Master's Programme in Landscape Ecology
The Master’s programme in Landscape Ecology is designed for those who want to acquire skills that make them attractive in any context where nature, landscape, and societal development intersect. It is a program for those who seek a deeper understanding of topics such as habitat monitoring, biodiversity conservation and restoration, ecosystem services, and the use of landscapes and their resources.
You’ll study in a research environment where theory meets practice. The program is firmly grounded in current research in landscape ecology, landscape analysis, and natural resource management. You’ll work on collecting and analysing real-world data in actual landscapes. This is a program that not only explains the world but also gives you the tools to change it.
You’ll develop skills that are in demand globally. With advanced skills in GIS, remote sensing, ecological modelling, and landscape planning, you’ll be an attractive candidate for employers in nature conservation, government agencies, the consulting industry, research, and international organizations.
You’ll gain a perspective that spans both time and space. Landscape ecology is about understanding processes across multiple scales—from local habitats to entire regions, from historical changes to future scenarios. This ability is essential for addressing climate change, biodiversity crises, and sustainable land use.
You’ll become part of a dedicated and multidisciplinary group of students. The program attracts students with backgrounds in biology, geography, environmental science, and geosciences.
After Graduating with a Degree in Landscape Ecology
A master’s degree in landscape ecology opens doors to a broad and growing job market where knowledge of landscapes, ecology, and sustainable land use is crucial—for example, in nature conservation and environmental management at government agencies such as the County Administrative Board, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, municipalities, or regional authorities. Job responsibilities may include nature inventories, habitat monitoring, area conservation, restoration planning, and follow-up on environmental goals. Or at consulting firms that work with environmental impact assessments (EIA), ecological studies, GIS analysis, landscape analysis, natural value inventories, and planning documentation for infrastructure, development, and restoration projects. You can also pursue a Ph.D. and then become a researcher in landscape ecology, physical geography, biology, environmental science, or related fields—both in Sweden and internationally.
The number of optional courses taken will be dependent on the period of time devoted to the Degree project, which may extend over one or two terms. The compulsory courses in the programme are both theoretical and practical, such as experimental design, data collection through field inventories and remote sensing, analyses and management of spatial data using geographic information systems (GIS). The optional courses in the programme can include several different subjects so that the student acquires sufficient knowledge to complete the programme with a thesis on landscape ecology.
Year 1
Autumn term
Landscape Ecology – Theory and Design, 15 credits (GE7096)
Scientific Methods in Physical Geography, 15 credits (GE7095)
Spring term
Applied Remote Sensing, and GIS for Landscape Analysis, 15 credits (GE7088)
Year 2
The number of optional courses taken will be dependent on the period of time devoted to the Master thesis 30, 45 or 60 credits, which may extend over one or two terms: Degree Project in Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology 30/45/60 credits. (GE9009)
Students admitted Autumn 2024 or earlier follow the following programme structure for Year 1:
GE7081 Landscape Ecology – Theory and Design, 15 credits
GE7088 Applied Remote Sensing, and GIS for Landscape Analysis, 15 credits
Optional courses, 15 credits
GE7082 Applied Aerial Photographic Techniques for Landscape Analysis, 7,5 credits
GE8030 Project in Landscape Ecology, 7,5 credits
All applications must be sent through www.universityadmissions.se.
Required supporting documentation
In addition to the documents required by www.universityadmissions.se, the following documents must accompany all applications to this master’s programme:
- Personal letter/Letter of interest (maximum one page). Please indicate how you fulfill the specific requirements for the programme in the letter.
Further information: Frequently asked questions about admissions. - CV
- Brief summary of the grading system of your university (if other than ECTS).
If you are still studying for your Bachelor degree when making the admission application then please write in the personal letter which courses and credits are yet to be completed.
We are several persons working with study administration and study counselling. Please contact the Student office for questions concerning course information, registration, schedule, literature lists and exams. If you have questions concerning credit transfer, admission, eligibility or need study advice please contact the Study counsellor.
Programme responsible
Jessica Lindgren
E-mail: jessica.lindgren@natgeo.su.se
Study counsellor, student office and other contacts
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