Master's Programme (60 credits) in Applied Environmental Science - Ecosystem Services and Nature Resource Management, 60 credits

Degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry or Geology including an independent project 15 credits or Degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering with an environmental orientation including an independent project 15 credits. The degree must be equivalent to a Swedish kandidatexamen or Swedish högskoleingenjörsexamen and must have been awarded from an internationally recognised university.

Applicants must have written and verbal command of the English language equivalent to English course 6 in Swedish Upper-Secondary School.

The aim of the program is for students to develop a deeper understanding of how today's environmental problems and issues have arisen and how the application of research results leads to increased knowledge and an ability to steer social development towards a more sustainable and less resource use intensive society. The program focuses on research issues within ecology, ecosystem management, sustainable use of natural resources and ecosystem services. It aims at providing the students with a foundation for future jobs in the environmental sector, both within the academy as postgraduate students, as well as within public and private sector. After graduation, students will have an in depth understanding of how nature-based solutions and a sparing use of natural resources, which encompasses considering ecological interactions as well as natural cycles, can aid to shape a sustainable society.

After successfull completion of the programme the student should:

Knowledge and understanding

• show knowledge and understanding of the subject area applied environmental science, including a general knowledge as well as in-depth knowledge of selected areas
• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of methods used within applied environmental science as well as a good overview of current research and development in the field

Skills and ability

• demonstrate the ability to synthesize knowledge, analyse, assess, and manage complex problems, questions and situations within the field of applied environmental science, also when data and information is scarce
• demonstrate abilities on the level needed to take part in research and development work or to take part in other types of professions within the field
• independently identify and formulate research questions and perform qualified tasks representative for the subject area, including applying suitable methods and work within set time frames
• orally and in writing, based on background knowledge, account for and discuss own conclusions and arguments in dialogue with target audiences for the selected topic

Judgement and approach

• within the area of applied environmental science, make assessments accounting for relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, including research and development work
• present arguments and reflect over issues regarding equality within applied environmental science
• reflect over the possibilities and limitations of science within the field, the role of science in society and human responsibility regarding its use
• identify further needs for knowledge and take responsibility for your own acquisition of knowledge within the field

The program is international where students will discuss environmental issues from different parts of the world from a global perspective. The first semester presents the width and complexity of the subject area in four separate courses, each one looking into current research topics which are discussed and analysed as well as addressed in projects using a variety of methods. This will prepare the students from different disciplines and backgrounds to aquire in depth subject knowledge. During the second semester the students can select to either study how to analyse ecosystems, society, and future use of natural resources using geographical information systems or to conduct an internship at an external company or public organization, with relevance to the subject area. Alternatively, students may choose to conduct an internship within a current research project at the university or at one of the university's partner organizations. Further, the students write a thesis which should have a research or development focus, either with the help of researchers at Halmstad University or in collaboration with external actors within the public sector or in within companies.

All courses are on second level within the main field Environmental Science.

1st semester

Ecological Resilience, 7.5 credits

Ecosystem Services in a Changing World, 7.5 credits

Sustainable Water Resources Management 7.5 credits

Societal Challenges and Nature Based Solutions 7.5 credits

2nd semester

Degree Project in Environmental Science 22.5 credits

Elective courses

Geographical Information Systems Focusing on Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Development 7.5 credits

Research Training in Applied Environmental Science 7.5 credits

Practical Training in Applied Environmental Science 7.5 credits

Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) with a major in Environmental Science (Filosofie magisterexamen med huvudområdet miljövetenskap).

To be eligible for semester 2, 15 credits from semester 1 are required.

The programme is continuously monitored and evaluated through course evaluations conducted after the completion of each course. Course evaluations serve as a tool to, based on students' experiences and feedback, make changes to the content and delivery of courses. Upon completing their studies, all students are offered the opportunity to participate in a programme evaluation by completing a final-year survey. The results of this survey can lead to changes in the programme. The programme is associated with a programme council that addresses quality and development issues. The council includes representatives from the industry, programme students, alumni, and others. The students are, through the Halmstad Students’ Union, represented in the university's decision-making bodies as well as in the committees that evaluate programs in accordance with the university's quality system.