Master [Soil and Water Management] From Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Important areas of future work include the incorporation of the EU water and soil directives in land use planning processes to minimise contamination of surface and ground water and the development of strategies for reducing losses of nitrogen and phosphorus to near coastal zones. Other areas of high relevance are e.g. soil conservation strategies and assessment of soil carbon pools in the perspective of climate change.

Soil/water experts are needed within public authorities from local to national levels as well as within research. Those seeking an international career may join development agencies, research institutes, non-governmental organisations, consultancy firms, governmental or international authorities.

UN's sustainable development goals in the education

SLU's educations creates knowledge which contributes to the goals for sustainable development, both in Sweden and internationally.

This program prepares you for the challenge of developing land and water management while minimising negative impacts on the environment and health. The programme focuses on natural sciences, although you will be trained to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

The use and quality of soil and water resources are intimately linked and must be understood together. The programme provides a comprehensive view of the way soil and water processes interact in a landscape perspective. We explore important pathways for water, nutrients and other elements through soil and plants to the atmosphere or through soil to ground and surface water.

The content of the programme is based on contemporary basic and applied research. You will be trained to evaluate the impacts of agriculture, forestry and urbanisation on soil and water quality and to design and apply proper management methods to achieve important environmental objectives. Case studies from Sweden, other European countries and subtropical/tropical countries are used as teaching tools.

Future

With global change, population growth and more intensive land-use the need for expert knowledge on how to minimize negative impacts on soil and water resources is of key-importance for our survival. This is why the demand for advanced soil/water experts is increasing at different levels within society.

The program at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences provides a suitable background to continue research education towards a PhD-degree within e.g. Soil Sciences or Environmental Assessment at SLU or within similar areas at another university. SLU is hosting several Research Schools e.g. Focus on Soils and Water.