# Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, General
**Source**: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/physical-geography-and-ecosystem-science-general-master-programme-NANEV-INES
**Parent**: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/university-glance/mission-vision-and-values/sustainability/sustainability-education-lund-university
Master's programme • 2 years • 120 credits
If you would like to work with environmental issues and for a sustainable society, this education gives you expertise in areas related to the environment, nature and climate. As a student you will be prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors.
[Application dates](#nav-event-tab-1)
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
[Application dates](#)
- Overview
- Teaching and learning
- Career prospects
## Overview
This Master's programme provides you with in-depth knowledge in the subjects of ecosystem science and physical geography. It is a broad programme in terms of subjects that cover greenhouse gases, climate, environment, soil, vegetation, water, landforms and global change, amongst other things. There are several options for specialisation.
During your studies, you can choose to focus on areas such as environmental and climate systems, global environmental issues and global cycles, environmental analysis methods, ecosystem modelling, as well as GIS or remote sensing with an environmental orientation. The programme also equips you with practical tools for mapping, analysis, modelling, planning, and evaluation.
The proportion of teacher-led instruction is high. The programme includes lectures, laboratory work, excursions, field studies, seminars, and independent projects. You will develop both oral and written presentation skills and gain valuable experience of teamwork. The programme is conducted in English.
A majority of the lecturers are also active researchers. At our department, research focuses on climate and environmental issues at both local and global scales, often with an interdisciplinary approach. Our researchers have extensive international networks and conduct field studies in numerous countries.
[How to apply
->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/physical-geography-and-ecosystem-science-general-master-programme-NANEV-INES/how-to-apply)
## Teaching and learning
In the first year, you will begin with a course on greenhouse gases and biogeochemical cycles, which includes field studies in a subarctic environment in the Abisko region of northern Sweden. The next course focuses on climate change and its environmental effects.
After that, you can choose between studying various ecosystem models or taking two shorter courses in spatial analysis and geographic databases (GIS knowledge required). At the end of the spring semester, you will learn about satellite-based remote sensing.
The second year starts with an elective course. Options include geographic information systems (GIS), programming, or another course that aligns with your academic profile.
This is followed by a course in global ecosystem dynamics with an interdisciplinary perspective. That course explores how ecosystem processes are affected by both direct and indirect climate effects as well as by different actors and their need of ecosystem services. Finally, you will complete a thesis project on a topic of your choice.
You can either follow the predefined course structure or customise your education with 45 credits of elective courses. As an admitted programme student, you are guaranteed a place in all programme courses, provided you meet the prerequisites and apply on time.
[Programme structure
->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/physical-geography-and-ecosystem-science-general-master-programme-NANEV-INES/programme-structure)
## Career prospects
The Master’s programme in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science addresses a wide range of important societal issues and prepares you for work in both the public and private sectors, at local and global levels.
Potential career paths include roles in climate and water management, municipal nature conservation planning, environmental stewardship and administration, development aid, data management, modelling and the development of analytical methods. Upon completion of the programme, you will also be eligible to apply for doctoral studies.
- Dates
- Requirements and selection
- Tuition fees
- Scholarships and funding
## Dates
### Autumn Semester 2026
Closed for applications.
#### Lund - Full time 100%
Apply now
Start
31 August 2026
31 Aug 2026
End
4 June 2028
4 Jun 2028
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
Apply now
### Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes
Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.
## Requirements and selection
### Prerequisites
Degree of Bachelor of Science of at least 180 credits in physical geography, geology, geoscience, biology/ecology, physics, agronomy, forest science, environmental science or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
### Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, as well as a statement of purpose for the application and professional qualifications and/or other practical experience of relevance to the study programme (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).
### Computers in the programme
The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.
### Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies
The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.
## Tuition fees
### Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \
semester.
[Tuition fees, payments and exemptions](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/international-admissions/bachelors-masters-studies/applying-for-studies/tuition-fees)
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000 \
First payment: SEK 92,500
[Convert currency – xe.com](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=370000&From=SEK&To=EUR)
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
[Application fee](https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/fees-scholarships-residence-permit/pay-your-application-fee)
### No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
## Scholarships and funding
### Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
[Lund University Global Scholarship](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/admission-degree-studies/scholarships-and-awards/lund-university-global-scholarship)
### African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
[ARUA Scholarship](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/bachelors-and-masters-studies/scholarships-and-awards/african-research-universities-alliance-arua-scholarship)
### Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
[Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website](https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/)
### Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
[SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM](https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/pioneeringwomeninstem/)
### Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
[Country-specific scholarships](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/admission-degree-studies/scholarships-and-awards#Local-funding)
### External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
[External scholarships](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/bachelors-and-masters-studies/scholarships-and-awards/external-scholarships)
## Overview
This Master's programme provides you with in-depth knowledge in the subjects of ecosystem science and physical geography. It is a broad programme in terms of subjects that cover greenhouse gases, climate, environment, soil, vegetation, water, landforms and global change, amongst other things. There are several options for specialisation.
