MSc in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science

Programme overview

As our world is facing serious societal and environmental challenges the need for graduates with the skills and tools necessary for solving complex sustainability challenges is increasing. Do you want to be part of solving key sustainability challenges and become an agent for change?

Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS) is a world-class sustainability centre for research, teaching and impact where we work to understand, explain, and catalyse social change and transformations in relation to material limits in the biosphere.

The master’s programme in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science(LUMES) provides students with skills and tools for solving complex sustainability challenges related to climate change, depletion of natural resources, global health, inequality, governance and societal transformations from a local to a global level. Building on our students' previous knowledge and experiences, the emphasis is placed on understanding present societal development patterns and the environmental problems they create, as well as approaches for formulating strategies for future sustainable pathways. The programme takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to sustainability, which provide students with a broad knowledge of the interaction between cultural, economic, environmental, political, and social dimensions of sustainability.

Unique programme qualities:

The LUMES programme is set in an interdisciplinary and internationally excellent educational and research environment. Students are exposed to different perspectives, world views and experiences, offering a unique opportunity for students to broaden their perspectives and learn about sustainability challenges in other parts of the world.

Courses are taught by teachers and researchers from both the social and natural sciences with the aims of creating graduates that are able to grasp, analyse and formulate governance strategies and practices for transformational change. In addition, interpersonal and academic skills are developed through strong emphases on group work, presentations, academic writing and direct interactions with society.

Since the programme started in 1997, LUMES has had over 900 students from roughly 100 countries.

Lund University – Sweden's Top-Ranked University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and has 40 000 students and 8 000 employees. It offers more than 130 Master’s programmes and 10 Bachelor’s programmes taught in English .

Lund is Sweden’s most attractive study destination. The University offers one of the broadest ranges of programmes and courses in Scandinavia, based on cross-disciplinary and cutting-edge research. A degree from Lund University is a hallmark of quality both in Sweden and abroad.

Subject areas

Our nine faculties and many specialised research centres offer education in the following subject areas:

• Architecture & Design
• Area Studies
• Business, Economics & Management
• Engineering & Technology
• Environment & Sustainability
• Fine & Performing Arts
• Humanities & Languages
• Law
• Medicine & Health
• Science
• Service Management
• Social Sciences

Research

Lund is home to over 30 world-leading research environments and is home to two of Europe's largest materials research facilities: MAX IV (inaugurated in 2016) and ESS (to open in 2023). Lund University is also a member of the prestigious research-intensive university networks Universitas 21 (U21) , the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH).

Teaching style

Critical thinking and freedom of mind are the cornerstones of academic life at Lund University. A focus on group work in more informal, open class environments facilitates learning, creates a dialogue and helps generate new ideas.

Lund is an international meeting place for students and researchers alike. This creates global class environments where students gain new cultural perspectives and can develop their international networks, which are highly valued by employers worldwide.

Students in Lund are given excellent opportunities for business interaction . The city of Lund has a unique, world-class environment for technology, knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship and hosts an impressive breadth of international companies.

Student Life

Lund is the #1 choice for international students coming to Sweden and is considered the best student city in Sweden, with its unique combination of large social clubs (the historic 'nations'), student unions and the Academic Society creating a vibrant and active student life.

City of Lund

Located in southern Sweden, the city of Lund is just 10 minutes by train to Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, and only 35 minutes by train to Copenhagen Airport in Denmark.

As one of the oldest cities in Sweden, dating back to 990, Lund is a city of contrasts where over 1 000 years of history blend with modern knowledge and ideas. In Lund, you find the charm of a small, picturesque, cobble-stoned city, side-by-side with big city attractions such as services, shopping, restaurants and cultural events. Lund is also home to major international companies such as Sony Mobile, Tetra Pak, Ericsson, Alfa Laval and Gambro.

English is widely spoken in Sweden and Lund (90% of Swedes are fluent) , meaning that you can experience a unique European culture without experiencing a language barrier.

Learn more about Lund University

For more information, please visit www.lunduniversity.lu.se

For more information, please visit You can also ask questions via our web form at lunduniversity.lu.se/degree-studies or find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. You can also listen to Lund University International Podcast!