Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy, STUDY TRACK in Environmental Social Sciences
How do societal behaviours and policies shape the path towards sustainable development in the Anthropocene?
The Environmental Social Sciences study track delves into the human dimensions of environmental challenges. By examining socio-ecological transformations, this track equips students to address pressing global issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality. Through the lens of globalised interconnections, students will explore how societal systems interact with ecological changes, shaping both local and international responses. This study track is ideal for students passionate about integrating social science perspectives into environmental problem-solving.
This study track is one of nine available. To learn more about all the study tracks, visit:
Master’s Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy
What to expect
This study track combines theoretical approaches with practical experiences to develop skills in analysing and addressing environmental challenges. Students will explore:
- Theoretical foundations: Insights into the relationship between societal behaviours and environmental change.
- Practical applications: Compulsory placements in government bodies, activist groups, or community organisations.
- Interdisciplinary approaches: Training in using sociological frameworks to envision sustainable solutions.
Key modules include Earth and Environmental Futures, Multispecies Ethnography, and Research Design, Ethics, and Impact. Students will also participate in case studies and hands-on projects to enhance their practical understanding.
Participating universities
This study track spans three distinguished institutions:
- Stockholm University (SU, Sweden): Laying the foundation with a transdisciplinary perspective on climate, energy, and environment.
- University of Glasgow (UofG, Scotland): Offering courses on global changes and work placements.
- University of Bucharest (UB, Romania): Specialising in social controversies, impact evaluation and urban nature.
With these institutions, students will gain a holistic understanding of the environmental and social sciences, preparing them for impactful careers in academia, policy-making, and community leadership.
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Programme overview
The Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy (TRACEE programme) is a two-year Master's Programme, meaning 4 semesters and totally 120 ECTS.
After the first common semester you continue on your selected study track. Students choose from nine specialised tracks (60 ECTS) offered across the 11 CIVIS member universities. Read more about the programme and all the nine study tracks on the main programme page here. This page describes track 2 out of 9.
In the study track in Environmental Social Sciences students will acquire theoretical knowledge about social and physical scientific research through research-led teaching, together with a series of practical skills to tackle the environmental and societal challenges of sustainable development in the Anthropocene.
Successful students will be awarded multiple or joint degrees from the partner universities (SU, UofG, UB).
Semester 1, Stockholm University (SU)
In your first semester at Stockholm University, you’ll develop foundational skills through the course Climate, Energy, and Environment – a Transdisciplinary Perspective (30 ECTS). Read more on the course page.
Semester 2, University of Glasgow (UofG)- Global Challenges (10 ECTS)
- Earth and Environmental Futures Work Placement (10 ECTS)
- Conditionally Elective courses (2 courses from the list provided, 10 ECTS):
- Research Design, Ethics and Impact (5 ECTS)
- Ecology and Restoration of Water Environments (5 ECTS)
- Managing Sustainable Water Environments: Policy and Practice (5 ECTS)
- Remote Sensing of the Environment (5 ECTS)
- Visualization of Map Use (5 ECTS)
- Web and Mobile Mapping (5 ECTS)
Semester 3, University of Bucharest (UB)
- Multispecies Ethnography and Urban Nature(s) (5 ECTS)
- Behavioural Environmental Economics (5 ECTS)
- Making Sense of Social Controversies Through Stories and Characters: Sociological Perspectives on Agency and Structure in Climate Change (5 ECTS)
- Finance for Sustainability Projects (4 ECTS)
- Methods for Impact Evaluation in Environmental and Energy Research (6 ECTS)
- Sustainability Communication (5 ECTS)
Semester 4, Master Thesis Project at SU, UofG or UB
The fourth and last semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis project (30 ECTS). It is registered at SU, UofG or UB.
Continuous transdisciplinary stream
An extra-curricular transdisciplinary stream runs through the entire programme. The stream will be offered on site during the first semester in Stockholm, and thereafter online. The purpose of the stream is to engage students in learning about transdisciplinarity, and offer support and checkpoints for development of independent projects. It also offers a meeting point for the whole student group throughout the programme.
Ready to start your journey? Download the TRACEE handbook and prepare your application today!
-> Download the handbook (link available soon) -
How to apply
Application is done through universityadmissions.se.
Entry requirement: The Study Track 2 targets students with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or equivalent.Please note that you need to apply to specific study tracks (you can apply to several but have to rank your choices as you will be admitted to only one). Read about all the study tracks at the programme page.
Participation cost for the programme:
- EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €9000 for the full programme (€2250/semester)
- Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €18,000/year for the full programme (€4500/semester)
This is the participation cost for the Master's Programme, regardless of chosen study track. The cost is tailored by the uniqe collaboration that is the CIVIS alliance.
Please note that the information regarding Stockholm University tuition fee does not apply here (nor does the link "More information on tuition fees"). -
Contact
FAQ
We have collected the most common questions students have about the TRACEE Master Programme and the answers to them on this site:
Study Coordinators
Couldn't find the answer to your question?
For questions about the TRACEE master programme, please contact our study coordinators.
Email: tracee@aces.su.se
