Spatial planning is about improving peoples’ lives and planning for long-term sustainable societies. Today’s societal changes require multifaceted skills of tomorrow’s spatial planners. Do you want to develop your skills for qualified planning and investigation work? If so, the Master’s Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability is something for you.
Are you interested in planning for sustainable societies? See what our students say about the programme.
The Master’s Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability addresses current challenges of sustainability that are connected planning issues on all levels of society; from the global to the local. The transition to a more sustainable society raises a strong demand for spatial planners to have abilities to balance different interests. The education provides you with the tools to make these considerations. You will learn to ask relevant and scientifically grounded questions about changes and trends in rural areas and cities, regions, and nations and how they are related to the sustainability dimensions.
Focus on sustainability
Within the programme you will study planning theories, with focus on challenges for a sustainable city development, economic transformation and related planning practices in various geographical contexts. During the education you will also develop your skills in applying spatial quantitative and qualitative methods, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and interview techniques relevant for qualified work with spatial planning and development. The methods will help you understand and analyse societal phenomenon. The department have their own computer lab where you can work with various assignments, such as GIS. The final thesis project provides opportunities to specialise or broaden your skills and can be conducted in cooperation with public or private actors.
Develop your critical thinking
An important part of the programme is to develop your critical thinking. Not only is spatial planning constantly challenged by the transformation of society, but also by our knowledge about and understanding of the world. We work with seminars, lectures, individual and group assignments. All teaching is given in English.
Choose between one or two-year master's degree
The program leads to a two-year master's degree in Human Geography with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability. After one year of study, there is an opportunity to take a one-year master's degree.
Teacher and researchers
Erika Sandow, associate professor
Madeleine Eriksson, associate professor
Rikard Eriksson, professor
Örjan Pettersson , associate professor
Aina Tollefsen, associate professor
Emelie Hane-Weijman, associate professor
Emma Lundholm, associate professor
Charlotta Hedberg,professor
Linda Sandberg, associate professor
Andreas Back, assistant professor
Human Geography and Planning Theory, 15 ECTS
Spatial Analysis, 15 ECTS
Local and Regional Development, 15 ECTS
Magister Thesis in Human Geography 15 ECTS /
Population, Migration and Mobility, 15 ECTS
Advanced Spatial Analysis 15 ECTS
Sustainability and planning in a globalized world 15 ECTS
Master Thesis in Human Geography 30 ECTS
The programme will prepare for professional careers as well as for studies at the doctoral level.
Labour market
There is a great demand for well-educated spatial planners in the labour market, not least due to global goals for sustainable societies such as Agenda 2030. After graduation, you can work with qualified planning and investigative work in both the private and public sector. Regardless of how you view your career the education will provide you with good opportunities to contribute to a more sustainable society.
Spatial planning is conducted in state, regional and municipal activities and in organisations and consultant agencies at national and international level.
Doctoral studies (PhD)
The programme grants basic eligibility for doctorate studies.
Common job titles
City planner, consultant, environmental planner, planning analyst, planning director, policy advisor, regional planner, research fellow and transportation planner.
Degree of Master of Science (60 credits). Main field of study: Human Geography. Specialisation: Spatial Planning and Sustainability.
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits). Main field of study: Human Geography. Specialisation: Spatial Planning and Sustainability.