Level: Master
Application period: 2023-10-16 - 2024-05-02
Start date: Autumn 2024
City: Jönköping
Degree: Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) with a major in Global Studies specialisation in Sustainability Studies, 60 credits

Global environmental problems such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and increasing pollution add to existing problems with social inequalities and injustices. It is high time to reverse the current trend.

To create sustainable societies and social change, we use applied research based on close cooperation between the academic world and society. The programme is interdisciplinary and focuses on cross-cultural, comparative research, and long-term social change. You will learn about various theoretical perspectives of sustainability, get experience in data collection and analysis as well as develop practical skills and experiences in planning and working for sustainable societies and social change.

The programme provides a set of social science methods and tools for designing and applying solutions in real life situations, within the framework of sustainable development goalsc, by looking into recent changes and trends in different regions of the world. Academics and practitioners will use lectures, case studies, group work, and exercises to strike a balance between theory and practice and to stimulate interaction between participants.

The emphasis is on issues of sustainable development and social change that cut across different countries and world regions, and how these issues are applied in local settings. Examples are globalization, social justice, equality, diversity, human rights, environmental challenges, climate change, and urban and rural development.

As a part of the master thesis work you will start up a collaboration with a host organisation of your own choice within the non-profit, public, or corporate sector. With the support of a supervisor you will during the Research planning course develop and formulate a plan for the project, which will result in a thesis.

The programme is offered as a 1-year (60 credits) and 2-year (120 credits) programme. The latter is an extension of the former, which means that all students study together during the first year.

Research framework of Social Sciences of Sustainability


The programme is carried out within the research framework of Social Sciences of Sustainability at the School of Education and Communication at Jönköping University, and in collaboration with the master programs in Sustainable Communication (SusCom) and Learning, Digitalization and Sustainability (LeadS).

During the third semester of the 2-year programme, you have the option of designing your own semester from a selection of elective social science courses at Jönköping University, at other Swedish universities or at universities abroad, after agreement with the programme director.


If you stay in Jönköping, you may also select elective courses within the two other master programmes; Sustainable Communication (SusCom) and Learning, Digitalization and Sustainability (LeadS)

The programme is designed to educate change agents with a deep understanding of sustainable development ideas and strategies, and their application in different settings.

You will acquire key competences and soft skills for the professional world, such as self-responsibility, problem-solving skills, and intercultural competence, in addition to skills in project planning and practical experience with sustainability work.


After completing the programme, you will have the relevant theoretical and practical knowledge to take on strategic roles in government agencies, non-government organisations and private businesses. Students at the 2-year programme will also fulfil the requirements for third cycle studies, i.e., doctoral programmes.

The programme is conducted at School of Education and Communication
Level: Master
Rate of study: Full-time
City: Jönköping
Place of study: Campus-based
Start date: Autumn 2024
Requirements: The applicant must hold the minimum of a bachelor’s degree (i.e. the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university) with at least 90 credits in global studies or social science including independent work, i.e., a thesis or the equivalent. English proficiency is required.

Social sciences include areas such as social and behavioural sciences, psychology, sociology, ethnology and human geography, political science, economics and economic history, journalism and information, media and communication studies, library and documentation science, business, commerce and administration, purchasing, sales and distribution, marketing, banking, insurance and finance, accounting and taxation, management and administration, clerical and secretarial services, law and jurisprudence, criminology, anthropology, peace and development studies, human rights, disability science, gender science, etc.

An assessment of your eligibility will be made by Admissions Office when a complete application has been placed.

Read more about our Admissions Requirements.

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

Credits: 60 credits
Application code: HJ-MU130
Degree: Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) with a major in Global Studies specialisation in Sustainability Studies
Tuition fee: For the first semester: 60000 SEK
Total tuition fee: 120000 SEK

Tuition fees do NOT apply for EU/EEA citizens or exchange students
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