Circular Economy and Society
The circular economy has become an important sustainability discourse in recent years. However, the concept is still under development and debate, as various public and private actors propose different approaches to circularity. Learn more by joining this interdisciplinary course.
What questions can you expect?
- What are the different and contested visions of a circular economy and society?
- What are the enablers and barriers to a socially just and sustainable circularity transition?
- How can our unsustainable production and consumption systems be transformed into circular, fair, and regenerative ones?
- What industries will remain, and which ones will have to be downscaled to create a circular future?
Work hands-on
Leading guest speakers
Learn with UvA students
Practical information
When? October 2025 – December 2025, lectures on Mondays 17:00-19:00, seminars on Thursdays
Where? Amsterdam, Roeterseilandcampus
For whom?
Professionals with an interest in circular economy, and the impact of economical transitions on society. No prior knowledge needed.
Content
During this course, we will start by critically observing the current linear economic system of production and consumption and its socio-ecological impacts. After looking at the linear status quo, we will study the fundamental principles of the circular economy as a proposed solution to the systemic problems of the linear economy. We will analyse the many different approaches to this new circular paradigm. We will be able to compare and contrast these different visions of circularity and comprehend their systemic socio-ecological implications.
We will then critically analyse how different circular economy and society discourses have been implemented using case studies in diverse economic sectors and socio-cultural contexts. We will also look at the key barriers and enablers to a just circularity transition and how different societal stakeholders can develop sustainable circular practices which effectively address current socio-ecological challenges. As a student in this course, you will analyse specific cases both individually and in a group assignment to develop a critical and holistic understanding of circularity transformations.
Coordinator
Dr. Martin Calisto Friant is a sustainability researcher and expert in circular economy governance. His work focuses on policy, social justice, and the transformative potential of circular strategies.
Registration
This course is an elective for students and professionals, organised by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS). Professionals can register as a contract student if you are interested in following one of our IIS electives. By contract students, we mean all those who are not registered at an educational institution. Registration opens the 10th of June and closes 2 weeks before the course starts.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact keuzeonderwijs-iis@uva.nl
Circular Economy and Society is part of the national pilot Microcredentials which means you can obtain a digital certificate in the form of a microcredential after you successfully completed one of these courses. This recognized credential gives value to individual education units, by guaranteeing the quality of the course, and therefore allows professionals to demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills to (future) employers or other educational institutions.