Master in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development

The Master's Programme in Environmental science is a natural science programme that aims to develop your competence in working with environmental issues. You will study environmental issues from a scientific perspective – analysing causes, relationships and possible solutions to environmental problems. Sustainable development is a core theme in the programme, which will help you prepare for your future career, whether you aim to work at a government agency or in the private sector.

While studying

The Master's programme in Environmental science with focus on sustainable development addresses current societal problems that are connected to global environmental and sustainability issues. The transition to a more sustainable society is a major challenge, requiring joint efforts by universities, society and the private sector. The challenge is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach.

The master's programme is based on current societal problems that are linked to global environmental and sustainability issues. Initially, you read a course that focuses on the transition to a more sustainable society. In order to achieve realistic conditions, we use in this course a so-called challenge-driven pedagogy, where you as a student are faced with a complex sustainability challenge in project form in collaboration with external collaborators. You can read more about the course structure in the program overview below, where you can also access the course syllabi. The programme provides the opportunity to take a degree of master of science in environmental science after one year.

Specialise or broaden your skills

In addition to the course mentioned above, you choose between a number of different courses in environmental science. You also have the opportunity to study up to 60 higher education credits where you choose courses in other subject areas to broaden your education. In the field of biology, for example, there are courses in nature conservation and water management, while in earth sciences there are courses focused on environmental biogeochemistry and geographical information systems. In the area of ​​environmental and health protection, there are courses in, for example, soil remediation and environmental impact assessment.

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, group exercises, laboratory work and field exercises. You complete the education with a degree project, which comprises either 30 or 60 credits. All teaching at the advanced level is usually in English.

If you wish you have the possibility after one year on the programme to take a Degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science. If so you will do a thesis project of 15 ECTS during the spring term of year 1.

Think globally, solve problems locally

An important part of the programme is to work with different forms of environmental problem solving. Important starting points include risk analysis, and analysis of the consequences of environmental changes. This includes work on adaptations to climate change and the transition to a sustainable future. The final degree project provides further opportunities for deepened problem solving in any part of the environment.

Want to know more - chat with our students

Umeå University was founded in 1965 and is Sweden's fifth oldest university. Today, we have a strong international and multicultural presence with students, teachers and researchers from all over the world. As one of the leading comprehensive universities in the nation, we are alive with enthusiasm, creativity and fresh ideas.

We constantly strive towards being one of Scandinavia and Europe's best environments for education , research and community engagement that meets the challenges of an ever-increasing global society.