In many places of the world we experience rapid environmental change.

In the Master's Programme in Polar Landscapes and Quaternary Climate you get knowledge and skills necessary for the understanding and analysis of polar and alpine landscapes.

You get insights in how they have changed on different time scales, linked to climate variations during the Quaternary period. Climate change is particularly rapid in the glacial and periglacial landscapes of polar and alpine regions. The program will provide you with knowledge about the global climate system's functioning and about methods used to reconstruct climate and environmental change. In addition, human and natural causes of climate change are presented and discussed.

The program gives you skills and tools that make you attractive in the labour market, and it also prepares you for a career in research. Today, former students work in consultancies and various government and regional authorities. Many have moved on to doctoral education both in Sweden and abroad.

Programme Overview: 

As environmental changes accelerate, understanding the dynamics of polar and alpine landscapes becomes increasingly important. Our Master's Programme offers the knowledge and analytical tools necessary to study these regions, which are highly sensitive to climate variations.

Focusing on the Quaternary period, you will explore how polar and alpine landscapes have evolved over time and the role of climate in shaping these environments. You will gain expertise in methods for reconstructing past climates and analyzing how natural and human influences drive environmental changes, particularly in glacial and periglacial landscapes.

This programme not only equips you with specialized knowledge but also prepares you for diverse career paths. Whether you pursue work in environmental consultancy, government agencies, or research institutions, the skills you acquire will be highly valued. Our graduates have gone on to work in various sectors and continue their studies in doctoral programmes both in Sweden and internationally.

If you are interested in understanding the complex relationships between climate and landscape, and want to contribute to addressing today's environmental challenges, this program offers a strong foundation for your future.

Career opportunities:

The Master Program in Polar Landscapes and Quaternary Climate offers students a unique opportunity to develop expertise in polar and alpine environments, focusing on the Quaternary period and the role of climate in shaping these landscapes. This specialised knowledge is increasingly critical for addressing challenges in Arctic and alpine regions, particularly in the context of climate change and Cryosphere system responses.

While the program primarily prepares students for academic careers, it also provides valuable skills for consultancy work, especially in Sweden, where expertise in surficial geology is essential for risk assessments and large-scale infrastructure projects. Organizations such as the Swedish Geological Survey (SGU) frequently seek professionals with this background, highlighting the program's relevance in niche but highly impactful job markets. With the declining availability of such education across Swedish universities, this program plays a vital role in preparing experts to meet the growing demands of this critical field.