Forestry for Green Sustainable Development, Master Programme

120 credits

The forest offers many opportunities. The master's programme Forestry for Green Sustainable Development provides you with knowledge about and strategies for how different forest management systems can contribute to society through forest ecosystem services.

This programme is aimed not only at those who already have a forestry education but also at those who have studied, for example, natural sciences, social sciences, or technology and want to deepen their knowledge in:
• Forest damage in sustainable forestry for a circular bioeconomy.
• Digitalisation in forestry.
• The entire forest value chain and the conditions associated with forest ecosystem services.
• The climate benefits of forests and climate adaptations.

During the programme, you will delve into questions about how a future sustainable forestry can be developed. The programme has a unique thematic approach where you get a comprehensive picture and understanding of the entire forest value chain, from forest production to products and other values from the forest.

You will learn how forest ecosystems and forestry work in Sweden, but the programme also contains many international elements, such as study trips and guest lecturers from different countries. During the programme, you will also establish a close connection to the forestry sector through guest lecturers, field trips, project work, and a concluding thesis. To be able to discuss and gain an understanding of current issues, challenges, and opportunities linked to the entire forest value chain, you will meet representatives from the forestry industry, forest owner associations, authorities, and interest organisations.

The programme involves full-time studies for two years and comprises 120 higher education credits. Full-time studies mean an average of 40 study hours per week. The courses on the programme are part-time (50%), meaning you take two courses concurrently.

For those who have not previously studied forestry, the programme begins with a 15-credit basic forestry course and a profiling course. For those who already have the basics, the programme instead begins with two profiling courses. The programme contains a total of four profiling courses where you will learn about forest ecosystem services, the climate benefits of forests and climate adaptations, digitalisation in forestry, and forest damage. After this, you can choose to either deepen or broaden your knowledge through elective courses. You can choose to take courses at Linnaeus University or at other higher education institutions nationally or internationally. Finally, a thesis of at least 30 credits is conducted.

The programme is offered both on campus and in distance learning format. The setup for both alternatives is a hybrid solution where all students will be able to alternate between remote and on-campus studies. In many cases, you will be able to choose, for example, whether to take part in lectures and seminars remotely or on-site on campus in Växjö. For both campus and distance learning students, the programme includes several course get-togethers in Växjö and at other locations. The language of tuition is English, but elements or courses may in many cases be possible to examine in Swedish.

Autumn 2025

Växjö, Full-time, Campus

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Master’s level Syllabus Full-time, Campus English Växjö 01 Sep, 2025 - 06 Jun, 2027 January 15 Some courses and programmes will accept late applications. LNU-F2906

To be admitted to the Forestry for Green Sustainable Development master's program, the following prerequisites are required:
General entry requirements for second-cycle studies
Specific entry requirements: a minimum of 60 credits in one of the following subject areas (according to the Swedish Higher Education Authority's subject list): Natural Sciences or Engineering or Law and Social Sciences
The requirement for specific eligibility as mentioned above can also be fulfilled by those who have equivalent knowledge through a foreign degree or other means.
Specific entry requirements: English B/English 6
The English language requirement is considered fulfilled for those who have a bachelor's degree of 180 credits from a Swedish institution or 120 credits of completed studies at Linnaeus University (LNU). English requirements can also be met through other specified means, as outlined on antagning.se or universityadmissions.se. For admission to the courses included in the program, the specific eligibility requirements stated in each individual course syllabus apply.

100% Higher Education Credits

77,500 SEK 310,000 SEK

Faculty of Technology

Career

After completing the programme, you will be a specialist in forest values and how a future sustainable forestry can be developed. There is a great need for labour and competence in the entire forest value chain, from forest management to the production of more sustainable products from the forest. For example, you could work as:

• a specialist in the forestry industry
• a forestry advisor
• a forestry expert at authorities

You can also seek careers in other industries in need of forestry expertise. The programme opens the opportunity for an international career. After graduation, you are also qualified for doctoral studies, meaning you can pursue an academic career and work, for example, at a university or a research institute.

Degree

Degree of Master of Science with specialization in forestry for green sustainable development

Main field of study: Forest and Wood Engineering

The IKEA and Södra Scholarship

Through The Bridge, IKEA, Södra and Linnaeus University offers a student scholarship that covers all of the tuition fees and living costs. Read more about scholarships here.

