Master's Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning and Sustainability
120 credits
The Master’s Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning, and Sustainability empowers you to co-create impactful health and sustainability initiatives with stakeholders, scientists, policymakers, and citizens. The programme equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to efficiently navigate and address the challenges at the intersection of sustainable development and health.
Application and entry requirements
Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.
Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 100%, Distance learning, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- Distance learning
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 31 August 2026–4 June 2028
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university, with 90 credits in technical-natural science, social science-humanities or medical-pharmaceutical fields.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies, a statement of purpose and relevant work experience.
Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.
- Fees
- If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 82,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 330,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2026
- Application code
- UU-M3455
- Supporting documents
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit the following programme-specific documents:
- an application summary sheet
- document(s) and/or letter(s) of recommendation certifying your previous experience (if applicable).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 50%, Distance learning, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 50%
- Teaching form
- Distance learning
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 31 August 2026–9 June 2030
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university, with 90 credits in technical-natural science, social science-humanities or medical-pharmaceutical fields.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies, a statement of purpose and relevant work experience.
Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.
- Fees
- If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 82,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 330,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2026
- Application code
- UU-M3456
- Supporting documents
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit the following programme-specific documents:
- an application summary sheet
- document(s) and/or letter(s) of recommendation certifying your previous experience (if applicable).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
About the programme
The world is facing a growing range of complex challenges that raise questions for the health and wellbeing of human communities and natural systems. These challenges include climate change, conflicts, water and food insecurity, emerging infectious diseases, and increasing inequality and poverty. At the same time there is a growing recognition that these are interconnected challenges that require systems perspectives and transdisciplinary responses.
Addressing these challenges requires the ability to integrate diverse forms of knowledge, navigate complexity and uncertainty, and design equitable solutions in collaboration with actors across a range of scales and sectors. This programme draws on principles of transformative learning to both inspire you and support you in developing these capacities. You are expected to:
- gain an understanding of the key themes in sustainable development, equity and health, and work with real-life case studies with practical implications
- develop in-depth knowledge of implementation, transformation, and governance processes and tools, drawing on latest research and practice
- enhance your capacity to apply critical systems thinking within health and sustainability challenges that interest you, taking complexity and goal conflicts into account.
Student profile
You have a strong interest in sustainable development, including the health of the planet’s natural systems and human communities. You are interested in learning the ‘how’ - how to implement change processes and how to engage with stakeholders in ways that contribute to a just and healthy future. You communicate well in written and spoken English and can critically reflect on complex challenges with no straightforward solution.
Degree
The programme leads to the degree of Master of Medical Science (120 credits) with Learning for Sustainable Development and Global Health as the main field of study.
Content
The Master's Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning and Sustainability (ITS) uses an online learning format, with the exception of a mandatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala at the start of the programme.
It runs over four or eight half-year semester blocks, depending on which pace of study you choose. In the first half of the programme you take courses that provide a foundational understanding of topics including sustainable development, planetary health and global health. You explore drivers of large-scale planetary shifts, including conflicts over resources, power asymmetries and inequities. You learn about local to global governance dilemmas in the context of sustainability, and a suite of implementation tools to address wicked problems.
The second half of the programme is geared towards supporting your independent study and research interests at the intersection of sustainability and health. You will do a two-month internship within a relevant organisation to gain practical experiencing applying your knowledge, or take elective courses building on the programme themes. You will then take a course in research methods and undertake your independent research project across the areas of health and sustainability that interest you.
Courses within the programme
- Planetary Health, 15 credits
- Power, Equity and Transformation, 15 credits
- Implementation Methods and Design, 15 credits
- Governance for Sustainability, 15 credits
- Elective period (internship or freestanding courses), 15 credits
- Research Methods, 15 credits
- Master's Thesis in Implementation Science, Transformational Learning and Sustainability, 30 credits
Learning experience
The programme involves both synchronous and asynchronous components, such as online lectures, seminars, and individual and group assignments. You will demonstrate your knowledge through oral presentations, online discussions, and written formats targeting a range of audiences. The programme includes a mandatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala that takes place during the first week of the programme.
The majority of work time in the programme is conducted asynchronously, including readings, reflections, workshop preparations, and larger assignments. The programme makes use of digital platforms to support these activities. Synchronous scheduled activities include lectures, seminars or workshops of around 4-8 hours a week, some of which require mandatory participation (CET timezone). You will also be responsible for organising and attending group meetings based on your group's schedule, approximately 2 hours a week.
The Master’s programme is grounded in principles of transformative learning, emphasising active participation and collaborative knowledge-building. Your prior professional and educational experiences are valued as resources in the learning process. You will learn alongside an international and interdisciplinary cohort, which will enrich classroom discussions and broaden perspectives on health and sustainability challenges. Through challenge-based projects, co-creation of seminars and assignments, and structured peer review, you will actively shape both your own learning and that of your peers by exchanging constructive feedback. The language of instruction is English.
Career
The Master's Programme in Implementation Science, Transformative Learning and Sustainability (ITS) is designed to link theoretical insights with real-life societal challenges in sustainability and health, helping you to develop skills applicable in a range of academic and professional settings. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to implement transformative processes within their existing workplaces or pursue new opportunities in a range of contexts.
Graduates may pursue careers in:
- Consultancy across a range of sectors from public health agencies to international organisations: providing expertise in equitable health and sustainability transitions, co-creation processes, and participatory governance processes.
- Education: designing transformative learning programmes in schools, universities, and professional training contexts.
- Policy and advocacy: shaping sustainability and health agendas within governments, international organisations, or NGOs from local to global levels
- Industry, private sector, and finance: designing and driving sustainability and planetary health strategies and innovative thinking
- Research and academia: students may be interested in continuing their studies by pursuing doctoral studies in planetary health, global health, sustainable development and related fields.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.
Is this programme right for you?
Read interviews with our students.
Studies in medicine and pharmacy
Watch our video about the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy.
Register your interest
Keep updated about the application process.
Contact
- For programme-specific information, please contact the Programme Director Sarah Dickin:
- sarah.dickin@uu.se
- For general information or questions about the Master´s Programmes at the Faculty of Medicine, please contact:
- medmaster@uu.se
- Book an appointment with a study counsellor at the Faculty.
- For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
- study@uu.se
Student at Uppsala University
As a student, you will find information about your studies in the Student Gateway.