How is the programme structured?

The programme has a duration of two academic years (four semesters, each worth 30 ECTS, for a total of 120 ECTS). Semester 1 (30 ECTS) is a common core for all students and takes place at Stockholm University. Semesters 2 & 3 (60 ECTS in total) are spent following one of the available Study Tracks at CIVIS partner universities, depending on your chosen specialization. Semester 4 (30 ECTS) is dedicated to the master’s thesis at one of the universities in your selected Study Track.

Is it an on-campus or online programme?

It is a full-time, in-person programme. The first semester requires you to be physically present at Stockholm University. The second and third semesters involve in-person mobility at partner universities according to your chosen Study Track. During the fourth semester, the Master’s thesis is completed at one of the designated partner universities within your Study Track. 

Is my mobility guaranteed, or will it be competitive?

Yes, your mobility is guaranteed as part of the programme. The TRACEE Master's has an integrated mobility structure, meaning that once you are admitted to a specific Study Track, you will automatically have a place at the partner universities offering the track. There is no separate application process for mobility, and it is not competitive. However, students cannot choose alternative universities outside their Study Track, as it follows a predefined study plan across specific partner universities.
 

How do I apply?

Submit your application through Universityadmissions.se, following the instructions for the TRACEE Master’s Programme. Ensure that you include all required documents:

• your transcript
• degree/diploma (or proof of ongoing final semester)
• proof of English proficiency
• CV
• proof of residence

Once you have applied through Universityadmissions.se, you will receive (by e-mail) an Application Supplement for your selected Study Track. This is an online form containing additional information, where you will be asked to answer questions that serve as your motivation letter.

When can I apply?

For the 2025 intake, applications open on 15 February 2025 and close on 31 March 2025. Late applications can also be submitted from 1-14 April, 2025.

Do I choose my Study Track at the time of application?

Yes. When applying, you can select multiple Study Tracks. Please check the specific entry requirements for each track. You will be required to rank your chosen Study Tracks in order of preference, as you can only be admitted to one.

I am in my final semester of my Bachelor’s. Can I still apply?

Yes. You may apply if your current university can confirm that you are expected to complete your Bachelor's degree before the TRACEE programme begins. You can find the required documents for this on Universityadmissions.se.

Can I enrol if I already have a master’s degree or if I am older than typical master’s applicants?

Yes. There is no age limit, and having an existing master’s degree does not exclude you from applying. All eligible applicants are assessed based on the official selection criteria.

What are the general and specific entry requirements?

General requirements: A Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) or the equivalent from a recognized university. English language proficiency equivalent to at least B2 level on the CEFR scale. Specific requirements vary by Study Track; for example, some tracks require a background in natural sciences or social sciences, while others (like Study Track 1, Environmental Humanities and Law) accept any discipline.

Do I need an English test if I studied in English?

If your university instruction was conducted entirely in English (and this is officially recognized under Swedish admissions regulations), you may not need to submit a separate English proficiency test. Otherwise, you must provide proof of English proficiency through an accepted test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). 
You can find detailed information on how to meet the English requirements and verify if studies from your country fulfil the criteria on Universityadmissions.se.

How many students are admitted each year?

For the 2025 intake, 30 students will be admitted, with a planned increase to 40 students in 2026. The programme begins with a common first semester at Stockholm University, after which students continue with their selected Study Tracks, with places distributed accordingly among partner universities.

How are applicants selected?

Applicants who meet the general and specific requirements are ranked based on:

• Grades from prior studies (50%)
• Motivation letter (50%)

How is Semester 1 organized?

Semester 1 at Stockholm University consists of a single 30 ECTS common-core course titled Climate, Energy, and Environment – A Transdisciplinary Perspective. It includes five modules:
1.    Systems Thinking (3 ECTS)
2.    Climate, Environment, and Energy – A Natural Science Perspective (9 ECTS)
3.    Climate, Environment, and Energy – A Social Science Perspective (9 ECTS)
4.    Climate, Environment, and Energy – A Humanities Perspective (6 ECTS)
5.    Creating Knowledge Through Transdisciplinary Methods (3 ECTS)

What are the Study Tracks for Semesters 2 & 3?

After the first semester, you follow one of the following Study Tracks (depending on your background and interests). Each track has its own specialized curriculum and mobility path:
1.    Environmental Humanities and Law
2.    Environmental Social Sciences
3.    Energy and Matter (not available for 2025 intake)
4.    Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (not available for 2025 intake)
5.    Environmental Geoscience
6.    Climate Change Science (not available for 2025 intake)
7.    Environmental Risk and Mitigation
8.    Transdisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change Studies
9.    Global Change Biology

What about the Master’s thesis in Semester 4?

