BIP Sustainable Futures: Eco-Fiction and the Power of Imagination

This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) invites students to explore the intersections between literature, ecology, climate science, and sustainability.

Through the use of eco-fiction and speculative narratives as “thought laboratories”, students will learn the power of language and story to imagine possible, probable, and desirable futures shaped by climate change and societal transformation. Bringing together critical theory, creative writing, and participatory dialogue, the BIP offers hands-on collaboration in an international, interdisciplinary setting. Staff and students will develop their skills in pedagogic and teaching methods as well as how to lead interdisciplinary courses with a focus on peer-to-peer learning and the involvement of authors and other practitioners. These skills are transferable to participants’ own teaching and can support the training of other educations at their respective universities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

Critically analyse eco-literature as a tool for environmental education and awareness.
Apply speculative fiction methods to explore climate change scenarios and sustainability transformations.
Demonstrate collaborative competencies in international, interdisciplinary teams.
Produce creative and critical outputs (stories, essays, poetry, or multimedia) addressing ecological futures.
Critically reflect on values, agency, and cultural perspectives in shaping sustainable futures.
Transfer these skills to their own teaching and contribute to the training of other teachers at their respective universities.

Practical information

Applicants can be: Master’s students and teachers in literature, environmental studies, education, or related fields.

Schedule pdf, 244.2 kB.
Course Literature pdf, 50.7 kB.
Syllabus pdf, 88.1 kB.

Tuition fee: free of charge for students registrerad in EU GREEN University or University in other EES country.

Duration: April – December 2026

Study period and scope:

Virtual Phase (April–May 2026, ~40h): Online lectures, readings, group work, creative writing workshops.
Onsite Summer School Retreat (May 2026, 5 days, ~60h): Intensive seminars, author-led labs, campus-as-living-lab activities, group project presentations.
Follow-up & Dissemination (June, Sept–Dec 2026, ~80h): Final creative outputs, reflection essays, online symposium, publication of student works.

Language of instruction: English.

ECTS for participation in the programme: 7 ECTS credits

Deadline for application: March 14

How to apply

Applicants should complete the application form linked below by March 14

Apply here Länk till annan webbplats.

Financial support

An Erasmus+ Short Mobility Grant may be available for students travelling to Gävle to participate in the BIP. Contact the Erasmus+ Mobility Officer at your home university to determine whether funding is available.

Selected students from the University of Gävle will not be eligible for financial support as they will not be travelling to participate in this BIP but are welcome to apply to join the BIP.

Coordinating University: University of Gävle (Sweden)