Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability 120 credits

Umeå Universitet, Beteendevetarhuset. Studenter pluggar och äter lunch.

Image: Malin Gronborg

About the programme

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.

While studying

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

Courses within the programme

Year 1

Human Geography and Planning Theory

Spatial Analysis

Local and Regional Development

Magister Thesis in Human Geography

Population, Migration and Mobility

Year 2

Advanced Spatial Analysis and Modelling

Advanced Spatial Analysis 15 ECTS

Sustainability and Planning in a Globalized World

Master Thesis in Human Geography

Show programme syllabus

Future and career opportunities

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

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.

Apply

Autumn 2025
- Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability
  
  International admissions round
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-M2094
  
  Eligibility Basic requirements:A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university. Special Requirements: at least 90 ECTS-credits in Social Geography, Geography, Social Planning, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Ethnology, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Economic History, Earth Science, Regional Science, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering / Built environment, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or another Social Planning-related programme. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After completing the program, 60 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Magisterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Magisterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 60 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  After completing the program, 120 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Masterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Masterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 120 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
  
  Total fee: SEK 193,200
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-P2094
  
  Eligibility Basic requirements:A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university. Special Requirements: at least 90 ECTS-credits in Social Geography, Geography, Social Planning, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Ethnology, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Economic History, Earth Science, Regional Science, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering / Built environment, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or another Social Planning-related programme. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After completing the program, 60 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Magisterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Magisterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 60 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  After completing the program, 120 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Masterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Masterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 120 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
  
  Total fee: SEK 193,200
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
Autumn 2026
- Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability
  
  International admissions round
  
  Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 16 October 2025
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2026
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-M2094
  
  Eligibility Basic requirements: A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university. Special Requirements: at least 90 ECTS credits in Human Geography, Geography, Social Planning, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Ethnology, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Economic History, Earth Science, Regional Science, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Architecture (with a profile including social science perspectives on planning), Landscape Architecture (with a profile including social science perspectives on planning), or another Social Planning-related programme. In addition, at least 7.5 ECTS in scientific methods (quantitative or qualitative) is required. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After completing the program, 60 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Magisterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Magisterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 60 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  After completing the program, 120 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Masterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Masterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 120 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  Application
  The online application opens 16 October 2025 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
  
  Total fee: SEK 193,200
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 16 March 2026
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2026
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-P2094
  
  Eligibility Basic requirements: A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university. Special Requirements: at least 90 ECTS credits in Human Geography, Geography, Social Planning, Statistics, Economics, Sociology, Ethnology, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Economic History, Earth Science, Regional Science, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Architecture (with a profile including social science perspectives on planning), Landscape Architecture (with a profile including social science perspectives on planning), or another Social Planning-related programme. In addition, at least 7.5 ECTS in scientific methods (quantitative or qualitative) is required. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  After completing the program, 60 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Magisterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Magisterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 60 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  After completing the program, 120 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Masterexamen in accordance with the Local Qualifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå University´s web site. Filosofie Masterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 120 credits. The degree is awarded in the main field of study, Human Geography (kulturgeografi) with a specialization in Spatial Planning and Sustainability (samhällsplanering och hållbarhet).
  
  Application
  The online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
  
  Total fee: SEK 193,200
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
 
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

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