During your studies, you can choose to focus on areas such as environmental and climate systems, global environmental issues and global cycles, environmental analysis methods, ecosystem modelling, as well as GIS or remote sensing with an environmental orientation. The programme also equips you with practical tools for mapping, analysis, modelling, planning, and evaluation.
The proportion of teacher-led instruction is high. The programme includes lectures, laboratory work, excursions, field studies, seminars, and independent projects. You will develop both oral and written presentation skills and gain valuable experience of teamwork. The programme is conducted in English.
A majority of the lecturers are also active researchers. At our department, research focuses on climate and environmental issues at both local and global scales, often with an interdisciplinary approach. Our researchers have extensive international networks and conduct field studies in numerous countries.
[How to apply
->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/physical-geography-and-ecosystem-science-general-master-programme-NANEV-INES/how-to-apply)
## Teaching and learning
In the first year, you will begin with a course on greenhouse gases and biogeochemical cycles, which includes field studies in a subarctic environment in the Abisko region of northern Sweden. The next course focuses on climate change and its environmental effects.
After that, you can choose between studying various ecosystem models or taking two shorter courses in spatial analysis and geographic databases (GIS knowledge required). At the end of the spring semester, you will learn about satellite-based remote sensing.
The second year starts with an elective course. Options include geographic information systems (GIS), programming, or another course that aligns with your academic profile.
This is followed by a course in global ecosystem dynamics with an interdisciplinary perspective. That course explores how ecosystem processes are affected by both direct and indirect climate effects as well as by different actors and their need of ecosystem services. Finally, you will complete a thesis project on a topic of your choice.
You can either follow the predefined course structure or customise your education with 45 credits of elective courses. As an admitted programme student, you are guaranteed a place in all programme courses, provided you meet the prerequisites and apply on time.
[Programme structure
->](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/physical-geography-and-ecosystem-science-general-master-programme-NANEV-INES/programme-structure)
## Career prospects
The Master’s programme in Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science addresses a wide range of important societal issues and prepares you for work in both the public and private sectors, at local and global levels.
Potential career paths include roles in climate and water management, municipal nature conservation planning, environmental stewardship and administration, development aid, data management, modelling and the development of analytical methods. Upon completion of the programme, you will also be eligible to apply for doctoral studies.
## Dates
### Autumn Semester 2026
Closed for applications.
#### Lund - Full time 100%
Apply now
Start
31 August 2026
31 Aug 2026
End
4 June 2028
4 Jun 2028
Form
Normal learning
Pace
Full time
Language
English
City
Lund
Apply now
### Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes
Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.
## Requirements and selection
### Prerequisites
Degree of Bachelor of Science of at least 180 credits in physical geography, geology, geoscience, biology/ecology, physics, agronomy, forest science, environmental science or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
### Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, as well as a statement of purpose for the application and professional qualifications and/or other practical experience of relevance to the study programme (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).
### Computers in the programme
The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.
### Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies
The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.
## Tuition fees
### Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each \
semester.
[Tuition fees, payments and exemptions](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/international-admissions/bachelors-masters-studies/applying-for-studies/tuition-fees)
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000 \
First payment: SEK 92,500
[Convert currency – xe.com](https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=370000&From=SEK&To=EUR)
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
[Application fee](https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/fees-scholarships-residence-permit/pay-your-application-fee)
### No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
## Scholarships and funding
### Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
[Lund University Global Scholarship](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/admission-degree-studies/scholarships-and-awards/lund-university-global-scholarship)
### African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
[ARUA Scholarship](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/bachelors-and-masters-studies/scholarships-and-awards/african-research-universities-alliance-arua-scholarship)
### Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
[Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website](https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/)
### Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
[SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM](https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/pioneeringwomeninstem/)
### Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
[Country-specific scholarships](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/admission-degree-studies/scholarships-and-awards#Local-funding)
### External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
[External scholarships](https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/bachelors-and-masters-studies/scholarships-and-awards/external-scholarships)
## Contact us
### Academic advisor
Jessica Mauritzsson
Email:
[jessica.mauritzsson@mgeo.lu.se](mailto:jessica.mauritzsson@mgeo.lu.se)
### Professor
Lena Ström
Email:
[lena.strom@mgeo.lu.se](mailto:lena.strom@mgeo.lu.se)