Overview
Name
BIP Sustainable Futures: Eco-Fiction and the Power of ImaginationApplication Deadline
2026-03-14Programme description
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.
Teaching hours in virtual mode
40.0Teaching hours in presence mode
60.0Learning outcomes
* 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 Details
Academic Year
2026Number of admitted participants
15Coordinating University
University of GävleLanguage of teaching
EnglishECTS credits
7In-presence Component
In-presence component description
Onsite Summer School Retreat (May 2026, 5 days, ~60h): Intensive seminars, author-led labs, campus-as-living-lab activities, group project presentations.
Virtual Component
Virtual component description
Virtual Phase (April–May 2026, ~40h): Online lectures, readings, group work, creative writing workshops.
Assessment
Form of assesssment
Online lectures, readings, group work, creative writing workshops. Intensive seminars, author-led labs, campus-as-living-lab activities, group project presentations.Final creative outputs, reflection essays, online symposium, publication of student works.
Requirements
Academic pre-requisites for applicants
Master’s students and teachers in literature, environmental studies, education, or related fields.