Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Social Change, Master Programme

120 credits

Do you want to work for social change through entrepreneurship? Are you interested in the role of entrepreneurship in economic, social and ecological sustainability? This Master programme focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship and prepares you for an international career.

The Master programme in Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Social Change will develop your knowledge and skill to be able to, independently, critically and on a scientific basis, understand entrepreneurial processes in all sectors of society: business, public sector and civil society.

The programme has a particular focus on the role of entrepreneurship in economic, social and ecological sustainability for the individual, organisations and society. This makes the Master programme suitable for you who want to contribute to sustainability and social development through entrepreneurship. During your studies you will develop your independent scientific thinking on entrepreneurship and social change as well as your knowledge about and skills in entrepreneurship practices. This in-depth understanding will give you the tools to drive or facilitate entrepreneurship through starting your own business, developing local communities or working with development processes in established companies, government agencies and non-profit organisations.

Career

After your studies you can work with sustainability and social development through your own business. You can also aim for a career as a researcher, project manager, administrator or strategist within companies, public authorities, administrations or other organisations that are funded by grants. The programme also prepares you for third-cycle studies.

Degree

Master of Science or Master of Science in Business and Economics (120 credits) with specialization in Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Social Change.

Main field of study: Business Administration

We are accredited

The School of Business and Economics at Linnaeus University is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, AACSB.

International opportunities

The language of tuition is English. In this way, you will become prepared not only for a career in Sweden, but also for a career in international contexts. The programme admits students from all over the world, which means that you will get international and multicultural experiences throughout the programme. You can also study a semester abroad at one of our partner universities around the world.

Template for the Statement of Purpose intended for individual assessment to be included in the programme application.

Statement of Purpose

Having to focus on only one course at a time is something that Sanja enjoys quite a lot.

The informal approach is really inspiring, as most of the studying is done in groups which includes a lot of teamwork and cooperation between the students. The teachers engage in a flexible, informal approach of communication which makes the study process a more fun and interesting experience!

Read the full interview with Sanja

Sanja chose Linnaeus University due to the possibility to study in a local Swedish, yet international environment.

”I saw a possibility where I can gain relevant knowledge in the field of sustainability and form networks with people from all over the world. Moreover, this university seemed like the perfect place to get quality education which can help me develop my career path further”

Sanja chose to study this programme because of all the opportunities it offers.

“The programme looked like an amazing opportunity to broaden my knowledge and gain relevant insights into the topics from experts and well renowned lecturers in the field of sustainability and entrepreneurship. Moreover, the chance to study at a university situated in the quaint and charming city of Växjö, surrounded by nature, lakes and forests seemed like a great place to get inspired and continue with my studies”

As a part of the programme, Sanja chose to do a traineeship.

“I’ve had one traineeship as part of my education during the autumn semester of my second year of studies, which was an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to put my academic knowledge into practice and gain a deeper understanding of working with non-profit organizations and contributing to resolving sustainability issues”

Studying at Linnaeus University has given Sanja great experiences.

”It’s a great experience that has helped me form lifelong friendships and connections and has given me new perspectives, tools and ideas on how I can contribute to a better and more sustainable society. I would like to find a job within my educational background and explore more the start-up scene within the sustainability field”

Balancing school with studentlife

”Studentlife is an experience that makes your student years the most memorable moments in your life. There are many possibilities to get involved in different student organizations, nations and activities on campus, where you get to meet many different people and make close friendships which will last a lifetime”

The programme is for those that would like to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

”If you’d like to gain relevant knowledge in the field of sustainability and entrepreneurship while meeting many great people from around the world and learn at one of the best universities in Sweden, you should definitely apply to the master’s programme in Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Social change. It is a life changing experience which you will always cherish and it will greatly help you on your personal and career development path”

Studying this programme requires Giga to be a teamplayer and to plan accordingly.

Giga has a specialized interest to learn more about the entrepreneurial consciousness, reaching sustainability and initiation of social changes. This programme enables him to identify creative and sustainable opportunities.

Read the full interview with Giga

Giga chose the programme because it provides him with in-depth theoretical knowledge about entrepreneurial thinking, designing and idea implementing.

“ This is what makes the programme inspiring and most desirable, as I have a specialized interest to learn more about the entrepreneurial consciousness, reaching sustainability and initiation of social changes. The programme will enable me to identify, assess and shape the act of opportunities, make more effective decisions to implement creative solutions and make changes which would lead to sustainable outcomes”

The structure of the programme has a variety of teaching-styles

“In most of the classes, I have seminars, lectures, oppositions, group works and sometimes individual works as well as open-book examinations. Most of my studies depend on the collective learning with university-mates”.

Group works during classes have been the most challenging part for Giga

“I am a good team player where and when needed in the working environment, in academia, previously, as I mostly worked individually. Matching the writing style and synthetizing the group projects, for me, have been the most challenging part of my education at Linnaeus University”

Balancing school with studentlife for Giga is to be a responsible student and plan accordingly, while enjoying yourself.

“Student life at Linnaeus can be as you build it to be. I personally start my day with work and then continuing with studies. I also enjoy swimming and an evening with my friends, for dinner or going to student pubs for some dancing”.

Living and studying in the city of Växjö is like vacation for Giga

“Living in Växjö, for me, personally, is to have two years of “vacation” of living in a cozy town, with lots of friendly evenings and human warmness, which I feel is calming and peaceful, compared to a big city”.

If you are interested in social change and entrepreneurship, this programme is for you.

“I have always been a practical person, working at the civil society organization since I was 18. However, my academic skills, was not as equally developed as my practical working skills. That was the reason I wanted to pursue my master’s studies, especially in Sweden, which fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. I am planning to use the theoretical knowledge I have gained at Linnaeus University to develop learning materials regarding social change and entrepreneurship in my native language – Georgian. These were my incentives to study on this programme and I would recommend students with the same interests to do”.

Växjö – the student city with a living campus

Just south of Växjö’s city centre you will find Linnaeus University’s campus. In Växjö, many students choose to live on campus.

Here you will have five minutes’ walking distance to friends, restaurants, lecture rooms, gym, grocery store, the University Library, nature trails, and student pubs. If you live in another part of Växjö, you can quickly get to the university by bus or bicycle.

With its 90 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of the fastest growing cities in Sweden. Here you will find the famous Småland entrepreneurship spirit and a lot of companies, for instance within the IT industry – perfect for when you are looking for an internship position or a job. Växjö is also a picturesque city where you are always close to forests and water.

Learn more about our student cities.