Master's Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning and Sustainability

120 credits

How can we contribute to a more sustainable future without exporting socio-ecological vulnerabilities to other sectors, societal intersections and future generations? The Master's Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning and Sustainability draws on principles of co-design to enable stakeholders, scientists and citizens to contribute real-world knowledge to minimise the risk of failure due to blind spots, designer bias, or the misinterpretation of context.

Autumn 2023 Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Distance learning, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

Distance learning

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

28 August 2023

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. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

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.

Application fee: SEK 900
First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000

About the programme

The Master's Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning and Sustainability (ITS) will provide you with knowledge and experience to design learning processes that support the implementation of sustainability actions and projects in complex (wicked) contexts. The programme also encourages students to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of learning for sustainable development and global health and critically reflect on this knowledge production in different research and development contexts.

The programme is given online, with the exception of an obligatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala at the beginning of the first and third semester.

Whilst reading the programme, you can expect to

gain a general understanding of the subject area of learning for sustainable development and global health;
acquire an in-depth knowledge of implementation science, transformation, governance, and the design of collaborative learning processes, including insights into contemporary research and development practice;
develop a capacity to apply critical systems thinking within socio-ecological settings, taking manifest complexity and goal conflicts into account and;
learn from course participants with diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

The programme prepares students to be change agents within qualified professions at the intersection between health and sustainability, international organisations, government administration, aid organisations, consultancy and the education sector.

Students with a Master's degree in implementation, transformative learning and sustainability will be eligible for PhD studies in learning for sustainable development and global health. The programme also qualifies students for PhD studies in several other transdisciplinary subject areas, such as environmental communication, human ecology and gender studies.

Student profile

You have a strong interest in sustainable development. You are interested in planetary and human health and want to implement change processes that contribute to a future characterised by social justice. Your social skills are good, and you can communicate well in written and spoken English. You can critically reflect on problems and have an interest in developing transformative innovations. A future PhD education is a possibility you might have considered, or working right after graduation.

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) is run over 4 half-year semester blocks and begins with an obligatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala. During the first semester, you will gain a basic conceptual understanding of sustainability, global health, social learning, implementation and wicked problems. The last part of the semester deals with implementation challenges in contexts characterised by conflicts of interest, power asymmetries and inequities.

In semester 2 you will be trained to design and facilitate transformative learning for implementation mediated by way of various tools, approaches, and methods. During the second part of this semester, you will learn about the crucial elements in institutional governance design to enable implementation and transformative learning.

The second year of the programme is geared towards supporting your independent research project and begins with an obligatory on-campus week. Semester 3 includes a two-month internship within a relevant organisation (or freestanding courses relevant to learning for sustainable development and global health), followed by a course in research methods. During the last semester, you will undertake your independent research project.

Progression within the Master's programme consists of specialisation in learning for sustainable development and global health, leading to PhD studies and/or working life eligibility.

Courses within the programme

Semester 1

Introduction to Sustainable Development, 7.5 credits
Introduction to Implementation Science, 7.5 credits
Power, Equity and Transformation, 15 credits

Semester 2

Implementation Methods and Design, 15 credits
Governance for Sustainability, 15 credits

Semester 3

Elective period (internship or freestanding courses), 15 credits
Research Methods, 15 credits

Semester 4

Master's Thesis in Implementation Science, Transformational Learning and Sustainability, 30 credits

Learning experience

The teaching consists of online lectures, seminars, and assignments carried out individually and in groups. The programme begins with an obligatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala. During the programme, students present their knowledge continuously during their education through oral presentations, discussions and writing of scientific papers. The design of the Master's programme draws on pedagogical principles, which include active student participation and close contact and co-creation of knowledge with the surrounding society.

The teaching draws on collaborative learning and student-activating pedagogy, where the student's previous experience of research perspectives and education are considered central. You will also be involved in co-creating assignments, and examinations and undertaking peer review. The language of instruction is English.

Career

The Master's Programme in Implementation Science, Transformative Learning and Sustainability (ITS) prepares students to be change agents within qualified professions at the intersection between health and sustainability, international organisations, government administration, aid organisations, consultancy and the education sector.

Students will also acquire knowledge to implement projects and programs that address complex (wicked) sustainability problems. Once you complete you might also want to continue with PhD studies.

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.