Master's Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning and Sustainability
120 credits
The Master’s Programme in Implementation, Transformative Learning and Sustainability prepares you to co-create just sustainability actions with stakeholders, scientists, policymakers and citizens. The programme equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to efficiently navigate and handle the complex sustainability challenges we find in the intersection between sustainable development and global health.
Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.
Autumn 2024
Autumn 2024,
Uppsala, 100%, Distance learning, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- Distance learning
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 2 September 2024
- 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.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2024
- Application code
- UU-M3455
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit the following programme-specific documents:
- an application summary sheet Pdf, 186 kB.
- 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.
Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.
Autumn 2025
Autumn 2025,
Uppsala, 100%, Distance learning, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- Distance learning
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 1 September 2025
- 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.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2025
- Application code
- UU-M3455
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit the following programme-specific documents:
- an application summary sheet Pdf, 186 kB.
- 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 2025
Autumn 2025,
Uppsala, 50%, Distance learning, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 50%
- Teaching form
- Distance learning
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 1 September 2025
- 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.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2025
- Application code
- UU-M3456
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit the following programme-specific documents:
- an application summary sheet Pdf, 186 kB.
- 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
To navigate complex sustainability challenges connected to health, embracing multiple perspectives from diverse societal intersections is essential. By drawing on principles from transformative learning and systemic co-inquiry, this programme equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to co-create just sustainability actions together with other actors.
The programme enables you to foster learning processes that support the design and implementation of sustainability actions and projects in complex (wicked) settings. You also get the opportunity to contribute knowledge to the field of learning at the intersection between sustainable development and global health and a chance to reflect critically on its implications in different research and development contexts.
The programme will give you:
- an understanding of the subject area of learning for sustainable development and global health,
- in-depth knowledge of implementation science, transformation, governance, and the design of collaborative learning processes, including insights into contemporary research and development practice,
- capacity to apply critical systems thinking within socio-ecological settings, taking manifest complexity and goal conflicts into account,
With a Master's degree in implementation, transformative learning and sustainability, you will be eligible for PhD studies in learning for sustainable development and global health. You will also qualify for PhD studies in other transdisciplinary subject areas, such as environmental communication, human ecology and gender studies.
The programme can be studied at full- or half speed.
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. You communicate well in written and spoken English and can critically reflect on problems. A future PhD education is a possibility you might have considered, or you might also prefer 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 given online, with the exception of an obligatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala at the start and in the middle of the programme.
It is run over four or eight half-year semester blocks, depending on which pace of study you choose, and begins with an obligatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala. You will then study courses that give you a basic conceptual understanding of sustainability, global health, social learning, implementation and wicked problems and implementation challenges in contexts characterised by conflicts of interest, power asymmetries and inequities.
In the next part of the programme you will be trained to design and facilitate transformative learning for implementation mediated by way of various tools, approaches, and methods. Then follows a course in which you will learn about the crucial elements in institutional governance design to enable implementation and transformative learning.
The latter part of the programme is geared towards supporting your independent research project and begins with an obligatory on-campus week. You will do 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. Lastly, 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 a career.
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 consists of online lectures, seminars, and individual and group assignments. It includes a mandatory on-campus introductory week in Uppsala at the beginning and middle of the programme. Throughout the program, you will demonstrate your knowledge through oral presentations, discussions, and writing of scientific papers.
The Master's programme is designed based on pedagogical principles that emphasise active student participation, and close contact and co-creation of knowledge with society. It encourages collaborative learning and student engagement, taking into consideration students' prior research and educational experiences. You will be involved in co-creating assignments and examinations, as well as participating in peer reviews. 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 their existing workplaces or in other 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.
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 Ulrika Persson-Fischier:
- ulrika.persson-fischier@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
Students
As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.