Environmental Science and Sustainability, Master Programme

Moving towards a sustainable world is one of the most important present-day challenges of mankind. Sustainable development is the general steering principle to achieve sustainability and the main tool to reach the United Nations’ goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

The master program in Environmental Science and Sustainability is focused on the environmental domain of sustainable development but also considers the interrelated social and economic domains. It aims to develop abilities to the independent use of scientific based information for the understanding of the environment and its degradation related to human activities and hazards, as well as for assessment of available and future mitigation options. The programme is meant to provide practical (hands-on) experience and the students will be encouraged to participate of on-going research projects at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science.

During the first year, the students will be introduced to environmental risk analyses principles, risk management of contaminated sites, and environmental risk communication. Practical activities will include field work (including sampling and monitoring strategies for soils, sediments, water, and/or air) and data processing and analyses. The students will form research groups and work with real cases, in order to understand background environmental conditions, degradation and mitigation. Students fulfilling all requirements of the first-year programme may apply for a Magister degree in Environmental Risk Analyses (60 credits).

The second year will include work in research groups and the consolidation of scientific research methods. A special course in geological disposal of nuclear waste, carbon dioxide and others wastes, which will include a field trip to sites such as the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory in southern Sweden, will give students a strong background on mitigation options for waste disposal. A major part of the second year will be dedicated to the individual research project (master thesis). The project will be supervised by a researcher in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science and is carried out in within fields related to environmental science and sustainability.

The knowledge acquired during the two years of the programme can be directly applied to environmental management and research projects and surveys, both within authorities and private enterprises, and is also designed to be an initial step for advanced studies at Ph.D. level.

The programme will start on condition that required decisions are made. The programme is expected to open for application on December 1, 2018.

The selection of students who have applied is based on academic excellence and individual assessment. All applicants should apply via universityadmissions.se. The application should include a letter of interest (max 1 page), curriculum vitae, diplomas and references.

Degree

Master of Science (120 credits; Main field of study: Environmental Science)

Kalmar

In Kalmar, Linnaeus University is located in the city centre. Universitetskajen is entirely newly-built and located just next to the sea. Here you become part of a creative knowledge environment.