What are the key systemic causes of the so-called Anthropocene era, how are different lives lived under this new planetary condition, and what are the main challenges in creating more sustainable futures? These are some of the questions you can explore in this programme.

During the last century and a half, the world has changed more dramatically than ever before. Since the Second World War, especially, the world has seen enormous economic growth, but the spoils have been unevenly distributed, and the negative consequences of this unparalleled growth have become increasingly clear.

Now, in the early 21st century, the world faces three interlocking crises – of economy, identity, and environment – which all emanate from our failure to achieve genuine sustainability.

What you learn:

In the two-year master’s programme Development, Environment and Cultural Change (DECC), you will gain knowledge and critical insight into the key systemic features of the Anthropocene era, and learn how different lives are lived under this new planetary condition.

The programme explores the complex interplay between different scales and localities, the role of different actors, as well as the relation between research and policy, within the sustainable development agenda. In addition, MA students specialize within topic areas related to the Centre’s ongoing research, through elective courses and thesis work.

By choosing DECC, you will acquire a keen sense of the problems involved and how they interconnect; an advanced grasp of how those problems have been theorized within social science and humanist scholarship; and the creativity to see how theory can be linked up with practice to assess, advice and create change.

The DECC master’s programme approaches the complex issues of sustainable development with an interdisciplinary lens, building upon a foundation of humanities and social sciences.

An international and welcoming environment:

The Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM) welcomes applications from students who are interested in studying in an international and welcoming environment; who appreciate working independently as well as in teams; and who are interested in both the academic and the practical challenges of creating sustainable futures.

Knowledge:

Students will acquire:

• A broad understanding of the complex causes of the Anthropocene.
• Broad knowledge of the historical and contemporary meanings of key concepts and claimed ‘solutions’ in the area of “sustainable development.”
• Advanced insight into ongoing academic debates about sustainability, and the history of these debates.
• Deep insight into one specific topic pertaining to sustainable development, of your own choosing (MA thesis)
• Deep understanding of ethical challenges involved in researching sustainable development, including corresponding academic dilemmas and responsibilities

Career opportunities:

The DECC master's programme prepares you to understand and work independently on key issues related to sustainability, including environmental challenges, social transformations and cultural change. Such knowledge and skills are key to a wide range of jobs, for example in education, research, public administration, civil society and media.

Main areas of work:

• Higher education/research/development
• Interest-/volunteer organisations/NGOs 
• Public administration 
• Industry (incl. oil/energy/power/gas) 
• Consultancy/advice  

Key work tasks:

• Communication/Information 
• Environmental protection/Sustainability 
• Advisory services/Guidance
• Administration/Case management 
• Project management/Project work