One of the students who recently started the programme is Antoinette Winter Andrén. She is a qualified teacher and has taken a leave of absence from work to further her education.
– During the pandemic, I started spending much more time outdoors with my pupils and discovered how much teaching can actually be done outdoors. Not just in science subjects, but also in maths, Swedish and English, says Antoinette.
Sara Adolfsson
Her interest in outdoor education continued to grow through several individual courses. When she was looking for the next step in her education, the International Master's Programme in Outdoor and Sustainability Education was a natural choice.
– I was looking for a programme that focuses on outdoor education. What I am passionate about is bringing more movement into teaching, and it is often easier to do that outdoors.
The fact that the programme lasts two years did not affect her decision to apply.
– No, it didn't. I was looking for a programme that focuses on outdoor education, and I felt that this was the right programme for me.
More students chose the programme
In autumn 2026, 32 students enrolled on the programme. The corresponding figures were 21 students in 2025 and 19 in 2024.
– We are very pleased with the interest. What particularly stands out is that an unusually large proportion of those who were offered a place chose to start the programme, says Ola Uhrqvist, programme director.
The number of applicants and places offered was at roughly the same level as in previous years. The difference was that a larger proportion of those admitted enrolled on the programme.
Ola believes that the longer programme may have contributed to the increased interest.
– A two-year master's degree is a stronger qualification, both for those who want to pursue doctoral studies and for those who want to strengthen their opportunities in the labour market.
An international study environment
This autumn's student group consists of students from a large number of countries. Around two-thirds are from Europe, while the rest come from countries including Canada, India, South Korea, China and the United States.
– Meeting people from different countries and educational traditions is one of the most important experiences students gain. It leads to many interesting discussions about learning, sustainability challenges and views of nature in different parts of the world, says Ola.
The longer programme also gives students more time to settle in Sweden and take part in the international study environment.
For Antoinette, the international environment has been an unexpected added benefit.
– It is great to meet people from different countries and learn from their experiences. It almost feels like going on an exchange without leaving home.
New opportunities for deeper study
The extended programme has also created scope for new courses, an internship and greater opportunities for in-depth study.
– We can develop the content in a different way than before. Among other things, new courses are being added, along with more opportunities to explore how natural and outdoor environments can be used as learning environments for sustainable development, says Ola.
A broader perspective on learning
The hope is that, after completing the programme, students will contribute to the development of outdoor and sustainability education through new perspectives on teaching, learning and sustainable development and also share these contributions in a constantly growing alumni network.
– I hope students will develop an approach that encourages them to think broadly about what education can be and how outdoor and sustainability education can contribute to teaching that helps people thrive, feel well and make wise choices, says Ola.
