TRACEE Master Stockholm University 2026 Guide

What Is the TRACEE Master Programme

The TRACEE Master programme — short for Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy — is a two-year, 120-ECTS master’s degree coordinated by Stockholm University in Sweden. Launched under the CIVIS European University Alliance, the programme brings together eleven leading research universities across Europe to deliver a genuinely cross-border education in environmental and climate science.

What sets TRACEE apart from conventional environmental master’s degrees is its transdisciplinary design. Rather than confining students to a single discipline, the programme deliberately integrates perspectives from natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and law. This means you will study atmospheric chemistry alongside environmental policy, explore the philosophical roots of ecological thinking, and learn how legal frameworks shape energy transitions — all within the same degree.

The programme targets students who already hold a solid disciplinary background and want to develop the integrative skills required to tackle complex sustainability challenges. Whether you envision a career in climate policy, renewable energy research, environmental consulting, or transdisciplinary academia, TRACEE provides the intellectual toolkit and the international network to get there. The 2026 edition accepts applications for entry in Autumn 2026, with the first semester always based at Stockholm University’s Department of Environmental Science.

For prospective students exploring European master’s programmes in sustainability, TRACEE sits alongside other highly regarded options. You might also want to explore other university programmes in our guide for a broader comparison of what is available across the continent.

Programme Structure and Curriculum Overview

The TRACEE Master is structured across four semesters, each with a distinct purpose. The first semester is a shared foundation. The middle two semesters provide deep specialisation through one of nine study tracks. The final semester is devoted entirely to the master’s thesis. This architecture ensures that every graduate shares a common transdisciplinary vocabulary while also developing genuine expertise in a chosen field.

Semester 1: The Common Core (30 ECTS)

All students begin at Stockholm University with a single intensive course titled “Climate, Energy and Environment — A Transdisciplinary Perspective.” This 30-ECTS course is divided into five modules. The first module (3 ECTS) introduces systems thinking — its history, central concepts, and applications to complex environmental problems. Modules two and three (9 ECTS each) cover the natural science and social science perspectives respectively. Module four (6 ECTS) dives into environmental humanities, exploring historical, literary, aesthetic, and philosophical dimensions of ecological thought. The final module (3 ECTS) focuses on transdisciplinary research methods, teaching students how to involve societal stakeholders in knowledge production.

Crucially, this core semester is co-created and co-taught by educators from across the entire CIVIS Alliance, including contributions from six African associate partner universities. The result is a genuinely global perspective from day one.

Semesters 2 and 3: Specialisation Through Study Tracks (60 ECTS)

After the common core, students follow one of nine predefined study tracks, each involving mobility to two different partner universities. Every track combines coursework worth 60 ECTS and is designed to deepen expertise in a specific aspect of climate, environment, or energy research. The tracks range from laboratory-intensive options like Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology to field-based programmes like Global Change Biology and policy-oriented tracks like Environmental Social Sciences.

Semester 4: Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

The final semester is dedicated to an independent thesis project worth 30 ECTS. Students may choose to write their thesis at Stockholm University, at one of their track partner universities, or in some cases at the University of Bucharest. The thesis must demonstrate transdisciplinary competence — meaning it should draw on methods and perspectives from multiple disciplines rather than remaining purely within one field.

The 9 Study Tracks Explained

Choosing a study track is the most important decision TRACEE students make during the application process. Each track determines where you will study during semesters two and three, which courses you will take, and which degrees you will ultimately receive. Here is a detailed overview of all nine options.

ST1 — Environmental Humanities and Law takes students to Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg (semester 2) and the University of Bucharest (semester 3). This track covers the political, economic, legal, societal, ethical, and communicative dimensions of environmental challenges. It is ideal for students from law, philosophy, political science, or communications backgrounds who want to apply their skills to sustainability.

ST2 — Environmental Social Sciences routes through the University of Glasgow (semester 2) and the University of Bucharest (semester 3). It emphasises socio-ecological transformations in a globalised world and includes a compulsory placement course with governmental bodies or community organisations. This is the track for sociologists, political scientists, and geographers interested in applied sustainability research.

ST3 — Energy and Matter is based at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (semester 2) and Stockholm University (semester 3). It provides advanced expertise in sustainable energy storage, conversion, and chemistry applications. Note that ST3 requires a bachelor’s in natural science or engineering with at least 30 ECTS in chemistry, plus Spanish at B2 level for the Madrid semester.

ST4 — Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology takes students to Stockholm University (semester 2) and Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (semester 3). This laboratory-intensive track covers environmental analytical chemistry, toxicology, and the chemical processes affecting soils, water, air, and organisms. Admission requires a strong quantitative background including 15 ECTS in chemistry, 6 ECTS in geology, and 15 ECTS in mathematics or statistics.

ST5 — Environmental Geoscience routes through the University of Glasgow (semester 2) and Aix-Marseille Université (semester 3). Students learn to apply digital tools, innovative technologies, and numerical modelling to environmental hazard investigation and monitoring. A bachelor’s in earth sciences, geography, or environmental sciences is required.

