Master's Programme in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development 120 credits
About the programme
The Master's Programme in Environmental Sciences aims to develop your competence in working with environmental issues. You will study environmental issues from a scientific perspective - analysing causes, relationships and possible solutions to environmental problems. Sustainable development is a core theme within the programme, which will help you prepare for your future career, whether you aim to work at a government agency or in the private sector.
Multidisciplinary programme
Focus on global challenges
Wide range of courses
While studying
Note! The programme has a new name
The programme has changed its name to the Master's programme in Environmental Science and Sustainability. You will find all information about the programme start in the autumn 2026 here:
Master's programme in Environmental Science and Sustainability
A sustainability-focused Master’s programme
The Master's Programme in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development is a multi-disciplinary programme that aims to develop your competence in working with global environmental issues. You will study these environmental issues with a holistic perspective – analysing the environmental, societal and political causes, relationships and possible solutions.
As the world faces growing environmental concerns such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, there is an increasing demand for experts with an environmental science education who can analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions. Sustainable development is a core theme throughout the programme, which will help you prepare for your future career, which could be with a government agency, in the private sector, policymaking, or in future research.
Focus on global challenges
The Master’s Programme in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development addresses some of our most pressing global challenges. Transitioning to a sustainable society requires cooperation between academia, policymakers, and the private sector. This transformation is highly complex and demands a multidisciplinary approach, which is a core aspect of this programme.
Right from the start, you will take an introductory course focused on the transition towards sustainability. This course employs a challenge-driven pedagogy, where you will work on real-world sustainability challenges in collaboration with external partners. Through project-based learning, you will gain practical experience in analyzing environmental problems and proposing innovative solutions. This is followed by a course dedicated to Sustainability Science, which provides you with the theoretical knowledge to underpin our transition towards sustainability.
Environmental Science education with specialization options
Beyond the core sustainability-focused courses, you can choose from a wide range of specialized courses in environmental science, allowing you to develop expertise in areas that align with your interests and career aspirations. For students interested in broadening their knowledge, the programme offers the opportunity to take up to 45 higher education credits in other disciplines, providing a sustainability master's with an interdisciplinary edge.
Some of the specialization areas include:
- Biology: Courses in ecosystem management and Global change science
- Earth Sciences: Studies in Soil and Water, Geographic information systems (GIS), and Limnology
The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group exercises, laboratory work, and field studies, ensuring a well-rounded education. In the final stage of the programme, you will complete a Master’s thesis of either 30 or 60 credits, allowing you to explore a topic within Environmental Science and/or Sustainability Science in depth. All courses at the advanced level are taught in English, making this programme accessible to international students and preparing graduates for the global job market.
Read article: Sustainable campus: management important for gender equality
Scholarships to apply for
Citizens of countries outside of the EU, EEA and Switzerland normally have to pay application and tuition fees for education at Swedish universities. However, there are several scholarships you can apply for to cover these costs, for example from the Swedish Institute:
Read more about SI Scholarship for Global Professionals
Read more about scholarships in general /LÄNK/
Think Globally, Solve Problems Locally
A key aspect of this programme is its focus on problem-solving. You will work on analyzing environmental risks, assessing the consequences of climate change, and developing strategies for a more sustainable future.
Your final degree project will be an opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a specific area, whether in climate adaptation, environmental policy, or sustainable resource management. This practical, hands-on experience will help you develop the expertise required to excel in your future career.
Courses within the programme
Year 1
- Transition towards a sustainable society, 15 ECTS
- Sustainability Science, 15 ECTS
- Analysis of environmental changes, with a focus on biogeochemistry or long-term environmental problems, 15 ECTS
- Elective courses, 30 ECTS. Examples of elective courses:
- Theoretical environmental science, 15 ECTS
Year 2
- Elective courses, 30 ECTS. Examples of elective courses:
- Limnology, 15 ECTS
- Global Change Science, 15 ECTS
- Geographical information system, 15 ECTS
- Theoretical environmental science, 15 ECTS
- Master's Degree thesis, 30 ECTS
Alternatively:
- Master's Degree thesis, 60 ECTS
Future and career opportunities
A Master’s in Environmental Science with focus on Sustainable Development opens doors to a wide range of careers in sustainable development, research, and environmental management. Graduates from this programme are highly sought after for roles that involve planning, coordination, investigation, and supervision of environmental initiatives.
This programme equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to stand out in the job market, whether you aspire to work on local environmental projects or contribute to global sustainability efforts. You can pursue environmental and sustainability jobs in both the public and private sectors, including government agencies, Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs), environmental consulting firms, and multinational corporations.
Examples of environmental science/sustainability jobs
- Environmental Coordinator – Manage environmental initiatives within organizations
- Sustainability Coach – Guide businesses and communities towards sustainable practices
- Environmental Strategist – Develop long-term sustainability strategies
- Environment Engineer – Ensure workplace environmental compliance
- Environmental Consultant – Provide expert advice on environmental policies and regulations
- Environmental Manager – Oversee sustainability efforts within companies
- Environmental Management Officer – Implement and monitor environmental programs
- Researcher in Environmental Science
Programme director
Apply
Film about the programme
Sustainable development is a core theme in the Master's programme in Environmental Sciences with focus on sustainable development.
Voices about the programme
-
"Umeå was the perfect environment to study sustainability"
Alumni
Madeline Morales, Fulbright scholar from USA, was inspired to study environmental science in Sweden because of her passion for sustainability.
-
Katharina liked the mix of teaching methods
Alumni
Katharina Schmid appreciated the programme for the familial atmosphere and mix between lectures, seminars, projects and fieldwork.
-
The programme gave broadened perspectives and personal development
Alumni
Konstantin Schäfer had thought of becoming a forester, environmental science would give him a broader perspective and variety of job possibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Is environmental science a good major?
Yes! Environmental science is a rapidly growing field with diverse career opportunities, particularly when you have the skills to integrate this into sustainable development. As sustainability becomes a top priority for businesses and governments, professionals with expertise in environmental science education and sustainability strategies are in high demand. Graduates of this programme have excellent job prospects, both nationally and internationally.
What distinguishes this Master's programme in Environmental Science from others?
This programme offers a unique combination of theoretical and practical knowledge through student-led discussions, field studies, and a strong research connection. The programme also has a clear focus on sustainability, making it highly relevant to the growing demand for environmental experts.
What are the job opportunities in environmental science?
With a Master’s in Environmental Science with focus on sustainable development you can work in a variety of sectors, including environmental consulting, governmental agencies, research institutions, and private industry. Common environmental science/sustainability job opportunities include roles in environmental policy, sustainability strategy, and ecological conservation. The increasing focus on sustainability within society means that demand for professionals in this field continues to grow.