Soil, Water and Environment
MSc in Soil Science or Environmental Science
Soil, water and the environment are of major concern at all levels of society. This unique Master’s programme prepares you for a future career as a soil and water expert.
•In-depth knowledge needed in society to deal with issues like drought, flooding, soil contamination and climate change
•Unique education where you work closely with top researchers and get prepared for a career within or outside academia
• SLU is the only university in Sweden that offers a degree in soil science and your studies will lead to a Master’s degree in either environmental science or soil science.
PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Sustainable land and water use is more important than ever and is crucial to sustain food and forest production, to mitigate climate change and reduce its negative impact. This programme prepares you for the challenges of developing management strategies of these important resources for future generations.
The programme has a natural science orientation and gives you the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the sustainable use of land and water resources and how they are linked. During the 2-year programme you will also learn about efficient use of natural resources and nutrients, as well as environmental assessment as a way to understand and mitigate human-induced effects in our environment.
SLU is the only university in Sweden that offers a degree in soil science and your studies will lead to a Master’s degree in either environmental science or soil science. After graduation, you will be able to work with soil and water issues as an expert, analyst or advisor in different organisations such as consultancy companies, or governmental authorities. You will also be able to continue your studies towards a PhD.
FACTS & REQUIREMENTS
Name:Soil, Water and Environment - Master's Programme
Level:Master
Language:English
Programme scope:2 year, 120 credits
Next start:Autumn semester 2025
Tuition Fees:Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
First semester:SEK 83500
Total:SEK 334000
Application deadline for international students:2025-01-15
Application deadline for Swedish students:2025-04-15
Study location:Uppsala
Pace of study:Full-time
Teaching form:On-campus
Application code for Swedish students:81052
Application code for international students:81025
Requirements:
Admission to the Master’s programme Soil, Water and Environment requires a first-cycle qualification comprising 180 credits and including specialised studies comprising 90 credits within one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains: - biology - agricultural sciences - soil sciences, geo sciences - environmental sciences - forestry - technology In addition, knowledge corresponding to - at least 15 credits within chemistry - at least 15 credits within biology and/or soil or earth sciences. Applicants with the equivalent qualifications obtained by means of a degree from another country, or with the equivalent knowledge obtained in some other way, may also be regarded as fulfilling the specific entry requirements. This programme is taught in English. The applicant must further have a level of English equivalent to upper secondary school English, called English 6. An applicant with a first-cycle qualification from SLU comprising 180 credits automatically fulfils this requirement. Special rules apply for applicants with qualifications from one of the Nordic countries and some English-speaking countries. Specific requirements apply for admission to the individual courses included in the programme.
Degree:
Degree awarded on completion of the programme
Upon completion of the programme, the degree of Master of Science is awarded. Other general qualifications may be awarded, provided that the requirements for them are fulfilled. More information can be found in SLU´s degree regulations.
Students who fulfil the qualification requirements for a degree will be issued a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Soil Science or with a Major in Environmental Science.
Degree requirements
A degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in soilscience is awarded to students who fulfil the course requirements (courses with a Pass grade) of 120 credits, of which at least 90 credits at second-cycle level, according to the following:
at least 30 credits of courses with specialised study in the main field soil science (A1N; A1F),
at least 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) in the main field soil science (A2E).
In addition, the student must hold a degree of Bachelor or professional qualification of at least 180 credits or an equivalent qualification.
A degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major inenvironmental science as the main field of study is awarded to students who fulfil the course requirements (courses with a Pass grade) of 120 credits, of which at least 90 credits at second-cycle level, according to the following:
at least 30 credits of courses with specialised study in the main field environmental science (A1N; A1F),
at least 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) in the main field environmental science (A2E).
In addition, the student must hold a degree of Bachelor or professional qualification of at least 180 credits or an equivalent qualification.
Admission: There are two admission rounds for this Master's programme. The first admission round is open to all international applicants at www.universityadmissions.se. SLU strongly encourage all international students to apply in this first admission round.
CONTENT
This programme prepares students for the challenge of developing sustainable land and water management, while simultaneously minimising negative environmental and health impacts. It has a natural science profile.
There is a close link between the use and quality of soil and water resources, meaning they need to be understood together. The programme provides a comprehensive overview of the way soil and water processes interact from a landscape perspective.
Students explore how water, nutrients and other elements are transported to the atmosphere through soil and plants, and to ground and surface water through soil. The programme content draws on contemporary basic and applied research. Students will learn to evaluate how agriculture, forestry and urbanisation affect soil and water quality, and how to design and apply proper management methods to achieve important environmental objectives. Teaching tools include case studies from Sweden, European and subtropical and tropical countries.
During the first year, students focus on improving their understanding of the processes governing fluxes of water and matter in the landscape. They will study soil physics, soil chemistry and soil biology, as well as environmental monitoring and assessment from Scandinavian and European perspectives.
In their second year, students study how land use influences water quality and eutrophication. There are elective courses in soil classification, land evaluation, soil and water conservation, safe nutrient cycling in a wider international perspective.
In their final semester, students will complete a degree project (30 credits). The programme will lead to a Master of Science (120 credits) with a specialisation in either soil science or environmental science.
Expert knowledge on minimising negative impacts on soil and water resources is essential for our survival. Global changes, population growth and more intensive land use are creating an increasing demand for skilled soil and water experts at all levels of society.
Graduates will be able to work as consultants or analysts in both the public and private sectors. The programme also provides the necessary qualifications to continue onto doctoral studies in subjects such as soil science or environmental science, at both SLU or other higher education institutions.
