
The Master’s Programme in Global Environmental History is a two-year, full-time on-campus program that explores the historical relationship between humans and the environment on a global scale. The program examines how societies have interacted with natural systems over time, focusing on environmental change, resource use, and sustainability challenges. Students engage with interdisciplinary approaches that combine history, ecology, and environmental studies to understand long-term ecological transformations and their social impacts.
Graduates develop strong historical insight, environmental awareness, and analytical research skills, preparing them for careers in academia, environmental policy, sustainability consultancy, and international organizations. Uppsala University offers a research-intensive environment that encourages a deep understanding of global environmental change and its historical roots.
Semester 1 – Foundations of Environmental History
• Introduction to Environmental History
• Human Impact on the Environment
• Environmental Movements in Global History
• Research Methods in Environmental History
Semester 2 – Historical Perspectives on Environmental Change
• Environmental History and Colonialism
• Climate Change and Historical Events
• Conservation and Environmental Policy in History
• Elective Modules in Environmental History
Semester 3 – Specialized Global Environmental History Studies
• Global Environmental Crises and Responses
• The Industrial Revolution and Environmental Change
• Environmental History of the Americas, Europe, and Asia
• Fieldwork/Research Project in Environmental History
Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis & Final Project
• Independent Research / Thesis
• Global Environmental Policy and History
• Final Presentation & Research Evaluation
Graduates of the Global Environmental History Master’s program can pursue careers in environmental research, history education, policy analysis, and heritage management. With expertise in historical environmental changes and their impacts, alumni often find roles in government agencies, environmental NGOs, research institutes, and cultural heritage organizations. The increasing recognition of environmental history's importance in shaping modern policy makes this field highly relevant for addressing current global challenges.
The Global Environmental History program offers students the opportunity to explore the historical roots of environmental issues and their global impact. Students will analyze how societies have interacted with the environment over time, gaining insights into the long-term consequences of human activity. The program combines history with environmental studies, preparing graduates to work in academia, policy analysis, and environmental advocacy, where they can contribute to sustainable development and conservation efforts.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +46 18 471 00 00
Email: info@uu.se
Address: Uppsala University, S:t Olofsgatan 10B, 753 11 Uppsala, Sweden