ST6 — Climate Change Science is based at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (semester 2) and Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen (semester 3). It covers remote sensing, atmospheric science, geophysics, and ecosystem responses to climate change. Students also gain exposure to renewable energy technologies and climate policy frameworks.

ST7 — Environmental Risk and Mitigation takes students to the Université de Lausanne (semester 2) and Sapienza Università di Roma (semester 3). This track focuses on environmental hazard assessment in mountain and oceanic environments, including field methods, data acquisition, mapping, modelling, and risk reduction strategies.

ST8 — Transdisciplinary Approaches to Climate Change routes through Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg (semester 2) and Université libre de Bruxelles (semester 3). It is the most explicitly transdisciplinary track, building directly on the first semester’s foundations to explore how multiple disciplines can collaborate on climate solutions. Open to bachelor’s graduates from any discipline.

ST9 — Global Change Biology is based at Sapienza Università di Roma (semester 2) and Aix-Marseille Université (semester 3). It combines scientific theory with practical field-based skills in biodiversity conservation, ecological analysis, and statistical modelling. This track suits biology, ecology, and environmental science graduates who want hands-on research experience.

Partner Universities and the CIVIS Alliance

The TRACEE programme is embedded within the CIVIS European University Alliance, one of the flagship alliances funded by the European Commission to build the universities of the future. CIVIS connects eleven research-intensive universities across Europe, and TRACEE leverages this network to offer genuine multi-campus education rather than mere exchange semesters.

The eleven partner universities span the continent: Stockholm University in Sweden coordinates the programme, with Aix-Marseille Université in France, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece, Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, the University of Bucharest in Romania, the University of Glasgow in Scotland, Université de Lausanne in Switzerland, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain, Sapienza Università di Roma in Italy, Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg in Austria, and Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen in Germany completing the consortium.

Beyond Europe, six African associate partners contribute to curriculum delivery: Makerere University in Uganda, Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, Université Hassan II de Casablanca in Morocco, the University of Sfax in Tunisia, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar in Senegal, and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. Their involvement ensures that the programme addresses climate and environmental challenges from a truly global perspective, not just a European one.

Students looking at other multi-university programmes in Europe may also want to consider options listed in our comprehensive university programme directory for additional comparison.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Gaining admission to the TRACEE Master programme requires meeting both general eligibility criteria and study-track-specific prerequisites. The general requirements are straightforward: applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognised university and demonstrate English proficiency at the B2 CEFR level, which corresponds to an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL score of 90. Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree may apply following specific instructions provided by the programme.

Where it gets more nuanced is in the track-specific requirements. Study tracks ST1, ST2, and ST8 accept bachelor’s graduates from any discipline, making them the most accessible entry points. ST3 (Energy and Matter) requires a natural science or engineering degree with at least 30 ECTS in chemistry and Spanish at B2 level. ST4 (Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology) demands 15 ECTS in chemistry, 6 in geology, and 15 in mathematics or statistics. ST5 requires a degree in earth sciences, geography, or environmental sciences. ST6 needs 6 ECTS each in physics, geology, and mathematics/statistics. ST7 and ST9 require a bachelor’s in natural science.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are ranked based on two equally weighted criteria: academic grades from bachelor’s studies (50%) and a motivation letter (50%). This means that even if your grades are not perfect, a compelling and well-structured motivation letter can significantly strengthen your application. The motivation letter should demonstrate your understanding of transdisciplinary research, explain why you chose your preferred study track, and articulate your career goals in the climate and environment sector.

Required Documents

The application package must include a transcript of records, a study track application supplement (which includes the motivation letter), a CV, proof of English proficiency, a copy of your ID or passport, proof of current country of residence (verified via the European Council’s PRADO database), and your bachelor’s diploma or equivalent documentation.

Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens must also pay an application fee of 900 SEK to University Admissions in Sweden. This fee covers all applications for a single intake semester, regardless of how many programmes you apply to.

Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities

The TRACEE programme operates on a tiered fee structure. EU, EEA, and Swiss students pay €2,250 per semester, totalling €9,000 for the full two-year programme. Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students pay €4,500 per semester, or €18,000 in total. These fees cover all compulsory academic activities and include international health and accident insurance. However, travel, food, and accommodation costs are not included and must be budgeted separately.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

The most significant funding opportunity is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) scholarship, which is available to the best-ranked applicants. These prestigious scholarships cover tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, travel costs, and installation costs for the full 24-month programme duration. They are open to students from any country and are among the most competitive graduate scholarships in Europe.

Erasmus+ Mobility Grants

During the first semester at Stockholm University, students can apply for Erasmus+ student mobility grants to support their study track semesters abroad. These grants can cover up to two semesters (from semesters 2, 3, or 4) and provide a monthly stipend to help with living costs at the host university. Stockholm University also operates its own scholarship scheme that TRACEE students may be eligible for.