Degree awarded
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Soil Science or Environmental Science.
Programme Code: NM029
Finalized by: Utbildningsnämnden, 2017-10-11 Revised: 2017-12-13 Revised By: Programnämnden för utbildning inom naturresurser och jordbruk SLU ID: SLU ua 2017.3.1.1-3818 Education plan valid from: Autumn 2024 Responsible programme board: The programme board for education in natural resources and agriculture
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Master’s programme Soil, Water and Environment requires a first-cycle qualification comprising 180 credits and including specialised studies comprising 90 credits within one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains:
biology
agricultural sciences
soil sciences, geo sciences
environmental sciences
forestry
technology
In addition, knowledge corresponding to
at least 15 credits within chemistry
at least 15 credits within biology and/or soil or earth sciences.
Applicants with the equivalent qualifications obtained by means of a degree from another country, or with the equivalent knowledge obtained in some other way, may also be regarded as fulfilling the specific entry requirements.
This programme is taught in English. The applicant must further have a level of English equivalent to upper secondary school English, called English 6. An applicant with a first-cycle qualification from SLU comprising 180 credits automatically fulfils this requirement. Special rules apply for applicants with qualifications from one of the Nordic countries and some English-speaking countries.
Specific requirements apply for admission to the individual courses included in the programme.
Content
Programme description
The Soil, Water and Environment programme provides the student with advanced knowledge in soil and water management. The programme combines this with applied knowledge within the study field, scientific training and connections to the related sector for soil and water management.
The programme provides a comprehensive description of processes in soil and water seen from a landscape perspective. The programme emphasises important soil properties and important flow paths for water, nutrients and other substances through the soil and the plants to the atmosphere, or through the soil to ground and surface water. Students will be trained in the ability to assess the effects of various types of soil use on soil and water quality, and to design and apply relevant management methods. The studies are facilitated if the student has basic knowledge of one of the subjects ecology, geology, natural geology, hydrology or soil science.
The programme covers in-depth elements in soil science and applied elements in sustainable soil and water use. Some courses focus on international aspects of soil and water management. The second year includes a placement to give the students experience of the labour market in related organisations, research institutes and companies. The studies conclude with an independent project (degree project), where the student can implement their knowledge, abilities and attitudes on a current issue within the subject area of sustainable soil and water use.
Scientific approach and scientific methods are trained by using SLU research in lectures and supervision. Training of generic competences is integrated in courses and in independent degree projects. Communication skills are trained throughout the programme in dialogue with different audiences. The ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge is trained in complex questions relating to sustainable use of soil and water in projects and exercises in courses and degree projects.
Courses in the programme
Main fields of study MV=Soil science, MX=Environmental science, BI=Biology, TN=Technology
Year 1
Soil water processes in agroecosystems, 15 credits, MV/MX, A1N
Environmental geochemistry, 15 credits, MV/MX, A1N
Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles, 15 credits, MV/BI, A1N Environmental assessment, 15 credits, MX, A1N
Year 2
Soils of the world and sutainable water and soil management, 15 credits, MV, A1N
Sustainable technologies for agriculture in low- and medium income countries, 7,5 credits, TN/MX, A1N
Land use and watershed management to reduce eutrophication, 7,5 credits, MV/MX, A1N
Geographical information systems, for environmental and natural science studies, 7,5 credits, TN, A1N
Research internship, 15 credits, MV/MX, A1F
Safe nutrient recycling, 15 credits, MX/BI, A1N
Master thesis in environmental science, 30 credits, MX, A2E
Master thesis in soil science, 30 credits, MV, A2E
The courses offered may change during the course of the programme. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year.
For each course, there is a course syllabus providing more detailed course information. Information on when courses are offered is available on the SLU student web.
Objectives
General objectives
The general objectives for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Swedish Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).
Objectives for a Degree
In accordance with the annex to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, for a degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
Knowledge and understanding
demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Qualification Requirements
Degree awarded on completion of the programme
Upon completion of the programme, the degree of Master of Science is awarded. Other general qualifications may be awarded, provided that the requirements for them are fulfilled. More information can be found in SLU´s degree regulations.
Students who fulfil the qualification requirements for a degree will be issued a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Soil Science or with a Major in Environmental Science.
Degree requirements
A degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in soilscience is awarded to students who fulfil the course requirements (courses with a Pass grade) of 120 credits, of which at least 90 credits at second-cycle level, according to the following:
at least 30 credits of courses with specialised study in the main field soil science (A1N; A1F),
at least 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) in the main field soil science (A2E).
In addition, the student must hold a degree of Bachelor or professional qualification of at least 180 credits or an equivalent qualification.
A degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major inenvironmental science as the main field of study is awarded to students who fulfil the course requirements (courses with a Pass grade) of 120 credits, of which at least 90 credits at second-cycle level, according to the following:
at least 30 credits of courses with specialised study in the main field environmental science (A1N; A1F),
at least 30 credits from an independent project (degree project) in the main field environmental science (A2E).
In addition, the student must hold a degree of Bachelor or professional qualification of at least 180 credits or an equivalent qualification.
OtherInformation
General regulations for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes
For more information on semester dates, examination and credit transfer, see the Regulations for education at Bachelor´s and Master´s level available on the SLU student web.
Possibilities for further studies
Students who complete the programme and are awarded a degree of Master have the option to continue their studies at doctoral level.
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