Master of Environment & Development in Livelihoods & Governance

University of Copenhagen
Environment & Development in Livelihoods & Governance
Masters
Physical Science & Math
Public University
Denmark

Livelihoods and Governance is the social-science specialisation within the two-year, 120 ECTS MSc in Environment and Development at the University of Copenhagen in Copenhagen. It examines how people’s livelihoods are connected to environmental resources and how those resources are governed, with particular attention to lower-income countries. Interdisciplinary core courses are taught in nine-week blocks and include fieldwork abroad with local partners. This specialisation page could not be opened separately, so the description relies on the parent programme page, which does not state the language of instruction.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Copenhagen
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	01-September,15-January,
Fee Per Year	130000
Application Fee	750
Currency	dkk
Intake Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Deadline Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	Unless you apply with a bachelor's degree which provide legal right of admission, you must document that you fulfil the language requirements. English language requirement When you apply for admission to a master's degree programme, you must document your English language proficiency, which means you must have passed English (level A or B) at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (MyBest scores are not accepted): Minimum 83 with at least 20 in each subscore, IELTS Academic, IELTS Online (One Skill Retake are not accepted): 6.5 with at least 6 in each subscore, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE/CP1),Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE/CP2): 180 (C1-level), Danish language requirement If you apply for admission to a master's degree programme taught in Danish, you must have acquired Danish language skills prior to admission equivalent to level A Danish at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example the study test (studieprøven).

Who can Choose this program?

A recognized bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years, ideally 4 years) from an HEC-recognized Pakistani university in a relevant field such as: Environmental Science, Environmental Management Development Studies, International Development Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography Economics (with environmental/development focus) Political Science, Public Policy Sociology, Anthropology Natural Resource Management Agricultural Economics Sustainability Studies

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	The page offers no explicit career list, so prospects are implied by the content. Graduates learn to analyse livelihoods, governance and environmental justice, and to evaluate impacts, which suits roles in development agencies, NGOs, public administration, policy analysis and consultancy dealing with environment and development. Training in qualitative and quantitative methods and extended fieldwork supports research and evaluation work, and the project in practice offers a way to build contacts with organisations. Student interviews linked on the programme page give examples of what graduates do.
Program entry requirement	To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor’s degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal. Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal. Bachelor programmes that fulfil the academic requirements You meet all academic requirements if you hold one of the degrees listed below. Learn about when and how to apply. Note, however, that you still need to document that you meet the programme's language requirements. From University of Copenhagen Agricultural Economics/Environmental and Food Economics Animal Science Anthropology Biochemistry Biology Biotechnology Economics Food and Nutrition Forestry and Landscape Engineering Geography and Geoinformatics Natural Resources Political Science Sociology From Aarhus University Anthropology Biology Biotechnology engineering (civilingeniør) Plant- and Food Science Politics and Economics Political Science Economy From University of Southern Denmark Biology Chemistry and Biotechnology Political Science Economy From Roskilde University Environmental Biology TekSam International Studies Geography Economy
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. GRE scores are not listed as an admission requirement; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT Required	No. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application Process	Application Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditation	The University of Copenhagen holds a positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (decision of February 2025, valid until 2031), so its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised within the Danish higher education system. The programme page lists no separate programme-specific accreditation.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process Details	Visa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the MSc in Environment and Development at the University of Copenhagen?

To apply for admission, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor's degree or a similar Danish or international degree assessed to be relevant. Additionally, you need to document English or Danish language proficiency, depending on the language of instruction for your master's program.

What is the application process for the master's program at the University of Copenhagen?

The application process requires the submission of several documents, including a completed application form, academic transcripts, a passport, ID photo, CV, letter of motivation, proof of language proficiency, and proof of financial support, among others.

What are the living expenses for international students in Denmark?

Living expenses typically range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 per month. Copenhagen is particularly expensive, so students should prepare for a significant initial cash layout for rent and other upfront costs.

Can international students work while studying in Denmark?

Yes, non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during the semesters and full-time during the summer months of June, July, and August. A CPR number, tax card, and bank account are required for employment.

Are there post-study work opportunities for graduates of the University of Copenhagen?

Yes, graduates can obtain a 3-year job-seeking permit, allowing them to continue working part-time while searching for a full-time role. Once they secure a professional job, they can transition to a regular work permit.