Sustainable Development, Masters Programme

General Program Information

Sustainable development aims to achieve social and societal well-being as well as economic development, while maintaining balance with the earth's ecological system. This complex task requires knowledge, perspectives and understanding of norms, as well as methods that can be used to drive and practice sustainable development at local and global levels and over time. In the Master's Programme in Work-Integrated Sustainable Development, students learn to systematically reflect on the relationship between facts and norms, practical and theoretical knowledge, and how organisations can work actively and strategically to achieve sustainable development. Based on the main field of study of the programme, AIL, the student learns to understand organisational action and change management as well as reflection on how theoretical knowledge is translated into practical results.

Sustainable development

Work-integrated learning (AIL) is particularly well suited for studying sustainable development as it enables a professional and norm-critical approach to meeting current and future sustainability challenges. Concrete examples from the curriculum are about incorporating sustainable practices that enable students to understand and contribute to initiatives such as energy efficiency, sustainable transport and waste reduction. Part of the contemporary challenge is the need for business adaptation with an emphasis on resource optimization and the role of digitalization. In the working life of the future, digital skills and continuous learning are particularly needed. The focus is shifting to circular and service-based business concepts that are rooted in a natural sustainability perspective, offering a valuable path to transition from a product-oriented to a service-oriented business landscape.

Program content, structure, and progression

The programme uses work-integrated learning (AIL) to explore the intricate connections between organisations, learning, change and sustainable development while immersing the student in the interplay between strategic concepts and practical implementation. Through AIL, students acquire important skills in leading, developing and planning initiatives for sustainable development in various organisational contexts. The programme's progression is based on progressively deepening the students' professional knowledge of organisation, learning and change, with a focus on sustainable development.

The educational philosophy of the degree programme is based on the belief that students learn more effectively if they are allowed to use acquired knowledge and skills.

Research base of the programme

The research residency for the programme is Work Integrated Learning (AIL) with a focus on sustainable development. As a research area, AIL contributes with systematic knowledge about how learning and development take place in all work-related activities. Academic studies and research are integrated to create an understanding of contemporary challenges about organizations' sustainable transition and transformation. The students reflect on how different stages of the research process can be applied and use their own research proposals/projects as a reference point. In this way, the student is engaged in real-life scenarios in which they are encouraged to propose solutions to different challenges faced by industries and companies. The programme places great emphasis on sustainable development, which guides the choice of theoretical concepts and literature.

Work-integrated learning is one of the university's two research environments and forms the core of the education. This is achieved through several modalities, not least through the structure of the education, which is based on the student's continuous dialogue and reflection on different forms of knowledge. In this structure, students have the opportunity to engage in reflective practices and work with the conceptualization of phenomena. The programme strives to translate knowledge production into the ability to build relationships with a wide range of societal actors through collaborative learning.

Labour market, cooperation and work-integrated learning

Succeeding in an ever-changing world requires the ability to adapt and transform, especially in the midst of constant crises and sustainability challenges. The programme is distinguished by systematically integrating work-integrated learning (AIL), as evidenced by the interplay between theory and practice. This interaction provides students with a platform to engage in critical thinking, which not only equips them for real-world challenges but also builds the ability to propose innovative strategies. Admitting students with diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences fosters the development of an interdisciplinary knowledge within the program.

The core of the program in work-integrated learning makes it unique. By taking into account the massive digital knowledge transition and the opportunities and challenges that exist with sustainable development, the programme is at the forefront when it comes to shaping knowledge-based leadership within the framework of sustainability. The potential job titles for graduates of this program include learning and development managers, organizational development specialists, talent development managers, and corporate trainers.

Internationalisation

The programme has a strong international character and provides students with insight into different global approaches, perspectives and practices. Analyzing cultural, economic, and political factors influencing AIL practices both nationally and globally enables students to learn about AIL practices in relation to sustainability.

The programme is given entirely in English, with Swedish and international admissions. This creates a rich international learning environment for students as well as a student life with experiences all over the world.