Sustainability
The world is in need of experts to bring sustainability into all areas of our society. Uppsala University aspires to play a leading role in the transition to a more sustainable society through education and research. The University takes first place in the EU in the QS World University Ranking: Sustainability. The University is highly placed in both environmental impact and social impact.
With our Master’s programmes related to sustainable development, you will develop the knowledge and skills you need to rise in your future career as a decision-maker, manager, planner, educator, researcher, etc.
And what could be better than studying sustainability in one of the world’s most sustainable countries like Sweden? While studying on campus, get the most out of Sweden’s experience and be inspired by your everyday life.
Research in sustainability
The Department of Earth Sciences
Sustainability is a truly interdisciplinary subject. Research related to sustainability is conducted in different areas at different departments. Our researchers also participate in a number of broader research collaborations and networks in Sweden and internationally. For example, the Department of Earth Sciences maps the evolution of the earth and life over billions of years and studies the relationship between the atmosphere and the oceans with regard to climate change and sustainable development.
Read more about the research on the Department of Earth Sciences' website.
The Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering
At this department, there are two research programmes: Industrial Engineering and Management, and Civil Engineering and Built Environment. Industrial Engineering and Management makes technology happen; it is a bridge between the engineers’ work to develop, produce and sell products with an increasingly high degree of technology and knowledge in itself. Built environment as a field of research covers design, operation and maintenance of buildings and structures, as well as improved knowledge and development of sustainable technological systems for the built environment.
Read more about the research on the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering' website.
EFFORT – Efficient SDG Fulfillment for Regions in Transition
Creating a sustainable world and society requires collaboration between many different disciplines and EFFORT is a good example of such an initiative. EFFORT is a cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary development collaboration between Sweden, Uganda, Rwanda and the UNDP, promoting societal and solutions-oriented research and PhD training related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
EFFORT embeds PhD students in public institutions such as municipalities, in projects where sustainable development, high-quality research and local/regional development challenges overlap. EFFORT also strengthens cross-border, regional and international collaboration through the formation of Local Steering Committees.
Read more about EFFORT or take our free MOOC developed in collaboration with the UNDP.
Why Uppsala University?
Uppsala University is recognised around the world as a leading, first-class university dedicated to advancing science, higher education and international student mobility.
As one of Sweden’s most internationally prominent institutions of academic education, research and scholarship, Uppsala University’s foremost aim is to safeguard and pursue the open and unbounded quest for knowledge.
If you have what it takes, and you want to be part of our mission, Uppsala should be one of your top choices in Europe.
Current rankings
#82 - Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023 (the Shanghai ranking)
#105 - QS World University Ranking 2023
#140 - Times Higher Education 2023
#12 - QS World University Ranking: Sustainability 2024