PhD Programme

The LUCSUS PhD programme educates PhD students from different disciplinary backgrounds within the field of sustainability. Our goal is to train rigorous, creative, and empowered future researchers. We have been educating PhD students since 2008, and our programme in Sustainability Science was the first in Europe.

Meet our PhD Students

A PhD in Sustainability Science at LUCSUS means developing expertise in critical thinking and real-world problem-solving in a creative, interdisciplinary, and collegial international atmosphere.

Programme Description

LUCSUS PhD programme educates PhD students for successful careers in academia and society. We provide students with relevant skills to conduct transdisciplinary research in collaboration with partners outside academia, e.g. social movements, civil society, and policy makers. We train our PhD students in research methods, paper writing, ethics, project management, teaching, communication and career development.

Research Environment

LUCSUS has a well-established, diverse and international research environment to support our PhD students through solid science and proven experience. As a PhD student you gain excellent capacities for collaboration and networking, and ample opportunity to hone your scientific methods and skills.

Supportive PhD Community

As a PhD student at LUCSUS you are also welcomed into a close-knit supportive community of students. Each year the students organise different activities to support the PhD thesis work and to build networks and a collegial atmosphere. One such activity are writing retreats to provide uninterrupted time for focused writing in a relaxed environment, allowing students to step away from daily distractions and engage deeply with their writing projects.

Admission and Funding

PhD positions at LUCSUS are announced in connection with specific programmes, such as the Agenda 2030 Research School at Lund University, or research projects funded through grants led by senior researchers at LUCSUS, who supervise PhD students.

• All vacant positions are publicly announced.
• PhD positions are fully funded for the required four years of study.

About Doctoral Studies

Doctoral studies involves a total of four years of full-time study, forming a total of 240 ECTS credits. A programme consists of both courses and thesis, of which the doctoral thesis is to account for at least 120 credits.

• Admitted doctoral students normally get a salaried position.
• This means that they will be employed as staff members and will get a salary whilst undertaking the doctoral studies.
• In return, the doctoral student often provides some departmental or teaching duties.

Facts and Figures

• LUCSUS established the first PhD programme in Sustainability Science in Europe in 2008.
• All positions are fully funded for the required four years of study.
• LUCSUS has a full completion rate. All students admitted to our PhD programmes have completed and defended their thesis within the given time frame.

Director of PhD Studies

Bregje van Veelen, Director of PhD Studies

Research Areas

• Climate Change & Resilience
  • Loss and damage, extremes, and just adaptation
  • Mindsets, culture and behaviour
  • Negative emissions and carbon dioxide removal
• Land Use Governance & Development
  • Perennial agriculture
  • Rural transformations
  • Sustainable European agriculture
• Urban Governance & Transformation
• Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management
  • Biocultural diversity and environmental justice
  • Glacierized ecosystems and societies
• Energy Justice and Sustainability of Energy Systems

Education

• PhD programme
• Master's programme

Lund University

---

Overview:

Lund University is a renowned international university located in Sweden. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees, exchange programs, and doctoral studies. The university is known for its strong research and innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration and excellence.

---

Services Offered:

Lund University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Student services and support:

This includes assistance with IT resources, literature and libraries, study skills, language and academic writing, examination, study guidance and career, grades, credits and certificates, and more.

International Desk:

Offers support for international students.

Student Health Centre:

Provides healthcare services to students.

International opportunities:

Offers exchange programs, traineeships, fieldwork opportunities, summer courses, and grants and scholarships for students seeking international experiences.

Financial matters:

Provides information on tuition payments, banking in Sweden, and scholarships for current students.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lund University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students.

Lund as a student city:

The city of Lund is known for its rich history, cultural activities, and student-friendly atmosphere.

Student organizations:

Students can participate in various student nations, the Academic Society, student unions, and associations.

Sport and exercise:

The university offers opportunities for sports and exercise.

Cultural activities:

Students can engage in a variety of cultural activities.

Faith and spirituality:

The university provides support for students' faith and spirituality.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

International reputation:

Lund University is highly ranked internationally and recognized for its academic excellence.

Diverse academic programs:

Offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines.

Strong research and innovation:

Provides opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

Vibrant student life:

Offers a lively and supportive campus community.

Beautiful and historic location:

Located in the charming city of Lund, with a rich history and cultural heritage.

---

Academic Programs:

Bachelor's and Master's studies:

Offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degree programs in various subject areas, including architecture and design, area studies, business, economics and management, engineering and technology, environment and sustainability, fine and performing arts, humanities and languages, law, medicine and health, science, service management, and social sciences.

Exchange and study abroad:

Provides opportunities for students to study abroad at partner universities.

Doctoral studies:

Offers doctoral programs in various fields.