Study field
Social sciences
Degree
Master of Social Sciences
Credits
120 ECTS credits
Duration
2 years
Language
English
Study type
Degree studies
Form of study
Contact teaching
Location
Lappeenranta
When to apply
Regular admission
15 December 2025–21 January 2026 at 15:00 (UTC+2)
Early admission
1–8 October 2025 at 15:00 (UTC+3)
Only with degrees from outside of Finland.
Tuition fee
EUR 15,000/academic year for students from outside the EU/EEA. No tuition fees for EU/EEA students.
Additional info
Application fee of EUR 100 for students from outside the EU/EEA.
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Climate change, biodiversity loss, and other ecological crises pose profound challenges to social, political, and economic relations – both locally and globally. 

Critical systems such as energy, water, food, transport, and digital infrastructures are molded by social practices, corporate strategies and innovation, and political decision-making. As these systems depend on our fragile planet, they must become more sustainable, just, and equitable. Addressing this challenge is at the heart of the programme.  


Interdisciplinary perspectives 

This programme combines social science perspectives on technology and the environment with a focus on governance, social practices, sustainability transformation, and the energy transition. You will learn to analyse how technology, science, and society influence each other, and how infrastructures and critical systems can be transformed to meet sustainability goals. 

The programme emphasises 

  • the social analysis of sustainability transitions and sociotechnical systems;
  • governance, politics, and policy in domains such as energy, food, water, and digital infrastructures;
  • the roles of consumption, production, and public participation in advancing change;
  • interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge, cooperation, and innovation. 
     
     
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What will you learn in the programme?

By graduation, you will have

  • the ability to critically analyse the social shaping of science, technology, and infrastructures;
  • interdisciplinary knowledge of the sustainability transformation, innovation, and governance;
  • skills to work with companies, policymakers, NGOs, and citizens to address sociotechnical challenges;
  • a strong academic foundation for understanding and managing just sustainability transformations.

Through real-life cases and collaboration with companies and other stakeholders, you will also build practical skills and professional networks. 
 

Degree structure and studies

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The Master's Programme in Technology, Environment and Societal Change is a two-year programme. It leads to the degree of Master of Social Sciences, M.Soc.Sc., which is 120 ECTS credits.

The programme includes core, advanced specialisation, language and multidisciplinary studies on critical systems of society as well as a master’s thesis. Read more in this academic year’s curriculum

 

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Career prospects

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As a graduate, you will be prepared for a wide variety of expert and leadership roles in sustainability, policy, and technology governance. 

 

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Possible careers in corporations, NGOs, and academia might be a researcher (academic or applied), corporate sustainability manager, sustainability consultant, environmental or sustainability policy specialist, public relations manager with a focus on sustainability, policy or environmental officer in government or NGOs.

You will also have a firm basis for doctoral studies in the field of social sciences.
 

See also

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