NVAO(opens in new tab).

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 in-between a Research University and University of Applied Sciences (HBO+). 

Read more about Windesheim Honours College

Do you know that by 2030, there will be a demand for 25 million new project managers and changemakers? As Global Project and Change Management is a broad international project management study, you will have the freedom to choose career paths from working for NGOs to for-profit enterprises, governments, or setting up your own business. Here are some examples where our alumni are working: 

• Sustainability Manager at Rabobank 
• Programme Manager at European Commission in Mexico
• Co-founder of Ragnarøk sustainable clothing 
• Advisor circular economy at Zwolle Municipality
• Program Manager inclusive supply chains at Koltiva in Indonesia
• Assistant Professor Climate Change Communication at the University of Amsterdam(opens in new tab)
• Young Graduate Trainee in Strategic Evolution Policy at the European Space Agency in Paris(opens in new tab)

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