Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability 120 credits

While studying

Do you want to explore how regional development, migration and mobility relate to sustainability, and how spatial planning can help shape just and resilient futures? The Master’s Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability offers rigorous analytical training in human geography, planning theory and sustainability. You will learn widely used qualitative and quantitative methods in human geography, engage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from both applied and critical perspectives, and apply your skills in case-based assignments. The programme prepares you for analytical roles in planning and policy, as well as for further postgraduate study.

Students may choose to complete either a one-year (60 credits) or full two-year (120 credits) degree.

A strong sustainability profile

Sustainability is integrated throughout the programme. You will analyse how the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability interact within planning processes, and how tensions between global agendas and local realities shape planning decisions. Critical engagement with the SDGs is a core component of this work.

Analytical and research-based training

The programme emphasises theoretical depth and methodological breadth. You will develop skills in spatial thinking and in both qualitative and quantitative methods, learning how to design and conduct independent research and how to critically evaluate planning frameworks and sustainability narratives.

Global, regional and local perspectives

Courses draw on examples and cases from Europe, the Nordic countries and the Global South. You will explore how planning challenges vary across contexts, and how mobility, demographic change and regional development shape sustainable futures.

Applied components in selected courses

Although the programme is academically oriented, several courses include applied and practice-oriented elements, such as:

• · case-based and project-based assignments
• · study visits and excursions
• · work with spatial concepts and datasets
• · guest lectures from practitioners, researchers and alumni
• Students are encouraged to use examples from their home countries or regions in assignments and discussions.

Supportive learning environment

Small cohort sizes enable close interaction with teachers and peers. You will receive structured support in academic writing, methodological choices and research design. Access to computer facilities is provided when needed for course work involving spatial or methodological tools.

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 

Urban Lindgren, professor
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

Sustainability and Planning in a Globalized World

Master Thesis in Human Geography

Future and career opportunities

The programme will prepare for professional careers as well as for studies at the doctoral level.

Labour market

Graduates are equipped for analytical and research-oriented roles in:

• · regional and spatial planning
• · policy development and evaluation
• · sustainable development and environmental planning
• · public agencies, consultancies and NGOs
• · international development and migration-related work

The programme’s strong analytical and sustainability profile also provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies (PhD) in geography, sustainability science, spatial planning or related fields.

• 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

Students may complete either:

• · a Master of Science (120 credits) in Human Geography with a specialisation in Spatial Planning and Sustainability, or
  
  
• · a Master of Science (60 credits) in Human Geography with a specialisation in Spatial Planning and Sustainability.

The one-year degree comprises coursework from the first academic year of the programme and a 15-credit master’s thesis. The two-year degree includes advanced methodological training and a 30-credit master’s thesis.