Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Programme in Soil, Water and Environment

The Master's programme in Soil, Water and Environment at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills to address issues such as drought, flooding, soil contamination, and climate change. This unique education offers students the opportunity to work closely with top researchers and prepares them for a career within or outside academia.

Programme Overview

• The programme leads to a Master's degree in either Environmental Science or Soil Science.
• It is a 2-year programme, consisting of 120 credits.
• The study location is Uppsala.
• The registration deadline is January 15, 2026, and the course start date is August 31, 2026.

Programme Information

Sustainable land and water use is crucial for sustaining food and forest production, mitigating climate change, and reducing its negative impacts. This programme prepares students for the challenges of developing management strategies for these important resources for future generations. The programme has a natural science orientation, providing students with a broad understanding of the sustainable use of land and water resources and how they are linked.

Facts and Requirements

Programme Details

• Name: Soil, Water and Environment - Master's Programme
• Level: Master
• Language: English
• Programme Scope: 2 years, 120 credits
• Next Start: Autumn 2026
• Tuition Fees: Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
• First Semester: 85,000 SEK
• Total: SEK (total cost not specified)
• Application Deadline for International Students: Not specified
• Application Deadline for Swedish Students: Not specified
• Study Location: Uppsala
• Pace of Study: Full-time
• Teaching Form: On-campus
• Application Code for Swedish Students: 81052
• Application Code for International Students: 81025

Admission Requirements

• Admission to the Master's programme requires a first-cycle qualification comprising 180 credits, including specialized studies of 90 credits within one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains:
  • Biology
  • Agricultural sciences
  • Soil sciences, geo sciences
  • Environmental sciences
  • Forestry
  • Technology
• In addition, knowledge corresponding to at least 15 credits within chemistry and at least 15 credits within biology and/or soil or earth sciences is required.
• Applicants with equivalent qualifications obtained from another country or with equivalent knowledge obtained in some other way may also be regarded as fulfilling the specific entry requirements.
• The programme is taught in English, and applicants must have a level of English equivalent to upper secondary school English (English 6).

Content

This programme prepares students for the challenge of developing sustainable land and water management while minimizing negative environmental and health impacts. It has a natural science profile, focusing on the interaction between soil and water resources from a landscape perspective. Students explore how water, nutrients, and other elements are transported through soil and plants, and to ground and surface water through soil. The programme content draws on contemporary basic and applied research.

Career Opportunities

Expert knowledge on minimizing negative impacts on soil and water resources is essential for our survival. Graduates will be able to work as consultants or analysts in both the public and private sectors. The programme also provides the necessary qualifications to continue onto doctoral studies in subjects such as soil science or environmental science.

Degree Awarded

Upon completion of the programme, the degree of Master of Science is awarded. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Soil Science or with a Major in Environmental Science.

Degree Requirements

• A degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Soil Science is awarded to students who fulfill the course requirements of 120 credits, including at least 90 credits at the second-cycle level, with at least 30 credits of courses with specialized study in the main field of soil science and at least 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) in the main field of soil science.
• A degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Environmental Science is awarded to students who fulfill the course requirements of 120 credits, including at least 90 credits at the second-cycle level, with at least 30 credits of courses with specialized study in the main field of environmental science and at least 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) in the main field of environmental science.