ULAB launches department on environmental studies, sustainability
The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) announced the launch of the country’s first Environmental Studies and Sustainability (ESS) Department, a pioneering undergraduate programme designed to equip young people with the skills to tackle Bangladesh’s escalating climate challenges. The inaugural cohort will commence classes in Spring 2026, with applications now open.
The ESS department will be housed at ULAB, one of Bangladesh’s leading private universities known for its liberal arts approach and strong commitment to sustainability.
The department will offer a Bachelor of Environmental Studies & Sustainability that uniquely integrates ecology, climate science, policy and liberal arts. Students will receive hands on training in research methods, GIS mapping, law, ethics and communication; develop competencies such as scientific and technical problem solving, policy advocacy and leadership.
Facilities include ULAB’s Centre for Sustainable Development (established 2006), a student led Sustainability Club, an Environment Lab for water, soil and air testing and a GIS lab for disaster and resource mapping. All faculty members hold degrees from top universities; 90 per cent have industry experience and 40 per cent hold PhDs.
Classes will take place on ULAB’s green campus in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, which features modern classrooms, a dedicated IoT lab and extensive library and study spaces.
Enrolment is going open at 4th December 2025 for the first cohort starting in Spring 2026. Scholarships include a 20 % tuition waiver for the first batch and full scholarships for two outstanding candidates.
Bangladesh’s rising sea levels, cyclones and floods demand a new generation of scientific and policy leaders. With growing youth climate activism, ULAB’s new Environmental Studies and Sustainability Department aims to channel that energy through rigorous training and turn activism into evidence-based solutions.
The four-year programme combines classes with fieldwork, research, internships and global collaboration. Students will study environmental law, the Paris Climate Accord and the SDGs, and work with government and NGOs through ULAB’s Centre for Sustainable Development. Partnerships with countries like Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Canada enable exchanges and joint research.
“Bangladesh’s climate challenges are profound, but so is the potential of our youth” said Jude William Genilo, Pro Vice Chancellor of ULAB. “The Environmental Studies and Sustainability is for those who want to fight climate change, protect nature and have a greener future for all of us.”
“We are dedicated to inspiring leadership, critical thinking and a lifelong commitment to advancing environmental, social and economic sustainability in Bangladesh and beyond”, said Professor Mahmood Hossain, PhD the head of ULAB’s Environmental Studies and Sustainability. “This program builds on our long track record in sustainability research to turn that passion into solutions. Our graduates will be equipped not just to understand problems but to design and implement solutions for communities and ecosystems.”