Environmental Science and Sustainability, Master Programme
120 creditsMoving towards a sustainable world is one of the most important present-day challenges of mankind. The Master programme in Environmental Science and Sustainability provides you with both theoretical and practical skills regarding how we can mitigate the human effects on our environment.
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 you will be encouraged to participate of on-going research projects at the Department of Biology and Environmental Science.
During the first year, you 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. You will form research groups and work with real cases, in order to understand background environmental conditions, degradation and mitigation. If you fulfill all requirements of the first-year programme you may apply for a one year Master degree in Environmental Risk Analyses (60 credits).
The second year will include work in research groups and the consolidation of scientific research methods. 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 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 (maximum one page), curriculum vitae, diplomas and references.
Career
The knowledge acquired during the two years of the masters 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.
Degree
Master of Science 120 credits
Main field of study: Environmental Science
Program Coordinators
An internship provided Alexander with contacts in the industry
When Alexander moved to Kalmar, he got a student apartment because of the housing guarantee. In the future, he would like to use his education to make a difference.
Read the interview
- There were a number of reasons for my choosing to study at Linnaeus University. One reason was the location. Another was the recommendations I got from friends and acquaintances. My partner studied here, and she liked it so much that she stayed on in Kalmar after graduating. There are many doctoral students from other countries at the university, which contributes to an international way of thinking and there is often room for interesting discussions.
Alexander appreciates the relationship between teachers and students. It has helped him with his studies, and he believes that it is favourable that the university is located in two medium-sized cities.
- The relationship with the teachers is good. They are often available if you need to discuss something or if you have questions regarding a task. The programme is practically-oriented and the fact that the university is located in two medium-sized cities is an advantage because many members of staff at the university have good contacts with the trade and industry, the municipality, and the county council.
An Internship provided valuable experience
Early into his studies, Alexander got an internship at a company in Kalmar. A valuable experience as he got to know people working in the industry.
- I gained experience and made knew contacts in the industry. I got a chance to participate in EU projects and contribute with important, practical elements. It keeps you motivated and gives you valuable experience.
Housing guarantee for new students in Kalmar
For those who do not already live in Kalmar municipality, the municipal housing agency, Kalmarhem, has a housing guarantee. This means that you are entitled to student housing within two months.
- The housing guarantee is really good. Thanks to the housing guarantee we got an apartment in the city, close to the university. Kalmar is a very beautiful city with great communications and plenty of good restaurants and shops. If you are interested in student life, you can become engaged in one of the numerous student associations. The associations arrange different events and the graduation ball at Kalmar Castle is something special.
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.
The city centre is also where most students live. Everything is available within a ten-minute bicycle ride, regardless of whether you want to take a swim in the sea, study, do some shopping, or work out. Historical buildings and cobblestone streets give charm to the city. When it is sunny, the area next to Kalmar Castle’s moat is filled with studying and sunbathing students. Student life is a natural part of Kalmar. This is where your dream of the future begins!