About the study
One of most significant challenges facing society in the 21st century is to ensure ecological and environmental sustainability of our planet. Climate change, resource depletion, ecosystem degradation and loss of biological diversity are complex environmental problems that require advanced skills and tools to analyze and solve. This discipline is for students that want to learn how ecology and sustainability science can contribute to ecosystem-based management, adaptation and decision making about sustainability from local to global scales. The discipline is also relevant for students seeking an academic career as agents of change for the green transition and sustainable management of ecosystems in the government or the business sector.
This study programme requires compulsory attendance to the introductory meeting. See this web page for more information.
What will you learn?
The Ecology and Sustainability specialization equips you with advanced knowledge of tools and methods used in sustainability science, or different methodologies and approaches for engaging citizens and stakeholders in sustainability science and ecosystem-based management (pending on MSc topic). You will develop the ability to analyze sustainability challenges, critically evaluate sustainability theories and models in environmental policies and global assessments, and apply systems thinking to understand interactions between social and ecological systems, identifying actionable solutions for management agencies and businesses.
Programme description
The Ecology and Sustainability specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to address complex sustainability challenges. Students will explore the interactions between natural and social systems to develop solutions that balance the needs of current and future generations while protecting the planet's life-supporting systems.
The programme covers key sustainability concepts, including theories, principles, models, and indicators relevant to global frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the European Green Deal, and the Arctic Council's environmental assessments. Students will learn ecosystem-based approaches, focusing on topics such as ecosystem ecology, spatial ecology, resilience, biodiversity, tipping points, and adaptive management. Students will also be trained in equitable engagement of citizens, stakeholders and indigenous – and local communities science and management.
Students will be an integral part of the Arctic Sustainability Lab Research Group and are expected to participate actively.
For a complete overview of the learning outcomes, please see the programme study plan.
Program Structure
Studyplan(s)
Destinations for studies abroad
Do you have any questions?
Følg @uitstudent på Instagram eller TikTok for å få et enda bedre innblikk i hvordan det er å studere på UiT. Her viser studentene fram sin studiehverdag, deler tips og nyttig informasjon, og du kan stille spørsmål om alt du måtte lure på.
Sjekk også @uitnorgesarktiske på Instagram eller TikTok for info om studier, jobbmuligheter og forskning.