In the fourth semester, you complete a 30 ECTS master’s thesis at one of the universities in your chosen Study Track. Thus, the location depends on the track and the subject of your thesis. You must have passed Semester 1 (30 ECTS) and at least 30 ECTS from Semesters 2 and 3 to register for the thesis.

What is the transdisciplinary stream?

The transdisciplinary stream runs throughout the entire programme. Its purpose is twofold: first, to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to complete a transdisciplinary thesis in the fourth semester; and second, to foster connections and support networks within the student cohort. The stream is offered on site during the first semester in Stockholm, and then continues online for the remainder of the programme.

Can I do only one semester (or skip the core semester)?

No. The programme is a 120 ECTS master’s degree (two years, full-time) with a mandatory common core in Semester 1. Partial attendance or single-semester options are not offered.
Can I adapt Semester 1 if I already have a similar interdisciplinary background?
No. The first semester is mandatory for all admitted students. It lays the transdisciplinary foundation and common vocabulary for the entire cohort.

What careers do graduates pursue?

As the programme is new, we do not yet have alumni data specific to TRACEE. However, graduates from similar transdisciplinary environmental master’s programmes often go on to:

• Work at national or international agencies focused on climate, environment, and energy
• Contribute to initiatives like the European Green Deal
• Engage with NGOs, government institutions, or private sector consultancies involved in sustainability
• Continue in doctoral or research roles focusing on transdisciplinary climate, environment, or energy issues.

Is there a possibility of continuing to a PhD/doctoral programme after this master’s?

TRACEE is a master’s programme only. However, completion of a relevant master’s typically qualifies you to apply for doctoral positions. There is no integrated PhD track within TRACEE, but many graduates pursue further research.

What is the participation cost(tuition)?

The programme has a participation cost for all students:

• For EU/EEA citizens: €9,000 total (€2,250 per semester)
• For non-EU/EEA citizens: €18,000 total (€4,500 per semester)

This covers all compulsory academic activities and includes international health and accident insurance but does not cover living expenses, accommodation, or travel.

The participation cost must be paid before the start of each semester. If you are offered a place in the programme starting in the autumn of 2025, you must pay the participation cost for the first semester (€2,250) no later than 15 June 2025.

Does the participation cost include housing?

No. The participation cost covers only academic participation and certain insurance. You are responsible for accommodation and other living costs in each host country.

Are there scholarships or fee waivers?

Currently, the TRACEE programme does not offer tuition waivers or fully funded scholarships. However, students may be eligible for financial support through Erasmus+ mobility scholarships. During the first semester at Stockholm University, students can apply for an Erasmus+ student mobility grant, which provides approximately €500 per month for up to two mobility semesters spent outside Sweden, typically during semesters 2 and 3. While this grant helps offset costs associated with studying in another country, it does not participation costs, housing, or full living expenses. Students should therefore plan their budget accordingly.
In addition to Erasmus+ mobility scholarships, students are encouraged to explore other scholarship opportunities. Stockholm University provides information on potential funding options, which can be found on its scholarships page. Depending on their country of residence, students may also be eligible for national or regional funding schemes, as well as scholarships from private organizations, NGOs, or governmental agencies.

Is it feasible to work part-time while studying to cover expenses?

The programme is full-time and quite intensive, especially given the mobility component. Some students may manage a small part-time job, but it can be challenging.

Do I need to buy an insurance?

The participation cost includes an international health and accident insurance. However, some host universities or national regulations may demand further coverage. If this applies, the partner universities will inform you and guide you on how to meet those requirements.

Is any assistance offered for housing or relocation?

While there is no guaranteed housing, each host university typically provides guidance to help you find accommodation. Since the programme involves multiple mobilities, you will need to arrange housing in multiple locations. 

What about visas and residence permits?

•    Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a 2-year student residence permit for Sweden.
•    If part of your mobility is in the UK (University of Glasgow) or Switzerland (University of Lausanne), you will need additional national visas.
•    Admitted students receive guidance from Stockholm University’s central Student Services Office.
It is important to keep in mind that the Swedish Migration Agency's processing time can be lengthy. Therefore, you are advised to contact the agency or the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country for more information. The Swedish Migration Agency has also advice for on-EU/EEA students in order for the application process to go as smoothly as possible. 

Will my disability or specific learning need be accommodated?

Yes. Stockholm University and all partner universities have support services for students with disabilities or long-term health conditions. You should contact the relevant disability office for each mobility.