Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science - Master of Science programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
The master’s programme in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science (LUMES) is an interdisciplinary, international programme that tackles local and global sustainability challenges through a systems perspective.
For almost 30 years, the LUMES programme has attracted passionate students from around the world to Lund, Sweden. The programme trains you to understand and analyse present societal systems and the environmental problems they create. It also gives you tools to formulate sustainable strategies for the future. Its interdisciplinary approach advances your understanding of how cultural, economic, environmental, political, and social dimensions of sustainability interact.
The diverse study environment, comprising students with different academic, cultural and geographical backgrounds, exposes you to various perspectives, world views, and experiences, offering a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons and learn about sustainability challenges globally.
Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies
The programme is hosted by Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), a leading centre for research, education, and societal impact within the Faculty of Social Sciences. At LUCSUS, you will find an open, collaborative, and supportive environment dedicated to making a difference at the local and global levels. We are proud that Lund University is ranked first in the world in the QS Sustainability Ranking (2024), reflecting our commitment to advancing sustainability.
Your place of study is in the heart of Lund University's campus, offering access to green areas, libraries, educational and cultural institutions, all within walking distance. LUCSUS provides unique facilities for our students, including study spaces, lecture halls, group rooms, and recreational areas. This environment fosters close relationships between students and teachers, ensuring you receive the support and guidance needed to thrive academically and personally.
The LUMES programme is set within an interdisciplinary, internationally renowned academic environment. Leading researchers in the sustainability field teach on the programme, challenging you to broaden your perspective on sustainability and sharpen your critical thinking. You learn to identify and formulate strategies for societal change, integrating knowledge from previous studies with new insights and cultural perspectives.
You will gain a deep understanding of how cultural, economic, environmental, political, and social factors interact in sustainability, and learn to address global sustainability challenges at various scales and levels. You will explore the complexity of interlinked sustainability challenges and engage in constructive solutions for alternative pathways forward. Through systems analysis, field trips, case-based learning, and in-class discussions, you will learn the fundamentals of creating societies in balance with nature.
Overall, you will develop the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines and critically evaluate assumptions underlying various processes and policies. The programme also trains you to work in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary teams. You develop interpersonal and academic skills through group work, presentations, academic writing, and interactions with society.
As society increasingly recognises the importance of addressing complex social, environmental, and economic challenges, the need for qualified sustainability experts is growing.
The LUMES programme opens doors to a wide range of exciting and meaningful career opportunities in the private and public sectors as well as in non-governmental organisations. Your career path will be shaped by the knowledge and skills you acquire during the programme, along with your previous background and interests.
Many graduates have gone on to successful careers as consultants, coordinators, entrepreneurs, managers, advisors, analysts, policy officers, and specialists. Others have pursued doctoral studies, working as researchers and lecturers at universities and research institutions around the world.
Regardless of the path you choose, the LUMES programme equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a real difference and contribute to a sustainable future.
Prerequisites
A Bachelor’s degree corresponding to at least 180 ECTS. English course 6 (advanced proficiency)
Selection criteria
Selection is based on academic grades, relevant work experience, statement of purpose and recommendations.
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 300,000
First payment: SEK 75,000
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
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.
