The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, General - Master Programme

Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

Students talking on an excursion at a lakeside

Description

Do you long to work to ensure the balance of nature and a sustainable society? The Master’s programme in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science gives you the high level of expertise to work on issues in spatial planning and areas relating to the environment, nature and climate change.

This Master’s (120 credits) programme gives you specialised knowledge in the physical geography subjects of land and vegetation, terrain forms and ecosystems, water and climate, environment and global changes. There are several options for specialisation. During the programme, you can choose to specialise in, for example, environmental and climate systems, global environmental issues and global cycles, environmental analysis methods, GIS with an environmental orientation or remote sensing with an environmental orientation.

The programme is conducted in English. Many of the lecturers are also researchers. At our department, research focuses on climate and environmental issues both locally and globally and mainly using an interdisciplinary approach. Our researchers have a very extensive international network of contacts and carry out field studies in many countries.

Programme structure

In the first year, you initially study a course on greenhouse gases and biochemical cycles. This also includes field studies in a subarctic environment, around Abisko in northern Sweden. The next course covers climate change and its environmental effects. Thereafter, you choose either to study different ecosystem models or take two short courses on spatial analysis or geographical databases. Lastly in the spring semester you learn about satellite-based remote sensing.

The second year begins with an elective course where you may study  geographical information systems (GIS) or programming or select a course from another field available. This is followed by a course on global ecosystem dynamics, about how ecosystem processes among other things are affected by direct and indirect climate effects as well as different actors and their ecosystem services. This course has an interdisciplinary perspective to illuminate the interaction between local, regional and global driving forces and changes. Finally, you carry out a degree project based on the topic that interests you.

The programme is structured so that you can choose to follow the courses selected for the programme, or customise your programme with 45 credits from elective courses. When you have been admitted to the programme, you are guaranteed a place on all courses, provided that you fulfil the entry requirements of the courses.

Career prospects

The Master’s programme in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science links to a large number of important societal issues and prepares you for work in public and private organisations, both locally and globally. You can, for example, work on climate and water issues, municipal nature conservation planning, maintenance and management duties, aid activities, data processing and development of analysis methods. After the programme, you are also eligible to apply for third cycle studies. 

There is more information on the programme at http://www.nateko.lu.se/masters/nateko

Closed for applications

Application opportunities

Contact

study advisor

Susanna Olsson

Email: susanna [dot] olsson [at] nateko [dot] lu [dot] se

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

Degree of Bachelor of Science of at least 180 credits in physical geography, geology, geoscience, biology/ecology, physics, agronomy, forest science, environmental science or the equivalent.

Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.

 

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, as well as a statement of purpose for the application and professional qualifications and/or other practical experience of relevance to the study programme (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).

English language requirements

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Apply

Start Autumn Semester 2024

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

2 September 2024 - 7 June 2026

Application

Closed for applications

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

  • Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
  • Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
    Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
  • Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.

Step 2: Submit documents

  • Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
    Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
    Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
     
  • Get all your documents ready:
    - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
    - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
    - passport/ID (all applicants) and
    - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
     
  • Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
  • Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below. 

Svensk student? 
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Programme-specific documents

In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a 'Summary Sheet' when you apply for this programme.

Summary Sheet, Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science (PDF, new window)

 

Watch on YouTube: How to apply for a Master's programme

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 340 000

First payment: SEK 85 000

Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.


*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

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

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

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.

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations

Testimonials