Program Overview

Human ecology - Culture, Power and Sustainability - Master's programme

Master's program 2 years 120 higher education credits

About the Program

The master's program in human ecology brings together perspectives on sustainability from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. You gain a deeper understanding of the connections between people, societies and the environment and how power, culture, nature and the economy shape these relationships.

• The program draws inspiration from subjects such as geography, sustainability science, sociology and environmental history.
• You develop interdisciplinary tools to analyze and manage sustainability challenges from several critical perspectives.
• You work with some of the most urgent issues of our time, for example climate change and climate justice, ecologically unequal exchange and how environmental burdens are often shifted to the world's most marginalized and vulnerable groups.

During the Training

The program combines theory, method and reflection through seminars, fieldwork, projects and internships at organizations outside the academy. You investigate how the interaction between people, nature and politics shape sustainability issues and how alternative perspectives can open new paths towards justice and a sustainable future.

• During the first year, you build in-depth knowledge of human ecology as well as skills in research methods and critical scientific theories.
• In the second year, you shape your studies through optional courses, internships or exchange studies.
• The program ends with an independent degree project where you immerse yourself in a subject based on your own interests and research questions.

Career and Future

The program gives you a strong theoretical and analytical basis to be able to work with sustainability, environmental policy and societal and ecological changes at different levels. The ability to analyze, communicate and negotiate global sustainability issues is in demand in many professions.

• The education prepares you for qualified roles in research, the environment and development sector, community planning and civil society organisations.
• Former students work with sustainability strategy, policy development, education, journalism and environmental consulting, among other things.
• The program also provides a stable foundation for an academic career and the opportunity for further research studies in human ecology, environmental and sustainability science or related subjects.

The occasions

• Autumn semester 2026: Closed for registration.
  • Lund - Full time 100%, English

Eligibility & Selection

Eligibility

• Degree at first level (bachelor's degree) of at least 180 credits with one of the following main areas: human ecology, anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental science (including at least 90 credits in one of these main areas) or equivalent.
• English 6/B.

Selection

• The applicant's ability to absorb the education is the main selection criterion.
• During selection, previous study results (grades on courses and thesis for bachelor's degree), knowledge of English and a declaration of intent are taken into account.
• You must submit a document, Statement of Purpose (also called Letter of intent) when you apply to the program.

Prerequisites

Free of charge for Citizens within the EU

• You who are citizens of a country within the EU/EEA and Switzerland do not pay any registration or study fees.

Study fees for Citizens Outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland

• Total price for the program/course: SEK 270,000
• First payment: SEK 67,500
• Citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees.
• The fee is paid in one round in advance before each semester.

Registration fee for Citizens Outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland

• In addition to the program or course fee, you need to pay a registration fee of SEK 900 when you apply.
• The fee is paid once, regardless of how many programs or courses you apply to during the coming semester.
• The fee must be paid for your application to be complete.