Are you passionate about tackling global environmental challenges and contributing to a more sustainable future? The Master’s Programme in Environmental Science & Sustainability provides you with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and sustainability, equipping you with the skills needed to drive real change.
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Sustainable development is a core theme in the Master's programme in Environmental Sciences with focus on sustainable development.
The Master's Programme in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development is a multi-disciplinary programme that aims to develop your competence in working with global environmental issues. You will study these environmental issues with a holistic perspective – analysing the environmental, societal and political causes, relationships and possible solutions.
As the world faces growing environmental concerns such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, there is an increasing demand for experts with an environmental science education who can analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions. Sustainable development is a core theme throughout the programme, which will help you prepare for your future career, which could be with a government agency, in the private sector, policymaking, or in future research.
The Master’s Programme in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development addresses some of our most pressing global challenges. Transitioning to a sustainable society requires cooperation between academia, policymakers, and the private sector. This transformation is highly complex and demands a multidisciplinary approach, which is a core aspect of this programme.
Right from the start, you will take an introductory course focused on the transition towards sustainability. This course employs a challenge-driven pedagogy, where you will work on real-world sustainability challenges in collaboration with external partners. Through project-based learning, you will gain practical experience in analyzing environmental problems and proposing innovative solutions. This is followed by a course dedicated to Sustainability Science, which provides you with the theoretical knowledge to underpin our transition towards sustainability.
Beyond the core sustainability-focused courses, you can choose from a wide range of specialized courses in environmental science, allowing you to develop expertise in areas that align with your interests and career aspirations. For students interested in broadening their knowledge, the programme offers the opportunity to take up to 45 higher education credits in other disciplines, providing a sustainability master's with an interdisciplinary edge.
Some of the specialization areas include:
• Biology: Courses in ecosystem management and Global change science
• Earth Sciences: Studies in Soil and Water, Geographic information systems (GIS), and Limnology
The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group exercises, laboratory work, and field studies, ensuring a well-rounded education. In the final stage of the programme, you will complete a Master’s thesis of either 30 or 60 credits, allowing you to explore a topic within Environmental Science and/or Sustainability Science in depth. All courses at the advanced level are taught in English, making this programme accessible to international students and preparing graduates for the global job market.
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Citizens of countries outside of the EU, EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay application and tuition fees for education at Swedish universities. However, there are several scholarships you can apply for to cover these costs, for example from the Swedish Institute:
A key aspect of this programme is its focus on problem-solving. You will work on analyzing environmental risks, assessing the consequences of climate change, and developing strategies for a more sustainable future.
Your final degree project will be an opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a specific area, whether in climate adaptation, environmental policy, or sustainable resource management. This practical, hands-on experience will help you develop the expertise required to excel in your future career.
Year 1 Autumn term
Transition towards a sustainable society, 15 ECTS
Sustainability Science, 15 ECTS
Year 1 Spring term
Analysis of environmental changes, with a focus on biogeochemistry or long-term environmental problems, 15 ECTS
Elective courses, 30 ECTS
Examples of elective courses:
Theoretical environmental science, 15 ECTS
Year 2 Autumn term
Elective courses, 30 ECTS
Examples of elective courses:
Limnology, 15 ECTS
Global Change Science, 15 ECTS
Geographical information system, 15 ECTS
Theoretical environmental science, 15 ECTS
Year 2 Spring term
Master's Degree thesis, 30 ECTS
Alternatively:
Year 2 Autumn and spring term
Master's Degree thesis, 60 ECTS
A Master’s in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development opens doors to a wide range of careers in sustainable development, research, and environmental management. Graduates from this programme are highly sought after for roles that involve planning, coordination, investigation, and supervision of environmental initiatives.
This programme equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to stand out in the job market, whether you aspire to work on local environmental projects or contribute to global sustainability efforts. You can pursue environmental and sustainability jobs in both the public and private sectors, including government agencies, Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), environmental consulting firms, and multinational corporations.
• Environmental Coordinator – Manage environmental initiatives within organizations
• Sustainability Coach – Guide businesses and communities towards sustainable practices
• Environmental Strategist – Develop long-term sustainability strategies
• Work Environment Engineer – Ensure workplace environmental compliance
• Environmental Consultant – Provide expert advice on environmental policies and regulations
• Environmental Manager – Oversee sustainability efforts within companies
• Environmental Management Officer – Implement and monitor environmental programs
• Researcher in Environmental Science
