Soil and Water Management, MSc

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences

Disciplines:

Earth Sciences
Development & Social Policy and Planning
Soil Science & Soil Ecology
Hydrology & Water Management

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Quick facts

Country:	Sweden	Duration:	24 Months
City:	Uppsala	Start Date:	August
Educational Form:	Taught	Languages:	English
Education Variants:	Full Time
Application Deadline:	January 15

Programme Description

Do you want to develop land and water management to meet the demands of a growing population and to combat environmental pollution? In this program you will be prepared to face the challenge of providing clean water, safe food, wood products and energy while minimizing negative effects on the environment and health.

We are all dependent on the sustainable use of soil and water for our survival and well being. This is why all levels of society from the local municipality to international organisations are active in securing water supply and the production of food, timber, energy and other commodities. The use and quality of the resources soil and water are intimately linked and must be understood together. Thus, the sustainable use of soil and water is a common challenge for professionals in natural science, sociology and economy. The focus in this programme is on natural sciences, although you will be trained to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Future Prospects

This Master´s degree will equip you to work as a soil/water expert at authorities at various levels or at a consultancy firm. Those seeking an international career may join development agencies, research institutes, non-governmental organisations, consultancy firms, government authorities or other institutions.

A further option is to take a PhD at SLU or another university. Examples of importand fields to be further developed include incorporation of the EU water and soil direxctives in land use planning processes and minimising the flow of nitrogen and phosphorus to water.

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The programme provides a comprehensive view of how soil and water processes interact in a landscape perspective. We emphasize important soil functions: a medium for plant roots, soil fauna and microorganisms; a source of nutrients for plants and other biota; a filter in the water cycle. We explore important pathways for water, nutrients and other elements through soil and plants to the atmosphere, or through soil to ground and surface waters.

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. Case studies from Sweden, other European countries and subtropical/tropical countries are used as teaching tools. Previous basic knowledge in any of the topics ecology, geology, physical geography, hydrology or soil science is advantageous.

You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.

Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.

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Requirements

1. Previous studies

SLU require a completed Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), from a university recognized by government or accredited by other recognized organisationaccording to Unesco. Students in their final year of undergraduate education in EU/EES countries may also, if the student meets the general admission requirements, receive a conditional acceptance. Specific requirements for the program applied to must usually be fulfilled by the student at the time of application.

2. Language requirements

We require good knowledge of written and spoken English. Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English. Required results at internationally recognized tests are:

TOEFL computerbased minimum 213
TOEFL internetbased minimum 79
TOEFL paperbased mimimum 550
IELTS score of at least 6,0, no band lower than 5,0
Cambridge CPE or CAE pass

There are four exemptions from providing an English test:

If you are an applicant who have taken your Bachelor degree in a country with English as the official language according to Unesco
If you have taken a 4-year bachelor degree in a former British colony in Africa
If you have taken a 4-year bachelor degree in Pakistan or India, in engineering or science
If you have taken a bachelors degree equivalent to a Swedish bachelors degree, with major in English

Specific requirements

Equivalent to Bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS including 90 ECTS in one of the following subjects:

Biology
Agricultural Science
Soil Science, Geo Science
Environmental Science
Technology

Knowledge corresponding to at least 20 ECTS in Biology and at least 20 ECTS in Chemistry alternative knowledge corresponding to at least 15 ECTS Chemistry, 15 ECTS Biology and 15 ECTS Soil Science or Geo Science is required.