Program Overview

Ecosystem Management Program

The Ecosystem Management program at Umeå University provides broad knowledge of ecosystem management work, discussing and critically evaluating the scientific basis on which ecosystem management practices rest. Focus is also put on understanding the roles different actors play in management of ecosystems, especially the role of ecologists.

Program Structure

The program is divided into three modules:

• Module 1, Theory, 8 credits: Covers social dimensions of ecosystem management, landscape ecology, and management and restoration of populations and ecosystems.
  • Social dimensions of ecosystem management: Explores how conflicts of interest, attitudes, and human values influence the management of nature.
  • Landscape ecology: Introduces principles and concepts that form the basis of landscape planning, including how landscapes can be described and quantified, and the effects of land use on landscape structure.
  • Management and restoration of populations and ecosystems: Covers various methods aimed at conserving species and protecting or restoring ecosystems.
• Module 2, Group project, 6 credits: Involves an in-depth assignment where students analyze some aspect of the management or conservation of species and ecosystems, with special emphasis on scientifically evaluating ecosystem management practices.
• Module 3, Excursions and field assignments, 1 credit: Includes excursions to see examples of different conservation, restoration, and compensatory practices in various ecosystems.

Eligibility and Selection

• Eligibility: Requires 120 ECTS including 60 ECTS Biology of which 30 ECTS Ecology or 60 ECTS earth science
  atural geography or environmental science and 30 ECTS ecology or equivalent knowledge. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
• Selection: Based on academic credits.

Application and Tuition Fees

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 38,075
• Total fee: SEK 38,075

Program Details

• Type: Course, second cycle
• Study pace: Full time
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus
• Teaching hours: Daytime
• Language: English
• Application code: UMU-50212
• Number of credits: 15 credits
• Starts: 24 March 2026
• Ends: 7 June 2026

Department and Additional Information

• The course is given by the Department of Ecology, Environment and Geoscience.
• Umeå University is certified as a Healthy Campus, with many initiatives that promote health and well-being.
• The university is ranked #1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction for international students.