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

The master’s Programme in Human Ecology emphasises a systemic understanding of sustainability, exploring how ecological, social, cultural, economic and political processes are interconnected.

The programme 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, the rest of nature and the economy shape those relationships. 

Drawing on disciplines such as geography, sustainability science, anthropology, sociology and environmental history, the programme equips you with interdisciplinary tools to analyse and address sustainability challenges and transformations 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. It trains you in critical thinking and explores how knowledge, policy, and social action can contribute to societal transformation in response to sustainability issues.

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

Learning is based on active participation and critical dialogue. The programme develops your ability to work across disciplinary and societal boundaries through transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability challenges. You will also develop skills in communicating and engaging with complex sustainability issues across academic, professional and public contexts.

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. 

You gain a strong theoretical and analytical foundation for working with sustainability, environmental politics, and societal and ecological transitions 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, the NGO sector 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.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the programme, the student must hold a Bachelor’s degree corresponding to at least 180 credits. English course 6/English level 2 (advanced proficiency).

Selection criteria

The applicants estimated capacity to complete the programme is the primary criterion for selection. During the selection process, particular consideration is given to their previous study results (grades on courses and degree thesis for Bachelor’s degree). An individual statement of purpose (using the provided template) is also taken into account.

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