Environmental Science, General - Master Programme
Want to tackle the climate and environmental challenges of our time? Open to students with a bachelor’s degree in science or technology, this programme bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world impact, preparing you for a career in industry, consultancy, the public sector or academia.
Start
Autumn 2027
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
By combining advanced scientific research skills with hands-on practice, this Master’s programme prepares you to tackle urgent global crises while opening doors to an exceptional professional future. The curriculum provides the in-depth knowledge and practical toolsets needed to drive effective sustainability initiatives at local, regional, and global levels.
Characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, the programme seamlessly bridges natural sciences and technology, a powerful combination that mirrors the composition of professional teams in the sustainability sector today. Being an international master’s programme, the students come from a wide range of academic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds. This enriches the learning environment by exposing you to varied worldviews and fostering collaborative problem-solving.
The programme is hosted by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where research and education addresses challenges such as land-use changes, climate risks, and environmental pollution. Your studies will take place in the heart of the historic Lund University campus, where green spaces, the city center and educational facilities are all within comfortable walking distance.
We are proud that Lund University is ranked first in the world in the QS Sustainability Ranking (2024), reflecting our commitment to advancing sustainability.
The programme starts with four mandatory courses spanning the first two semesters. The introductory course focuses on environmental impact assessments, followed by a second course that explores ecosystem services and natural resources, emphasizing their strategic management within a circular, bio-based society. The third course covers environmental monitoring, examining its historical context and integration with environmental law, while training students to design stable, resource-efficient monitoring systems. The fourth course provides an in-depth understanding of the diverse tools and methodologies utilized in practical environmental operations, offering specialized training in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), climate-related risk analysis and multiple other central aspects of environmental assessments.
During the third semester, students can tailor their education by choosing courses freely or specializing in an alternative natural science or technical discipline, depending on the prerequisites of their qualifying bachelor’s degree. Students may also opt for a professional internship lasting either a half or full semester. The fourth and final semester consists of a 30-credit master’s thesis project, which allows students to synthesize and apply the comprehensive knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme.
Environmental Science prepares students for their future professional careers by providing knowledge, skills, abilities, and perspectives tailored for research and development work, as well as other qualified roles in a labor market where environmental expertise holds a central position. Given the high demand for environmental knowledge in the workforce, graduates enjoy strong prospects for pursuing careers both within and outside academia, including roles such as environmental strategists or environmental coordinators. The programme also grants eligibility for doctoral (PhD) studies. The continuous development of the programme's career relevance is informed by labor market and alumni surveys, close professional contacts, and collaboration with the labor market advisory board, the Faculty of Science's dedicated organ for knowledge exchange regarding employment matters. Furthermore, the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences maintains an extensive alumni network with representatives from a wide range of industries.
Entry requirements
Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in science or engineering, or equivalent. Depending on which courses are chosen as elective courses within the programme, additional entry requirements may apply. English course 6/English level 2 (advanced proficiency).
Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, with majors in science, technology and mathematics, as well as a statement of purpose for the application in which applicants state their goals with the programme (from the applicant’s "Summary sheet").
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
Where research, learning and student life come together
Geocentrum I and II are located in the heart of Lund University, just a short walk from the city centre and next to the University Library, which is often described as one of the most beautiful buildings in Sweden. Geocentrum brings together students of environmental science, geology, physical geography and computational science, providing an environment in which different disciplines converge and teaching takes place in close proximity to ongoing research.
