Master's Programme in Environmental Science - Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

The Master’s Programme in Environmental Science focusing on Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry traces the path of a contaminant from its creation to its far-reaching effects on the environment. With the tools, methods and critical thinking skills you acquire, you will be equipped to examine the issues and make an impact.
Environmental chemistry and toxicology

Photo: Department of Environmental Science

How does human activity like industrial manufacturing, transportation and use of consumer goods release chemicals into the environment? How do the physical and chemical properties of these contaminants, as well as environmental factors, affect how they spread through air, water, soil and how they bioaccumulate in food webs?

To answer these questions, you will learn the theory and application of chemical analysis, physical-chemical modelling, toxicology and risk assessment of environmental contaminants. You will learn how to take samples and analyse trace quantities of chemicals from various environments. By studying toxicology, you will learn how exposure to contaminants can negatively impact living organisms through mechanisms-of-action in addition to learning about new tools in toxicology research.

In addition to introducing you to the toolbox of environmental toxicology, this programme also introduces you to European and international regulatory systems designed to keep human and environmental exposures to a minimum. With a deep understanding of environmental toxicology and chemistry, you will be able to critically examine and discuss limitations, uncertainties and possible sources of error in regulatory risk assessments of organic chemicals.

A Master’s Programme in Environmental Science focussing on Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry from Stockholm University prepares you for a stimulating career in environmental management and consulting in private or governmental sectors or for a successful Ph.D. education and research career, anywhere in the world. Environmental Scientists are needed in numerous sectors of society, for example as environmental or sustainability specialists in the private sector and at Non-Governmental-Organisations (NGOs), as well as at government agencies.

The programme employs a variety of learning activities, including lectures, individual and group assignments, field excursions/sampling campaigns, laboratory work, seminars, discussions and workshops and presentations. The programme will also introduce students to several relevant agencies in society handling environmental issues.

The programme is structured so that the first year consists of compulsory courses, while the second year is dedicated to a degree project of 30, 45 or 60 credits depending on the student's choice, with the possibility of also taking optional courses.

Year 1

Year 2

Autumn semester

Degree project; choose between 60, 45 and 30 credits degree project:

Optional courses:

Climate Change Solutions (MI2006) (7.5 credits)

Decision-making and Environmental Risks (MI8025) (7.5 credits)

Air Quality - from emissions to impacts (MI7026) (7.5 credits)

Data Analysis and Model Evaluation Tools in Environmental and Climate Science (MI7025) (7,5 credits)

Spring semester

Degree project 30 - 60 credits
Environmental Science, Degree Project (MI9006) (30 credits)
Environmental Science, Degree Project (MI9007) (45 credits)
Environmental Science, Degree Project (MI9008) (60 credits)

Each semester is divided into 4 parts: A, B, C and D. Read more about term dates.





Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply

Apply online

Create an account and submit your online application via the central Swedish application site universityadmissions.se and pay the application fee/document fee exemption.

First admission round
The first admissions round is specifically for international students

Second admission round
The Second admission round is an alternative for students from EU/EEA countries as they do not need a residence permit. Non-EU/EEA students will most likely not have enough time to obtain their permit before the start of the semester.

A successful admissions process depends a lot on meeting deadlines. Read more about imortant dates

Selection process

Additional eligibility criteria

Selection criteria:

Relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme and motivation letter

 

Reply to your admission offer!

First admission round:

You have to actively accept the seat you have been offered. To confirm that you wish to keep your place, send an email to admission@aces.su.se. If you don't do that by the deadline, you will lose the place that you've been offered.

Second admission round:

If you applied to the Second round, you must reply to your admissions offer at Universityadmissions.se by the deadline in second part of July.

Required supporting documentation

For the Master’s programmes in Environmental Science please attach a motivation letter.

You also need to provide documention of all of your previous higher education studies. This means you need to provide documentation of your completed degree(s), and transcripts with courses and grades.
You also need to show you meet the English requirement. Some applicants meet the requirement based on previous studies, while others demonstrate their English ability by submitting English test results.

Much of what you need to submit – and how – is based on where you completed your studies. Read more on universityadmissions.se.




Meet our teachers

Professor Ian Cousins

Ian is one of the teachers on the Master's programme in Environmental Science. His research comprises a combination of experimental and modelling approaches to investigate the sources, transport, fate and exposure of contaminants. In recent years, much of his research has focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

More about Ian Cousins

Forever Chemicals - PFAS contamination in Europe far more widespread than previously reported – Q&A with Professor Ian Cousins on the findings of the Forever Pollution Project. Read the article on our website.

PFAS contamination in Europe far more widespread than previously reported


Meet our alumni

Miranda Nilsson

For Miranda Nilsson, finding employment after her studies was a breeze. Her internship during the final year of her master's program in environmental science led to a permanent position as an environmental consultant once her thesis was completed. Read more about Miranda here