This translation is for information purposes only. In the event of discrepancies, the Swedish-language version takes precedence.
Sustainable Development, Masters Program, 120 Credits
Arbetsintegrerad hållbar utveckling, masterprogram, 120 Högskolepoäng
Programme code: SAWIS
Higher education qualification: Degree of Master of Arts (120 credits) in work-integrated learning, with a specialization in sustainable work
Cycle: Second cycle
Established: 2025-10-15
Established by: School of Business, Economics and IT
Applies for: Programme start autumn 2026
Entry requirements
Bachelor degree, 180 credits or equivalent. Verified knowledge of English corresponding to the course English 6 or English level 2 in the Swedish Upper Secondary School or equivalent.
Language of instruction
The teaching is conducted in English
Other regulations
A student who has been admitted to a programme with this programme syllabus is guaranteed a place on courses according to the study plan below, provided that the student follows the programme according to the study plan. The study plan and its courses may however be subject to change, within the framework of the qualitative targets, when revisions of education plans and syllabi are being made. Should the programme involve choosing a specialization, the student is guaranteed a place on courses concerning the chosen specialization.
National qualitative targets
Scope
A Degree of Master (120 credits) is awarded after the student has completed the courses required to gain 120 credits with a defined specialisation determined by each higher education institution itself, of which at least 60 credits are for specialised study in the principal field (main field of study) of the study programme. In addition the prior award of a Degree of Bachelor, a Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, a professional or vocational qualification of at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad is required.
The requirement of the prior award of a qualification may be waived for a student admitted to the programme without the basic entry requirement in the form of a qualification. This does not, however, apply if a waiver was granted during admission pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 28 of Chapter 7 on the grounds that the qualification had not yet been issued.
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
- demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
- demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
- demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
- demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
- demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
- demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
- demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
- demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Independent project (degree project)
A requirement for the award of a Degree of Master (120 credits) is completion by the student of an independent project (degree project) for at least 30 credits in the main field of study. The degree project may comprise less than 30 credits, however no less than 15 credits, if the student has already completed an independent project in the second cycle for at least 15 credits in the main field of study or the equivalent from a programme of study outside Sweden.
Miscellaneous
Specific requirements determined by the each higher education institution itself within the parameters of the requirements laid down in this qualification descriptor shall also apply for a Degree of Master (120 credits) with a defined specialisation.
Courses that the study programme comprises
HTH600 | History and Theory of Sustainability | 15 hp | A1N | Social Science
AIL601 | WIL in Theory and Practice | 15 hp | A1N | Work Integrated Learning
TFM700 | Applied Research Methods | 15 hp | A1F | Civics
PHP700 | Paradoxes and Sustainability Practices | 15 hp | A1F | Social Science
EXA920 | Thesis: WIL with a Specialization in Sustainable Development | 30 hp | A2E | Work Integrated Learning
Elective courses within programme
Of the program's mandatory courses, you can choose one 15 credits option from the courses below:
FPP600 | From Problem To Prototype: Work-Integrated Learning Through Collaborative Problem Solving | 15 hp | A1N | Work Integrated Learning
FOP600 | Research Internship | 15 hp | A1N | Work Integrated Learning
Optional courses within programme
The program contains 15 credits of optional courses. You can choose from the courses below, but you can also take other courses within or outside of University West, in Sweden or abroad, where the course objectives do not overlap with the courses in the degree.
A choice between the courses Research Internship 15 credits and From Problem to Prototype: Work-Integrated Learning through Collaborative Problem Solving 15 credits is mandatory, see Elective courses within the program. In addition to this choice, an additional 15 credits can be chosen as electives from the courses below:
LIS600 | Literature Review – A Structured Reading With Supervision | 15 hp | A1N | Social Science
AIL612 | WIL: Reflection and Portfolio | 15 hp | A1N | Work Integrated Learning
Preliminary course of study
The course of study presents the order and when in time courses in a programme are given. To see the programmes preliminary course of study, see hv.se.
Entry requirements within the programme
In order to start the course Thesis: WIL with a Specialization in Sustainable Development (30 credits), the completion of 60 credits of program courses are required, including the course Applied Research Methods (15 credits).
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) has been a part of University West ever since it was founded and is our overarching profile. Our programmes, research, and collaborations all feature a WIL element, and it permeates all that we do here. Together with our collaborators, who come from private, public, and civic areas of society, we develop and exchange knowledge that will lead to a sustainable world. As a student at University West, you will encounter work-integrated learning in several ways. This may be, for example, in the classroom or lecture hall, in your practical work, or in something you are involved in outside of the university setting. WIL clearly integrates theory and practice. The advantage of WIL is that you earn an academic degree while also gaining work experience, make contacts, and acquire practical competence. You are better equipped for employment, and are prepared for life-long learning, new insights, and cutting-edge research. WIL is part of our programmes and takes on various forms as we continue to develop our methods of integrating theory and practical knowledge.