Master's Programme in Sustainable Development of Coastal Areas

120 credits

Would you like to work on sustainable solutions for coastal areas of the future, where the sea, land and society converge? The Master's programme in Sustainable Development of Coastal Areas provides you with the skills needed to understand and address the complex environmental and social issues facing coastal regions. Campus Gotland, in the middle of the Baltic Sea, is where the studies are conducted, with the coast serving as the classroom and the world as the field of work.

Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.

Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Visby, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Visby

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

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.

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 and a statement of purpose.

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

About the programme

If you are interested in working on coastal sustainability issues, such as natural resource management, climate adaptation and social-ecological systems, you are the target group for this Master’s programme.

The program combines perspectives from both the natural and social sciences, and stands out from similar programs through its holistic and interdisciplinary approach to both terrestrial and marine issues. This unique combination offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges facing coastal areas

You will acquire skills needed to understand, analyse and influence the development of some of the world's most dynamic and vulnerable areas – our coastal zones. You will learn how human-nature interactions shape our coasts, how climate change affects them, and how we can work towards a long-term sustainable future.

You will gain direct insight into local, national and international sustainability challenges and development projects through well-established collaborations with researchers, organisations, industry and public authorities.

This programme is ideal if you are interested in working with climate adaptation, sustainable spatial planning, environmental communication, or natural resource management, in Sweden or internationally. You will not only gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of coastal regions but also develop the ability to design practical solutions for the sustainable coastal communities of the future.

During the programme, you can expect:

interdisciplinary knowledge and applied perspectives to address environmental and sustainability challenges,

preparation for careers in research, government agencies, and organisations at national and international levels,

a unique learning environment by the Baltic Sea, with direct access to coastal and marine settings for field-based study.

With its integrative approach and international relevance, this programme fills a critical gap in the Swedish higher education landscape. It responds to society’s growing need for professionals who can work with integrated coastal management and sustainability transitions in the face of climate change.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Sustainable Development as the main field of study.

Content

Year 1

The first semester includes courses that provide a shared knowledge base and introduce the students to various working methods. The focus is on sustainable development of coastal areas, their resources, and related challenges. You will, for example, take the courses Introduction to sustainable development of coastal areas, and Coastal resources, values and challenges.

The second semester delves into the management and governance of coastal areas, as well as the future of coastal regions. The two courses this semester are Coastal governance and management and Costal futures – transdisciplinary practices.

Year 2

The second year consists of a series of workshops in interdisciplinary methods and applications, carried out in parallel with the degree project.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Study Abroad

The programme offers the possibility to participate in exchange studies through our partner universities. The department has established agreements with universities around the Baltic Sea and in other parts of the world, allowing you to gain international experience and develop your academic and professional skills. An exchange is best suited for the second year, when you have the option to carry out your degree project or internship abroad.

Learning experience

The inclusive teaching approach actively engages students in their learning. Various instruction methods will be used, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group projects, study visits, excursions and fieldwork.

The programme is offered at Campus Gotland, where the coast is literally on the doorstep. Gotland's unique location in the Baltic Sea provides excellent conditions for field studies, case studies and close links to both research and societal actors. The university's proximity to the sea makes the campus a natural laboratory, an everyday environment where theory meets practice.

The teaching is based on an inclusive and accessible learning perspective that values diversity and different cultural experiences, especially linked to sustainability challenges in coastal areas globally. The programme has a clear focus on gender equality, equity and fairness. These issues are already addressed in the first course and are then followed up throughout the programme.

The programme emphasises interdisciplinary learning and collaboration among students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Through group work, role-playing and scenarios, you will learn how to tackle complex sustainability challenges and develop solutions that are sustainable over time. Taught in English, the programme attracts both national and international students, creating a vibrant and globally relevant learning atmosphere.

Career

The Master's Programme in Sustainable Coastal Development prepares you for a career addressing some of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. It is designed for students aiming to work with coastal sustainability issues such as spatial planning, climate adaptation, water management, natural resource use, and environmental protection.

After graduation, you can pursue a career in public administration, the private sector, research, or non-governmental organizations, both in Sweden and internationally. Potential employers include regional and local authorities, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, EU institutions, environmental consulting firms, and development or aid organizations. Common job titles include environmental strategist, spatial planner, sustainability consultant, project coordinator, and investigator.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for further academic studies. The two-year option includes a Master’s thesis at the advanced level, which qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies in fields such as sustainable development, environmental science, geography, natural resource management or spatial planning.

There is a growing demand for professionals with interdisciplinary expertise in coastal sustainability. Climate change, rising sea levels, sustainable natural resource use and the need for integrated coastal zone management are driving forces on the labour market. The programme was developed in collaboration with stakeholders to meet current and future needs.

International students are well-positioned to enter the Swedish labour market, especially in consultancy and international projects. While proficiency in Swedish can be beneficial, many workplaces use English as their working language. Completing a two-year programme may also enhance your competitiveness when seeking employment.