Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, General - Master Programme

This Master’s (120 credits) programme gives you specialised knowledge in the physical geography subjects of land and vegetation, terrain forms and ecosystems, water and climate, environment and global changes. There are several options for specialisation. During the programme, you can choose to specialise in, for example, environmental and climate systems, global environmental issues and global cycles, environmental analysis methods, GIS with an environmental orientation or remote sensing with an environmental orientation.

The programme is conducted in English. Many of the lecturers are also researchers. At our department, research focuses on climate and environmental issues both locally and globally and mainly using an interdisciplinary approach. Our researchers have a very extensive international network of contacts and carry out field studies in many countries.

Programme structure

In the first year, you initially study a course on greenhouse gases and biochemical cycles. This also includes field studies in a subarctic environment, around Abisko in northern Sweden. The next course covers climate change and its environmental effects. Thereafter, you choose either to study different ecosystem models or take two short courses on spatial analysis or geographical databases (requires GIS skills). Lastly in the spring semester you learn about satellite-based remote sensing.

The second year begins with an elective course where you may study  geographical information systems (GIS) or programming or select a course from another field available. This is followed by a course on global ecosystem dynamics, about how ecosystem processes among other things are affected by direct and indirect climate effects as well as different actors and their ecosystem services. This course has an interdisciplinary perspective to illuminate the interaction between local, regional and global driving forces and changes. Finally, you carry out a degree project based on the topic that interests you.

The programme is structured so that you can choose to follow the courses selected for the programme, or customise your programme with 45 credits from elective courses. When you have been admitted to the programme, you are guaranteed a place on all courses, provided that you fulfil the entry requirements of the courses.

Career prospects

The Master’s programme in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science links to a large number of important societal issues and prepares you for work in public and private organisations, both locally and globally. You can, for example, work on climate and water issues, municipal nature conservation planning, maintenance and management duties, aid activities, data processing and development of analysis methods. After the programme, you are also eligible to apply for third cycle studies.