The diversity and international context of the programme appeal to Lisa

Lisa, student at The master's programme Forestry for Green Sustainable Development

For Lisa, it is important to stay up to date with current knowledge in the field of sustainability. Twenty years ago, she earned her Master of Science in Engineering from Chalmers, and ten years later, she completed a master's degree in environmental psychology. Now she is broadening her expertise by studying the master's programme Forestry for Green Sustainable Development.

“I work as a sustainability consultant in the property sector and the built urban environment. However, I have my own “master's tradition”, where I pursue a new master's degree every ten years. So, it was time for me to start studying again.”

Read the full interview with Lisa

Lisa explains that questions about sustainability in forestry have increased in recent years, which led her to seek a broader knowledge base in the field. Something Lisa particularly appreciates about the programme is its international context, both among the students and the lecturers.

“About a week ago, we learned about how date palms in the desert absorb carbon dioxide equivalents, while the next lecture focused on rewetting wetlands. That variety really appeals to me!”

The programme uses a hybrid teaching format, combining distance learning with on-site weeks spent both in the forest and on campus. The fact that the programme is offered remotely was a prerequisite for Lisa, as she and her family spend periods of time living abroad.

“Studying remotely also allows me to work a bit alongside my studies, although I try to keep it to a minimum. After graduating, I want to continue working in sustainability consulting but with a clearer focus on forestry. I dream of spending more time in the forest!”

Lisa believes that more sustainability expertise is needed in the forestry sector, and based on her experience in the construction industry, she suspects that the sector could also benefit from new perspectives and people with different backgrounds.

More about the programme

The forestry sector has a great need for labour and expertise in matters concerning the development of future sustainable forestry. Programme coordinator Erika Olofsson explains that the new master's programme in forestry for green sustainable development is designed to meet this challenge.

"Compared to other forestry master's programmes, this one has a more southern Swedish profile combined with international elements. It brings together students with a forestry background and students from other disciplines. Unique to the programme is also its thematic approach, where students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the forest value chain from seedling to final product".

Read the interview with Erika

Students can expect content developed in collaboration with the forestry sector. All courses are based on the industry's need for knowledge and expertise.

"The programme includes four programme-defining courses where students will learn about forest ecosystem services, the climate benefits of forests and climate adaptations, digitalisation in forestry, and forest damages. After this, students can choose to either deepen or broaden their knowledge through elective courses".

The programme offers close collaboration with the industry.

"Students will collaborate with companies and authorities in the forestry sector and receive an education with strong links to research, both from Linnaeus University's research environments and international research groups".

The programme opens doors to various career paths within the forestry sector.

"After graduation, one can work as a specialist in the forestry industry, as a forestry advisor, or a forestry expert in government agencies. Other industries also require forestry expertise. Furthermore, the programme opens opportunities for an international career, or doctoral studies for an academic career", Olofsson concludes.

Programme in collaboration with the industry and business sector

Linnaeus University has a specific, long-term, strategic collaboration with Södra and IKEA in the partnership The Bridge. The foundation of this cooperation is the climate challenges and the UN's global goals. The focus of the partnership is on forestry, innovation, and sustainability, with the parties collaborating in education and research. We strive to create an arena for knowledge development and sustainable competitiveness that is open to more actors, as we believe that working together is what is required to manage the transition in society.

Frequently asked questions about the program

How does forestry affect sustainability?

Sustainable forestry involves managing forests to meet present needs without compromising future generations. It focuses on maintaining forest health, biodiversity, and contributing to the global fight against climate change through carbon sequestration and habitat conservation.

How can this program deepen my knowledge in forestry and sustainable development?

The program includes international elements, guest lectures, and close connections to the forestry sector, offering diverse perspectives and practical experiences to deepen your knowledge in forestry and sustainable development.

What does the Forestry for Green Sustainable Development Master Programme focus on?

The curriculum is designed to offer knowledge about national and international forestry practices, with a focus on creating sustainable forestry solutions and addressing current challenges and opportunities in the field.

Växjö – the student city with a vibrant campus

Just south of Växjö city centre lies Campus Växjö. Many students choose to live on campus.

Here you have friends, restaurants, lecture halls, gyms, a supermarket, the university library, outdoor recreation areas, and student pubs – all within a five-minute walk. You can also live in other parts of Växjö and easily reach the university by bike or bus.

With nearly 100 000 inhabitants, Växjö is one of Sweden’s fastest-growing cities. It has a strong Småland entrepreneurial spirit and a diverse business sector – perfect when you’re looking for a placement, an internship, or a job.

Växjö is also a scenic city, where you’re always close to forests and lakes, and it offers plenty of events and experiences, ranging from music and food to sports.