Mandatory Mobility and International Experience

Mobility is not optional in TRACEE — it is a structural requirement of the programme. Every student must complete at least two mobilities to countries other than their country of residence at the time of enrolment. In practice, this means that even if you are a Swedish resident, you will spend at least two semesters studying in other European countries as part of your study track.

The mobility paths are predefined for each study track, which removes the administrative burden of arranging exchange semesters independently. When you select your study track during the application process, you are simultaneously choosing your mobility destinations for semesters two and three. The thesis semester (semester 4) typically offers more flexibility, with most tracks providing two or three university options.

Special mobility rules apply to students in tracks ST3 and ST4 who reside in the same country as one of their track universities. For example, ST3 students residing in Sweden or Spain must complete their thesis at the University of Bucharest rather than at Stockholm University or UAM. Similarly, ST4 students residing in Germany must go to Bucharest for their thesis. These rules ensure that every student gets genuine international experience regardless of their starting point.

This built-in mobility gives TRACEE graduates a significant advantage in the international job market. By the time you complete the programme, you will have lived and studied in at least three different European countries, built professional networks across multiple academic communities, and developed the cultural agility that employers in international organisations, NGOs, and multinational companies value highly.

Degrees Awarded and Academic Recognition

One of TRACEE’s most distinctive features is its degree structure. Depending on your study track, you will receive either a joint degree or multiple degrees from Stockholm University and your track partner universities. Every graduate receives a Master of Science in Transdisciplinary Environmental Science from Stockholm University. On top of that, partner universities issue their own degrees reflecting the courses completed at their institution.

For instance, ST2 graduates receive three separate degrees: the Stockholm MSc, an International Masters in Environmental Social Science from the University of Glasgow, and a Master in Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on Socio-ecological Transformations from the University of Bucharest. ST4 and ST6 graduates receive joint degrees signed by all three partner universities in their track.

This multi-degree or joint-degree structure provides powerful academic recognition across European higher education systems. It means your qualifications are recognised by multiple national academic frameworks simultaneously, which is particularly valuable if you plan to pursue a PhD or academic career in any of the partner countries. The programme follows the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), ensuring seamless credit recognition across all partner institutions.

Career Outcomes and Research Pathways

The TRACEE programme is designed to prepare graduates for two primary career trajectories: professional roles in climate and sustainability sectors, and transdisciplinary research careers in academia. The programme’s emphasis on integrative thinking, international experience, and methodological breadth makes graduates particularly well-suited for roles that require bridging disciplinary silos.

On the professional side, TRACEE alumni are equipped for positions in international organisations such as the United Nations Environment Programme, the European Environment Agency, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. National environmental agencies, climate policy think tanks, environmental consulting firms, and sustainability departments within corporations also actively seek graduates with transdisciplinary environmental training.

The energy transition sector offers particularly strong demand for TRACEE graduates, especially those who completed tracks ST3 (Energy and Matter) or ST6 (Climate Change Science). As governments and companies accelerate their decarbonisation efforts, professionals who understand both the technical and societal dimensions of energy systems are increasingly valuable.

For those pursuing academic careers, the TRACEE thesis project (30 ECTS) provides a substantial research foundation. Many study tracks include research internship components or placement courses that build practical research skills. The programme’s network of eleven universities also provides a ready-made academic community for PhD applications, with supervisors across the consortium regularly offering doctoral positions to outstanding TRACEE graduates.

You can find more insights on graduate outcomes and programme comparisons in our university programme directory.

How TRACEE Compares to Other Climate Master Programmes

The European higher education landscape offers several strong master’s programmes in climate and environmental studies. What distinguishes TRACEE is the combination of its transdisciplinary framework, its Erasmus Mundus status, and the sheer scale of its university network.

Most conventional environmental master’s programmes remain anchored in a single discipline — either pure natural science, policy studies, or engineering. TRACEE deliberately breaks this pattern by requiring all students to engage with natural science, social science, and humanities perspectives during the common core semester, before specialising in their chosen track. This means that even a student on the laboratory-intensive ST4 track will have studied environmental philosophy and climate communication, while a humanities-focused ST1 student will understand biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem services.

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master status also sets TRACEE apart. This EU label guarantees a level of academic quality, international integration, and scholarship funding that standalone national programmes cannot match. The EMJM scholarships are among the most generous in European higher education, and the joint or multiple degree structure provides unmatched academic recognition.

However, TRACEE is not for everyone. The mandatory mobility requirement means you must be prepared to relocate multiple times during the programme. Students who prefer stability or who have personal commitments that make frequent moves difficult should consider single-institution alternatives. The track-specific admission requirements also mean that some students will need additional preparation — particularly for ST3 (which requires Spanish at B2 level) and ST4 (which demands a strong quantitative background).

For a broader view of the options available, browse our comprehensive collection of university programme guides covering institutions across Europe and beyond.