Global Studies: Sustainable Societies and Social Change (One Year)

About the programme:

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing emissions are global problems that affect us all and increase social disparities, exclusion, and inequality. You can help reverse this trend.

This interdisciplinary programme focuses on issues of social justice, diversity, human rights, and climate change, intending to create meaningful and lasting changes. You will explore these issues at local and global levels, as collaboration across borders and levels of decision-making is often necessary to address these complex problems.

Through applied research for sustainable development and close interaction with organisations, you will have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You will learn to use social science methods and tools (such as data collection and analysis) to create solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global, regional, and local scale. Furthermore, you will write your thesis with an organisation or activity of your choice (research collaboration), in the non-profit, public, or business sector.

You will explore various theoretical perspectives on sustainability issues and gain practical knowledge and experience in sustainable social development. The programme is organized within the Social Sciences of Sustainability study environment and has links with the research environments Sustainable Societies (SUS) and Sustainability Education Research (SER). This means that our teaching is informed by current research.

You can study the programme over one year (60 credits) or two years (120 credits). One- and two-year students take the first semester and the research methods courses during the first half of the second semester together. In addition, two-year students can take elective courses on campus or at another university in Sweden, do an internship at an organisation of their choice, or become an exchange student at one of our 70 partner universities in 28 countries during the first semester of their second year.

Career opportunities and further studies

Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a career in sustainable development at the global, regional, or local level.

Our graduates have gone on to positions such as environmental social and governance/sustainability manager, sustainability developer, and project manager in countries such as Sweden, Luxemburg, Azerbaijan, and Germany.

You will also be eligible to apply to the PhD program at the School of Education and Communication or other PhD programs around the world.