Social-ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development

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The 2-year Masters Programme Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development aims to enhance students knowledge of the complex interactions between social and ecological dynamics at different scales; particularly ecosystem management and governance in the context of change and uncertainty. Students are introduced to different research approaches and methods for studying coupled social and ecological systems. The aim is to provide students with insights into problem-driven transdisciplinary environmental research. The Masters programme admits up to 15 students each year and consists of one year of courses and including the option of a traineeship, and one year spent doing a Masters thesis. The four mandatory courses are designed with an emphasis on resilience, and define the challenges we face today and reflect on how resilience thinking can be applied to social-ecological systems to solve real-life problems. The four compulsory courses are: Social-ecological systems: challenges and approaches Systems Theory and Resilience Thinking Governing and managing social-ecological systems Resilience reflections and applications Students theses are mainly incorporated in on-going research projects and are all related to one of the research themes at the Stockholm Resilience Centre. We strongly encourage students to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals. We want to attract top international and Swedish students and ensure that they are embedded in the research life at the Centre. Integrating students, post docs and senior researchers is important to us as this provides professional role models, develops students practical research skills and builds important social networks a process that can also be lots of fun! Admission Requirements: A Bachelors degree, or equivalent, from a university recognised by the Ministry of Education of the country in which the degree has been awarded. A very good command of spoken and written English, documented by an internationally recognised proficiency test. ALL applicants must complete their application with (send to birgitta@big.su.se): 1) Statement of Purpose: why you have selected and what you have to offer the Programme (max 250 words) 2) Research Ideas: what research questions interest you for your Masters thesis. Your research question(s) must fit into at least on the Centres research themes, as well as identify projects and researchers at Centre that you would like to work with. We strongly recommend you contact researchers directly to explore your research ideas before submitting your application (max 350 words)

The Master's Programme in Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development at Stockholm University is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex sustainability challenges in contemporary societies. This program explores the dynamic interactions between social and ecological systems, emphasizing resilience theory, sustainability science, and human-environment relations. Throughout the coursework, students will examine how social, political, economic, and environmental factors influence the capacity of communities and ecosystems to adapt and thrive amidst changing conditions.

The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging an integrative approach to problem-solving. Students will engage in quantitative and qualitative research methods, participate in case studies, and undertake projects that foster a deep understanding of sustainability issues at local, national, and global levels. Key topics include climate change adaptation, resource management, biodiversity conservation, social justice, governance, and policy development. The program aims to develop critical thinking, collaborative skills, and innovative solutions to promote resilience in diverse contexts.

In addition to core courses, students have opportunities for specialization through elective modules, internships, and thesis work. The program emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders from society, government, and the private sector, preparing graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, policy advisory, research, and sustainable development initiatives. Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to transforming societies towards sustainability by applying a holistic understanding of social-ecological systems and resilience principles.

The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and field exercises, fostering an interactive learning environment. It encourages international perspectives and cross-disciplinary dialogue, reflecting Stockholm University’s commitment to global sustainability. Graduates will join a network of professionals dedicated to creating resilient and sustainable societies, capable of facing contemporary and future ecological and social challenges.

The program in Social-ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development at Stockholm University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interdependencies between social systems and ecological processes. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from environmental science, social science, economics, and policy analysis to address pressing sustainability challenges. Students are expected to engage critically with theories and models of resilience, adaptive management, and systemic change, developing skills to analyze vulnerabilities and strengths within socio-ecological systems. The program includes mandatory coursework such as foundational courses in sustainability science, research methods, and systems thinking, alongside specialized modules focused on resilience theory, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development strategies. Students will participate in practical exercises, case studies, and fieldwork, fostering hands-on experience in assessing ecological resilience in various contexts. It is also necessary for students to undertake a research project or thesis that demonstrates their capacity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues. To qualify for the program, applicants generally need a relevant bachelor's degree with coursework in environmental studies, social sciences, or related fields, and demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and promotes research that contributes to sustainable solutions at local, national, and global levels. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the analytical tools and practical skills required to develop and implement strategies for enhancing resilience and sustainability in diverse socio-ecological systems. The program aims to prepare students for careers in research, policy-making, environmental management, and advocacy, emphasizing innovative approaches to sustainable development that are socially inclusive and environmentally sound.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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The Financing of the Social-Ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development programme at Stockholm University primarily funds its activities through a combination of government grants, European Union funding, research council supports, and university resources. The Swedish government allocates substantial funding for higher education, which covers tuition fees, infrastructure, and academic resources needed to deliver the programme effectively. Additionally, the university seeks external research grants from national and international funding bodies such as NordForsk, Horizon Europe, and other European research initiatives focusing on sustainability, environmental management, and social-ecological systems. These grants support innovative research projects, field studies, and educational activities integral to the programme.

Students are generally required to pay tuition fees unless they qualify for scholarships or are from countries with waived fees under specific agreements. Stockholm University offers various scholarship programmes for international students, including the Stockholm University Scholarship Scheme, which can significantly reduce financial barriers. The programme also benefits from partnerships with governmental agencies, environmental organizations, and private foundations that sponsor research projects, conferences, and capacity-building activities related to sustainability and resilience.

Furthermore, there may be opportunities for students to finance their studies through assistantships, research positions, or internships facilitated by the university's networks and collaborations. The university's commitment to sustainable development also includes internal funding and resource allocation dedicated to curriculum development, student support services, and practical training components embedded within the programme. Overall, the financing structure ensures that the programme maintains high academic standards while providing financial support options for both domestic and international students, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and resilience in the modern world.

Social-ecological Resilience for Sustainable Development at Stockholm University is a multidisciplinary master's programme designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to address complex environmental and societal challenges. The program emphasizes an integrated approach to understanding the interactions between human societies and natural ecosystems, aiming to promote sustainability and resilience in diverse social-ecological systems. Throughout the course, students explore key concepts such as adaptive capacity, transformation, vulnerability, and sustainability science, enabling them to analyze and develop strategies for sustainable development across local, regional, and global contexts.

The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical application, offering interdisciplinary coursework that spans ecology, social sciences, policy analysis, and environmental management. Students have the opportunity to engage in case studies, fieldwork, and collaborative projects that foster hands-on experience and critical thinking. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, policy development, international organizations, research institutions, and NGOs working on sustainability issues.

Stockholm University’s faculty includes leading researchers in ecology, sustainability science, and social-ecological systems, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and academic resources. The program also encourages international perspectives and collaboration, attracting students from various countries and backgrounds. Graduates of this programme are equipped to contribute effectively to efforts aimed at strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable development in diverse settings.

The course duration is typically two years, and it is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, project work, and independent study. Students are assessed through written assignments, presentations, and a thesis project. The university fosters an inclusive academic environment with modern facilities, comprehensive support services, and opportunities for international exchange. Overall, the program aims to develop multi-disciplinary competencies necessary for addressing today’s complex sustainability challenges and to inspire innovative solutions for resilient and sustainable societies worldwide.