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Human Ecology: Culture, Economy and Ecology

Course • Master's level • 15 credits

Explore how human societies, cultures and economic systems intersect with the environment, and develop critical and analytical tools to understand sustainability through historical, cultural and political lenses.
Application dates
Husfasad Geocentrum

Start

Autumn 2026

Level

Master's

Language

English

Place of study

Lund

Course code

HEKN11

Application dates

You will get an integrated and interdisciplinary introduction to the cultural, historical and political dimensions of human–environmental relations. You explore how environmental problems arise, are understood and are dealt with in different societies, and you gain insight into how resource use and sustainability challenges are shaped by broader cultural, economic and ecological processes. 

Throughout the course you engage with three thematic modules: Introduction to Human Ecology, Global Environmental History, and Economies as Cultural Systems. These three themes will provide you with essential perspectives and analytical tools to achieve an integrated, trans-disciplinary understanding of the cultural and political dimensions of sustainability. 

It is included in the Master of Science programme in Human Ecology:  Culture, Power and Sustainability, and is also offered as a freestanding course. 

All teaching is conducted in English and takes place at the Department of Human Geography, in the charming city of Lund. 

Teaching includes primarily lectures, but also seminars and group discussions. You critically engage with core literature and theoretical perspectives from environmental history, cultural anthropology and political ecology. Seminars emphasise active participation to deepen your understanding and refine your analytical skills.You learn to integrate different disciplinary viewpoints and to analyse human–environmental relations from both cultural and biophysical perspectives. 

You will study at the Department of Human Geography at Geocentrum I in central Lund – a place that brings together lecturers, researchers and students from all over the world in a stimulating and international study environment.

After completing the course, you will have advanced knowledge of how culture, economy and ecological relations intersect in shaping human-environmental systems. You will be better equipped to critically analyse environmental problems from multiple disciplinary perspectives and discuss their implications for sustainability.  

These skills prepare you for further studies in human ecology, sustainability studies, development research or related interdisciplinary fields. They are also valuable for professional paths involving environmental communication, international development, cultural analysis, sustainability strategy or research support. 

Autumn Semester 2026

Closed for applications.

Start

31 August 2026

31 Aug 2026

End

1 November 2026

1 Nov 2026

Form

Normal learning

Pace

Full time

Language

English

City

Lund

Prerequisites

A Bachelor´s degree in human ecology or another relevant subject, e.g. anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental studies, or the equivalent. English 6/English Course B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

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 33,750
First payment: SEK 33,750

Convert currency – xe.com

Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

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.

Contact us

Study advisor freestanding courses human ecology

Email: studievagledare@hek.lu.se