UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN · DENMARK
Master of Science (MSc) in Environment and Development
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€8k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsDuration
- Fieldwork abroad and data collectionPractical Experience
- Specialise in Agriculture & Ecology or Livelihoods & GovernanceSpecialisations
- Interdisciplinary approachMethodology
- Focus on lower-income countriesGlobal Focus
- Potential for study abroad or project in practiceFlexibility
The 2-year MSc in Environment and Development at the University of Copenhagen focuses on finding solutions to the global challenge of sustainably using the planet's environmental resources, with a specific emphasis on lower-income countries. The program combines field and research-based learning to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental resources and development issues, ranging from soil fertility management to rural livelihood strategies. It unique positioning lies in its focus on natural resources within a development context, utilizing interdisciplinary methods and case studies, and fostering collaboration with international institutions to ensure global relevance. This degree equips graduates to address resource challenges in diverse contexts and contribute to sustainable development worldwide.
Curriculum
The programme structure includes compulsory courses, restricted elective courses specific to your chosen specialisation, elective courses, and a Master's thesis. Teaching methods involve lectures, exercises, field work, and project work, with opportunities for both independent and group work. A significant component is fieldwork abroad, often involving collaboration with local institutions and students, and primary data collection for the thesis.
- Year 1
- Global Challenges in Environment and DevelopmentNIFK23004U
- Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Environment and DevelopmentNIGK23000U
- Practicing Interdisciplinary Field Research on the EnvironmentNIFK23006U
- Restricted elective course
- Restricted elective course
- Elective course
- Elective course
- Year 2
- Restricted elective course
- Restricted elective course
- Thesis
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- For the 2025/26 academic year, tuition fees for the MSc in Environment and Development are 62,500 DKK per semester for students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. These fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the International Education office.
- What is the duration of the MSc in Environment and Development programme?
- The Master of Science (MSc) in Environment and Development programme at the University of Copenhagen is a 2-year full-time degree.
- What are the application deadlines for the MSc in Environment and Development?
- The application period opens on January 16th. The deadline for non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants is January 15th, and for EU/EEA/Swiss/Danish applicants, it is March 1st.
- What academic qualifications are required for admission?
- A qualifying bachelor's degree or equivalent is required, with at least 30 ECTS credits in social or natural sciences. International degrees undergo individual assessment for equivalency.
- How can applicants prove their English language proficiency?
- Applicants must document their English language proficiency unless they have a legal right of admission. Specific test requirements and scores should be confirmed with the university.
- What does the curriculum involve?
- The program includes compulsory and elective courses, a Master's thesis, and significant fieldwork abroad for data collection. Students can specialize in Agriculture & Ecology or Livelihoods & Governance.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA qualifying bachelor's degree or equivalent from a Danish or international institution is required. Applicants must have completed at least 30 ECTS credits within either social science or natural science. A list of pre-approved bachelor's degrees from specific Danish universities is available, but an individual assessment will be conducted for other degrees. Courses taken as single subjects before completing the bachelor's degree can be included, up to a maximum of 30 ECTS credits.
English BDocumentation required unless legal right of admission exists
Applicants whose bachelor's degree is not from the listed Danish universities will undergo an individual academic assessment to determine if their qualifications are equivalent to the specified requirements (30 ECTS in social or natural sciences). Supplementary courses taken as single subjects can be included in this assessment, up to 30 ECTS. However, applicants cannot take supplementary courses between their bachelor's and master's programs to meet admission requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees apply to guest students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. For the 2025/26 academic year, tuition fees for fields within the Faculty of Science (which includes Environment and Development) are 62,500 DKK per semester.
Tuition (home)No tuition fees are listed for domestic (Danish, EU, EEA, Swiss) applicants.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
Tuition fees are listed per semester. The University of Copenhagen advises that prices are for guidance only and subject to change. It is recommended to contact the International Education office for confirmation. Fees must be paid immediately upon request, and enrolment is not possible before full payment. Refunds are possible only if the student cancels before the official semester start.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsEnsure your bachelor's degree meets the academic and language requirements for the MSc in Environment and Development.
2. Prepare DocumentationGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, diplomas, and proof of English proficiency. Specific requirements may vary based on your educational background.
3. Apply OnlineSubmit your application and upload all required documents through the University of Copenhagen's application portal.
4. Meet Language RequirementsDocument your English language proficiency, unless you have a legal right of admission. Ensure documentation is ready by the application deadline.
5. Pay Tuition Fees (if applicable)If you are from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you will be required to pay tuition fees. Payment is typically required immediately upon request to secure your place and receive admission documents for visa applications.
6. Await DecisionReceive notification regarding the admission decision by the specified dates (e.g., May 15 for Danish applicants, March 13 for non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants).
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
For the 2025/26 academic year, tuition fees for the MSc in Environment and Development are 62,500 DKK per semester for students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. These fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the International Education office.
What is the duration of the MSc in Environment and Development programme?
+
The Master of Science (MSc) in Environment and Development programme at the University of Copenhagen is a 2-year full-time degree.
What are the application deadlines for the MSc in Environment and Development?
+
The application period opens on January 16th. The deadline for non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants is January 15th, and for EU/EEA/Swiss/Danish applicants, it is March 1st.
What academic qualifications are required for admission?
+
A qualifying bachelor's degree or equivalent is required, with at least 30 ECTS credits in social or natural sciences. International degrees undergo individual assessment for equivalency.
How can applicants prove their English language proficiency?
+
Applicants must document their English language proficiency unless they have a legal right of admission. Specific test requirements and scores should be confirmed with the university.
What does the curriculum involve?
+
The program includes compulsory and elective courses, a Master's thesis, and significant fieldwork abroad for data collection. Students can specialize in Agriculture & Ecology or Livelihoods & Governance.