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

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

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

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.

Apply

Autumn 2026
- Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability
  
  International admissions round
  
  HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  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/level 2.
  
  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 2026. 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
  
  HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
  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/level 2.
  
  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 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  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 2027
- Master's Programme in Spatial Planning and Sustainability
  
  International admissions round
  
  HT27 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn term 2027
  
  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/level 2.
  
  Selection
  
  Academic credits awarded by application deadline (HPAV 30-285 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 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

Film about the programme

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