Human Ecology - Culture, Power and Sustainability - Master of Science programme

The Master’s Programme in Human Ecology combines perspectives on sustainability from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. It gives you an advanced understanding of how humans, societies and environments are interconnected — and examines how power, culture, nature and the economy shape those relationships. 

Drawing on disciplines such as geography, sustainability science, sociology and environmental history, the programme equips you with interdisciplinary tools to analyse and address sustainability challenges from multiple, critical perspectives. 

You will engage with some of the most urgent issues of our time — from climate change and climate justice to ecologically unequal exchange and the shifting of environmental burdens to the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable. 

The programme is designed for you who want to question dominant sustainability discourses and seek new ways to understand and actively transform societies towards social and ecological justice. 

Students and teachers from around the world create a diverse and dynamic learning environment. All teaching is conducted in English and takes place at the Department of Human Geography, in the charming city of Lund. 

The programme combines theory, method and reflection with seminars, fieldwork, projects, and internships with organisations outside academia. You will explore how the interaction between people, nature and politics shapes sustainability and how alternative perspectives can open new paths towards justice and sustainable futures. 

During the first year, you gain advanced knowledge in Human Ecology and skills in research methodology and critical theories of science. 

In the second year, you tailor your studies by choosing elective courses, undertaking an internship, or studying abroad. You complete the programme with an independent master’s thesis based on your own interests and research. 

Learning is based on active participation and critical dialogue. Throughout the programme, you will develop your ability for transdisciplinary thinking, research communication and independent analytical work. 

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.

You gain a strong theoretical and analytical foundation for working with sustainability, environmental politics, and societal and ecological transitions and transformation across scales. The ability to communicate and negotiate issues of global sustainability is increasingly important across professions devoted to achieving sustainable development. 

The programme prepares you for advanced roles in research, the environment and development sectors, social movement organising, and public planning. Our alumni find work in sustainability strategy, policy development, education, journalism and environmental consultancy. 

It also provides you with a solid foundation for an academic career, offering opportunities to pursue doctoral studies in Human Ecology, Environmental Social Sciences or related fields. 

Prerequisites

A Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in one of the following social sciences disciplines: Human Ecology, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, Environmental Studies or equivalent. English course 6 (advanced proficiency).

Selection criteria

The applicants estimated capacity to complete the programme is the primary criterion for selection. Students are selected on the basis of their previous study results (grades on courses and Bachelor’s degree essay), proficiency in English and letter of intent.

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 270,000
First payment: SEK 67,500

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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.

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. 

ARUA Scholarship

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.

Country-specific scholarships

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. 

External scholarships