Climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing emissions are global problems that affect us all and increase social disparities, exclusion, and inequality. You can help reverse this trend.

This interdisciplinary Global Studies: Sustainable Societies and Social Change programme focuses on issues of social justice, diversity, human rights, and climate change, intending to create meaningful and lasting changes.

You will explore these issues at local and global levels, as collaboration across borders and levels of decision-making is often necessary to address these complex problems.

Please note: This programme is available as a 1-year or 2-year Master at Jönköping University. Read more about the 2 year Master here. 

About the programme:

Through applied research for sustainable development and close interaction with organisations, you will have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice.

You will learn to use social science methods and tools (such as data collection and analysis) to create solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global, regional, and local scale. Furthermore, you will write your thesis with an organisation or activity of your choice (research collaboration), in the non-profit, public, or business sector.

You will explore various theoretical perspectives on sustainability issues and gain practical knowledge and experience in sustainable social development. The programme is organized within the Social Sciences of Sustainability study environment and has links with the research environments Sustainable Societies (SUS) and Sustainability Education Research (SER). This means that our teaching is informed by current research.

You can study the programme over one year (60 credits) or two years (120 credits). One- and two-year students take the first semester and the research methods courses during the first half of the second semester together. In addition, two-year students can take elective courses on campus or at another university in Sweden, do an internship at an organisation of their choice, or become an exchange student at one of our 70 partner universities in 28 countries during the first semester of their second year.

After graduation:

The programme is designed to educate change agents with a deep understanding of sustainable development ideas and strategies, and their application in different settings.

You will acquire key competences and soft skills for the professional world, such as self-responsibility, problem-solving skills, and intercultural competence, in addition to skills in project planning and practical experience with sustainability work.

After completing the programme, you will have the relevant theoretical and practical knowledge to take on strategic roles in government agencies, non-government organisations and private businesses. Students at the 2-year programme will also fulfil the requirements for third cycle studies, i.e., doctoral programmes.