Environmental Science and Sustainability, Master Programme

120 credits

Moving towards a sustainable world is one of the most important present-day challenges of mankind. The Master programme in Environmental Science and Sustainability provides you with both theoretical and practical skills regarding how we can mitigate the human effects on our environment.

Sustainable development is the general steering principle to achieve sustainability and the main tool to reach the United Nations’ goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. The master program in Environmental Science and Sustainability is focused on the environmental domain of sustainable development but also considers the interrelated social and economic domains. It aims to develop abilities to the independent use of scientific based information for the understanding of the environment and its degradation related to human activities and hazards, as well as for assessment of available and future mitigation options. The programme is meant to provide practical (hands-on) experience and you will be encouraged to participate of on-going research projects at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science.

During the first year, you will be introduced to environmental risk analyses principles, risk management of contaminated sites, and environmental risk communication. Practical activities will include field work (including sampling and monitoring strategies for soils, sediments, water, and/or air) and data processing and analyses. You will form research groups and work with real cases, in order to understand background environmental conditions, degradation and mitigation. If you fulfill all requirements of the first-year programme you may apply for a one year Master degree in Environmental Risk Analyses (60 credits).

The second year will include work in research groups and the consolidation of scientific research methods. A major part of the second year will be dedicated to the individual research project (master thesis). The project will be supervised by a researcher in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science and is carried out in within fields related to environmental science and sustainability.

The selection of students who have applied is based on academic excellence and individual assessment. All applicants should apply via universityadmissions.se. The application should include a letter of interest (maximum one page), curriculum vitae, diplomas and references.

Career

The knowledge acquired during the two years of the masters can be directly applied to environmental management and research projects and surveys, both within authorities and private enterprises, and is also designed to be an initial step for advanced studies at Ph.D. level.

Degree

Master of Science 120 credits

Main field of study: Environmental Science

International possibilities

At Linnaeus University, you have plenty of opportunity to broaden your international perspective. During the course of your programme, you can choose to study abroad through exchange studies to gain international experience. If you do, you will conduct part of your studies at one of our many partner universities around the world.

Also at home you can gain international experience. Many courses contain intercultural elements. For instance, in the form of course literature or guest lecturers from other countries. In your leisure time, you can get involved in associations together with students from a wide range of other programmes and countries, or meet international students through our buddy programme.

Learn more about international possibilities at Linnaeus University

Cheng wants to be a researcher

Cheng student at Linnaeus University

Cheng moved to Sweden from China because of her Swedish partner. With a great interest in studying environmental science, she chose to study at Linnaeus University. She sees the master's program in Environmental Science and Sustainability as a path towards the goal of doing research in the field.

An internship provided Alexander with contacts in the industry

Alexander Nilsson vid Linnéuniversitetet.

When Alexander moved to Kalmar, he got a student apartment because of the housing guarantee. In the future, he would like to use his education to make a difference.

Frequently asked questions about the program

Kalmar – the student city by the sea

In Kalmar centre, right next to the sea, you will find the university’s facilities that were inaugurated in August 2021. In Kalmar, everything is nearby, and you can take your bicycle to the university regardless of where you live in the city.

New students have housing guarantee. This means that you are entitled to student accommodation within two months. This is one of the reasons for Kalmar being appointed Student City of the Year 2023 by the Swedish National Union of Students. Kalmar has also received the award because the city offers students an excellent living environment. What is more, the city works actively to create opportunities for students to stay in Kalmar to work when they have completed their studies.

Kalmar municipality has about 70 000 inhabitants. Kalmar has a strong trade and industry with many companies that are on the forefront in green energy, e-commerce, and eHealth, which means there is good opportunity to establish contacts for your future work life.

Kalmar has a cultural history centre and has been named Sweden’s Summer City several times. No wonder, with all the hours of sun, beaches and concerts. What is more, the island of Öland is just one bridge away.

Learn more about our student cities

House Vita at universitetskajen in Kalmar