New Master's Programme in Sustainable Coastal Development - a unique programme at Campus Gotland

Lina Mtwana Nordlund, Senior Lecturer Lecturer in Environmental Sciences at Department of Earth Sciences, is one of the initiators of the new Master's Programme in Sustainable Coastal Development, starting in the autumn 2026 at Uppsala University, Campus Gotland.

We are looking for curious, committed students with a bachelor's degree in, for example, environmental science, earth science, biology, ecology, political science or other areas related to sustainable development. The programme is taught in English and is open to both Swedish and international students.

What is the new programme about?

- This Master's programme focuses on the sustainable development of coastal areas - the environments where land meets sea, where people live, tour, fish, build and influence. We look at the social-ecological systems that shape coastal regions and work across disciplines to understand and address complex sustainability challenges. These range from coastal planning to climate change, ecosystem services, equity issues, fisheries and ocean observations.

What makes this particular programme unique?

- It is unusual for a programme to take a holistic approach to the coast. Many programmes focus on either the sea or the land - but the coast is where it all comes together! Here, we integrate natural and social sciences in every course. In addition, teaching is research-orientated, applied and often field-based. We work with real cases and real places - and our students get to help shape future solutions for coastal areas, both in Sweden and globally.

Who is the programme for?

- We are looking for curious, committed students with a bachelor's degree in, for example, environmental science, earth science, biology, ecology, political science or other fields related to sustainable development. The important thing is that you want to work with coastal sustainability issues in an interdisciplinary context. The programme is taught in English and is open to both Swedish and international students.

Why Gotland?

- Gotland is the perfect place for a programme like this. The coastal environment is literally on your doorstep - limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, fishing communities, tourism, land and sea use conflicts, wind power, water issues. It's like a living laboratory! Campus Gotland also has a strong profile in sustainability, and we work very closely with local actors, authorities and researchers.

What does the future look like for students on the programme?

- They get an education that is in high demand - by authorities, companies, organisations and universities. They can go on to work in community planning, environmental management, coastal zone management or sustainability analysis. Others go on to research. The combination of in-depth theoretical study, methodological training and practical application means that students are well equipped to make a difference - for real.

📚 Language of instruction: English
📍 Location: Uppsala University, Campus Gotland, Visby
🗓️ First admission: autumn semester 2026
🌐 More info coming in 2025!