Would you like to address complex issues related to the sustainability of food production? Then this is the right Master’s programme for you.
Programme information
Welcome to an international Master’s programme that gives you in-depth knowledge of the ecology of food production systems. Taking a holistic approach to the sustainability challenges of food production - how it is produced, processed and consumed - the programme is a perfect start if your goal is to work with agricultural development or research.
Focusing on the role of agriculture, the programme covers topics such as how biological and social processes interact and influence the sustainability of farming and food systems. Using case studies and field experience the programme also covers the complexity and potential mulitfunctionality of land use, and explores interdisciplinary solutions to problems in the current food system. Studying agroecology will provide knowledge and training in integrating different perspectives and combining e.g. experiential, scientific and traditional knowledge and modern technologies in multi-actor collaborations – with the overall aim to facilitate the transition towards more sustainable food systems.
With a Master’s degree in agricultural science, and the possibility for specialisation in agroecology, many doors will be open to you at the end of your two years. You will have adequate skills to become influential in non-profit organisations or expert authorities, as well as to work in a company dealing with new sustainable ways of producing food in different settings, e.g. urban farming as well as traditional and modern agriculture in rural areas. You will also be able to continue your studies towards a PhD.
Facts and requirements
Name:Agroecology - Master's Programme
Level:Master
Language:English
Programme scope:2.0 year , 120.0 credits
Next start:HT 2025
Tuition Fees:Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
First semester:70500
First semester half time:70500
Total:SEK 282000
Application deadline for international students:2025-01-15
Application deadline for Swedish students:2025-04-15
Study location:Alnarp
Pace of study:Full-time
Teaching form:On-campus
Number of admission places:25
Application code for Swedish students:81143
Application code for international students:81144
Requirements:
Admission to the Agroecology Master’s programme requires a first-cycle qualification of at least 180 credits in natural sciences, social sciences or technology. These requirements can also be met by applicants who have a corresponding qualification from abroad or have obtained the equivalent knowledge in another way.
In addition, knowledge equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6 is required. According to a local SLU decision, this requirement is fulfilled by applicants who have a first-cycle degree (180 credits) from a Swedish university or have completed 120 credits at SLU. The English 6 requirement can also be obtained in other ways, more information is available at antagning.se/universityadmissions.se.
There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme. These are described in the respective course syllabus.
Degree:
Degree awarded on completion of the programme
Agroecology – Master’s Programme aims at a Degree of Master of Science with a major in Agricultural Science, a general qualification. See local instructions.
Students who fulfill the qualification requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) will be provided with a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Agricultural Science.
Degree requirements
A Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Agricultural Science as the main field of study is awarded to students who complete the course requirements (courses with a Pass grade) of 120 credits, according to the following:
at least 30 credits courses shall concern in-depth study within Agricultural Science (A1N; A1F),
at least 30 credits shall concern independent work (degree project) within Agricultural Science (A2E).
A Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Agricultural Science, specialisation in agroecology as the main field of study, is awarded to students who complete the course requirements (courses with a Pass grade) of 120 credits, according to the following:
30 credits for the specialisation specified programme courses (A1N)
at least 15 credits for the specialisation elective programme courses (A1N, AXX)
at least 30 credits shall concern independent work (degree project) within Agricultural Science, specialisation in agroecology (A2E).
In the master´s degree, a maximum of 30 credits may constitute courses at the first cycle level, provided that these are not included in the bachelor´s degree or equivalent.
In addition the student must hold a Degree of Bachelor or professional qualification of at least 180 credits or an equivalent qualification.
Admission: 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 is based on learning through experience, which means that the complexity of real life situations is the starting point for study activities. The programme uses authentic case material to help students test and train the knowledge and skills they will acquire during the programme.
The programme uses the theoretical bases and methodologies for agroecological and interdisciplinary analyses needed to contribute to sustainable development of livelihoods based on local renewable resources. The programme emphasises the relationship between biological resources and human societies.
The programme has an international focus based upon partnerships between SLU and universities in Ethiopia and Uganda. Students come from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, which enriches the overall learning process and leads to a constructive exchange of experiences and ideas.
Welcome to SLU Campus Alnarp
SLU’s Alnarp campus is situated in a large park by the sea, located west of Lund, north of Malmö and east of Copenhagen. This prime location makes Alnarp a gateway to the rest of Europe. Here, students can participate in numerous academic, social, and sporting activities, as well as relax in the countryside and enjoy the vibrant metropolitan nightlife.
Career
A Master’s degree with a major in agricultural science provides the opportunity to work with both national and international development projects. Graduates can work with public authorities, counselling, teaching and consulting assignments. Employers may be authorities, non-profit organisations (NGOs), educational organisations and consulting businesses. Students can also continue on to further studies.
Degree awarded
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Agricultural Science.
