Is this programme right for you?

Name: Patrik Rönnbäck
Titel: Professor in natural resources and sustainable development at the Department of Earth Sciences

The programme is interdisciplinary, combining natural and social sciences with a unique holistic perspective on both land and sea.

What do you work with?
– I am a researcher and lecturer with focus on environmental science and sustainability transformations applied in thematic areas such as food, water, ecosystem services, tourism, and natural resource management in coastal environments.

Can you explain what the programme is for someone unfamiliar with it?
– The Master's Programme in Sustainable Development of Coastal Areas focuses on the important environments where land meets sea and the challenges that arise there, such as climate change, overfishing, pollution, the impact of tourism, and loss of biodiversity. Since a large part of the world's population lives near the coast, these issues are central to a sustainable future.

– The programme is interdisciplinary and combines natural and social sciences with a unique holistic perspective on both land and sea. Students work on practical solutions in areas such as sustainable fishing, tourism, and environmental restoration. Gotland is an ideal place to study, with close access to coastal environments and a strong focus on sustainability perspectives at Campus Gotland.

What is the best thing about the programme?
– The best thing about the programme is the study environment at Campus Gotland, in the middle of the Baltic Sea, where the coast becomes a natural part of the teaching. Since the Baltic Sea is shared by many countries, students gain a clear understanding of the need for international cooperation on sustainable management of the sea and coastal areas.

– Another strength is that the teaching is led by active researchers with strong networks in research, government agencies, and industry. This gives students close contact with current research, real sustainability challenges, and practical solutions, making the programme both relevant and inspiring.

What does the labour market look like?
– The job market for experts in sustainable coastal development is broad and growing, driven by climate change, rising sea levels, and the need for sustainable resource use, fishing, and tourism. Employers are looking for interdisciplinary skills that combine environmental and societal perspectives, which is what this programme is designed to provide.

– The programme has been developed in collaboration with authorities and organisations, making it relevant for both Swedish and international labour markets. After graduation, you can work in the public sector, business, research, or non-profit organisations in roles such as environmental strategist, spatial planner, or sustainability consultant. The programme also provides a good foundation for further research studies.

Do you have any advice for those who are thinking about applying to the programme?
– Our advice to anyone considering applying is to do so if you are curious, committed, and want to work with sustainability challenges in coastal areas where the sea, land, and society meet. The programme is suitable for students with different backgrounds in natural and social sciences who want to work in an interdisciplinary and solution-oriented way.

– You need to be active and prepared to tackle complex issues such as climate change, fishing, tourism, and natural resource management. The programme provides both theoretical and practical tools, close contact with researchers, and the opportunity to contribute to real solutions. If you want to make a real difference, this programme is a strong choice.

Spring 2026