Climate and Health in a Global Perspective
Course · 5 credits
Description
How do climate change and human health relate to each other? This online course provides an introduction to the global health impacts of climate change. You will learn about the causes of climate change, its effects on health and society, and how we need to adapt to the changing climate.
Course overview
Are you interested in understanding how climate change affects human health and what can be done to mitigate its impact? This course provides a broad introduction to the relationship between climate change and public health, equipping you with knowledge relevant to fields such as healthcare, urban planning, environmental policy and global development.
If you're passionate about climate action and want to understand its impact on global health, this course is for you!
You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round.
What you'll learn
1. The Science Behind Climate Change
- Understand the fundamental causes of climate change.
- Learn how scientists measure global warming and its effects.
2. Health Impacts of Climate Change
- Explore how extreme weather events, air pollution, and food security challenges affect public health.
- Discuss the impact of climate change on both physical and mental health in different socio-economic and geographic contexts.
3. Climate Change and Disease
- Examine how climate change influences the spread of diseases, including vector-borne and waterborne illnesses.
- Understand the links between climate change and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
4. Strategies for Adaptation and Mitigation
- Learn about international efforts, including UN climate initiatives, to combat climate change.
- Explore how different societies can adapt to minimize health risks.
Course Format
This is an online course divided into four modules. Each module includes recorded lectures, readings, discussion forums and multiple-choice exams. You can progress at your own pace, unlocking each module after completing the previous one.
After the course
Are you looking to work at the intersection of climate change and public health? This course provides valuable knowledge that can open doors to careers in various fields, including:
- Healthcare & Public Health – Understanding climate-related health risks is essential for medical professionals, epidemiologists, and public health policymakers.
- Urban Planning & Environmental Policy – Learn how to design climate-resilient cities and shape policies that protect communities from climate-related health challenges.
- Sustainable Development and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) – Many international organizations focus on climate adaptation and health, creating job opportunities in research, advocacy, and project management.
- Food Security & Agriculture – Climate change affects food production and nutrition; this course equips you with insights relevant to sustainable agriculture and food policy.
- Corporate Sustainability & Risk Management – Businesses need experts who understand the health risks of climate change to develop sustainable strategies and resilience plans.
By completing this course, you will gain foundational knowledge that can help you advance in existing roles or pivot into new careers where climate and health intersect.
Course documents
Closed for applications
Application opportunitiesContact
Course Leader
Martin Stafström
Email: martin [dot] stafstrom [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se
Study Advisor
Email: fris_studsoc [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the document deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2025
Mixed-time Lund, part time 25%
In English, distance learning
No mandatory meetings
Study period
1 October 2025 - 18 January 2026
Application
You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round. Find out more: Applying for studies – when to apply
How to apply
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
- Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 17 083
First payment: SEK 17 083
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Global Scholarship programme
The ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Within the framework of the ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ.