Sustainable Development

MSC WITH A MAJOR IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Use systems thinking to analyse complex challenges to sustainable development
Enhance your critical and reflective thinking on the opportunities to achie sustainable development by learning about building future scenarios
Co-create sustainable futures in a highly diverse group of international students with different academic backgrounds

Do you want to gain the knowledge and skills required to deal with complex sustainable development challenges? Then this is the perfect programme for you.

Programme information

This programme has an interdisciplinary approach and combines advanced courses concerning sustainable development, including both theoretical and practical courses within natural resource use, society and the environment, and energy-water-food.

Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have jointly created the Master's programme in sustainable development to offer higher education on complex problems facing humanity and the planet, and challenges for sustainable futures. Students at the programme are from more than twenty countries, with background in social- and natural science, civil engineering, economics and law, all highly committed to sustainability issues.

With a Master’s degree in sustainable development you will have in-depth knowledge of the interaction between ecological, social and economic factors. You will be able to start your career as a consultant, manager, or decision maker in the private or public sector, or possibly as a teacher. You will also be able to continue your studies towards a PhD and a scientific career.

Admissions

Admission and further information about the programme at Uppsala University.

There are two admission rounds for this Master's programme. The first admission round is open to all international applicants at www.universityadmissions.se. SLU strongly encourage all international students to apply in this first admission round.

Content

The programme starts with a review of different approaches to sustainable development in the natural and social sciences. Students will be equipped with a number of analytical and quantitative tools appropriate for assessing and managing sustainable development. These are then applied to interdisciplinary case studies where students will work with students from other disciplines.

In their third semester, students choose elective courses following the profile of their Bachelor’s degree. In the fourth and final semester, students will complete their degree project.

Outline for Master's Programme in Sustainable Development

Welcome to SLU Campus Uppsala

Uppsala, Sweden's fourth-largest city, serves as the hub of SLU's educational activities. Situated just outside the city center, SLU's Uppsala campus offers a spacious, leafy, and picturesque environment. It is a fitting setting for Sweden's only agricultural university and possibly the most research-intensive university. With two universities in Uppsala, students can immerse themselves in a lively, dynamic, and stimulating atmosphere.

Career

Graduates will have the skills necessary for roles such as decision-maker in the private or public sector, teacher, or scientist. Examples of job opportunities in the private sector are the automobile construction and IT sectors, and a range of non-governmental organisations.

Other potential employers are public authorities such as environmental protection agencies and local and regional authorities. The Master’s degree will also form an excellent basis for pursuing doctoral studies and academic research.