Program Overview

Environmental Psychology

The aim of the course is to increase and deepen participants' knowledge of people's environmental choices and attitudes. In the course, the basic issue of why people in certain situations choose to act sustainable and in situations do not, is problematized and discussed.

Course Details

• Course code: PX2151
• Master's level
• 15 credits (ECTS)
• Offered by the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Study Pace and Location

• Study pace: 50%
• Time: Day
• Location:
  • Autumn 2025: Göteborg
  • Autumn 2026: Location independent
• Study form: Distance
• Language: English

Duration and Application Period

• Autumn 2025: 1 Sep 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
• Application period: 17 Mar 2025 – 15 Apr 2025
• Autumn 2026: 31 Aug 2026 – 17 Jan 2027
• Application period: 16 Mar 2026 – 15 Apr 2026

Application Code and Tuition

• Application code:
  • Autumn 2025: GU-74021
  • Autumn 2026: GU-74015
• Tuition:
  • Full education cost:
    • Autumn 2025: 23,505 SEK
    • Autumn 2026: 24,000 SEK
  • First payment:
    • Autumn 2025: 23,505 SEK
    • Autumn 2026: 24,000 SEK
  • No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders, and exchange students.

Course Content

• Syllabus, English, PX2151 (pdf)
• Reading list, English, PX2151 (pdf)

About the Course

The course covers key theories and methods used in current psychological research aimed at clarifying how human behavior and attitudes can be influenced in a more environmentally friendly way. The final part of the course consists of independent, in-depth studies on a selected real environmental problem.

Teaching Methods

Teaching is given in the form of lectures and seminars. The course is based on active participation. The participants are expected to read specified articles each week that will be discussed during the seminar. Participants will also write their own individual work.

Prerequisites and Selection

Entry Requirements

For admission to the course, completion of university education of at least 180 credits is required at the first cycle level. Language skills equivalent to English 6/English course B from Swedish upper-secondary school or the equivalent knowledge from an international confessed test, such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Selection

Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.

After Graduation

A psychological perspective can be very useful in most occupational areas that deal with environmental issues.

Sustainability

This education meets the requirements for Gothenburg University's sustainability certification.