The Sustainable Development Lab is an interdisciplinary, project-based programme where students from different Master’s programmes collaborate on real-world sustainability challenges. The programme combines problem-based learning (PBL), systems thinking and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), providing a strong foundation for working with complex, real-life problems. 

Central to the programme are the ESD competences, including systems thinking, anticipatory, normative, strategic, collaborative and critical thinking competences. These are explored through workshops, lectures and project work, and translated into concrete analytical and practical approaches.

Students engage with external partners such as municipalities, companies and NGOs, grounding their work in authentic cases. Through iterative project work and supervision, the programme supports the integration of different disciplinary perspectives into shared problem-solving processes.

The Sustainable Development Lab is a full-time, 30 ECTS semester programme placed in the 3rd semester of the Master’s programme. The programme requires active participation in all key activities, including workshops, seminars, supervision and collaboration with external partners.

Students are expected to engage in interdisciplinary group work and contribute actively to shared learning processes across different academic backgrounds.

The semester begins in early September with an intensive introduction period, including workshops, group formation and visits to external partners. This is followed by a limited number of lectures and two midterm seminars, where project progress is presented and discussed with supervisors and peers.

The majority of the semester is dedicated to project work carried out in groups, supported by supervision. The final project is submitted at the end of December, followed by an oral exam in January.

In SD-Lab, you develop key competences needed to address complex sustainability challenges in interdisciplinary settings. You will strengthen your ability to work with systems thinking, anticipatory and strategic thinking, as well as normative reflection and critical analysis.

A central part of the programme is learning to collaborate across disciplines. You will gain experience in integrating different academic perspectives while also learning to communicate and translate your own disciplinary knowledge to others. This not only strengthens your interdisciplinary capabilities, but also deepens your understanding of your own field.

You will also develop strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills through working with external partners, preparing you to navigate complex, real-world problem contexts.

The competences developed in SD-Lab are highly relevant across sectors working with sustainability and the green transition. Graduates are equipped to work in roles that require interdisciplinary collaboration, analytical thinking and stakeholder engagement.

Possible career paths include positions in municipalities, consultancies, NGOs, private companies and innovation or development units working with sustainability, circular economy, urban development and societal transformation.

With the ability to integrate knowledge across disciplines, translate complex ideas and work with real-world challenges, graduates are well-prepared for roles that require coordination, facilitation and strategic problem-solving in sustainability contexts.