Supported by the European Commission’s Erasmus Mundus Programme
Erasmus Mundus Masters Course in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM)
Starting from 2005/2006, a consortium of four leading European institutions for environmental research and postgraduate education – Central European University (CEU, Hungary), Lund University (Sweden), the University of the Aegean (Greece) and the University of Manchester (UK) – is launching the Erasmus Mundus Masters Course in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management.
MESPOM will prepare students to identify, develop and implement integrated solutions to environmental challenges, especially in an international context. It offers a comprehensive inter- and multi-disciplinary curriculum in environmental studies that challenges students' ability to integrate theory and practice for systematic analysis, holistic understanding, and management of diverse environmental issues in various social settings. In addition to their academic work, students will develop research, communication and other professional skills, learn to orient themselves in European and worldwide networks of environmental institutions and elaborate relevant career objectives and strategies.
MESPOM Consortium
The MESPOM Consortium aims to advance a truly European perspective on environmental studies by combining Nordic, Mediterranean, Western and Central European scholarly and practical traditions and approaches. The Consortium partners have more than 50 years of combined experience in delivering interdisciplinary environmental Masters courses to international students, complementary core competencies (CEU – in environmental policy in transition countries; Lund University – in preventive environmental strategies; the University of Manchester – in pollution control; and the University of the Aegean – in sustainable development of islands and isolated areas) creating a solid platform for a high quality, truly integrated and globally relevant Masters Course. All MESPOM graduates will receive Master of Science (MSc) degrees from CEU, Lund University and the University of Manchester.
MESPOM study programme
The 2-year (120 ECTS) programme is delivered in English and includes three terms of taught courses followed by a fourth research term. The first two terms, taught at CEU, comprise mandatory and elective units focused on legal, economic, and political as well as scientific and technological aspects of key environmental challenges and the society-environment interaction. During the third term students choose between specialised tracks in either preventive environmental strategies in the public and private sector (at Lund University) or environmental sciences and pollution control (at the University of Manchester). Both tracks emphasize hands-on research and practical experience in industries, organizations, and laboratories. During the 4th term, the students conduct their individual research projects and write their Masters theses at any of the four Consortium partners. This is normally combined with internships in international organizations, public authorities, industry or NGOs.
Tuition and financial aid
The MESPOM tuition fee is €8,000 per year1. For high quality candidates from outside the European Union and some other countries2, the European Commission’s Erasmus Mundus programme intends to offer twenty-six scholarships of €21,000 per year.
Application process
MESPOM invites applications from candidates from all countries. Successful applicants must have a good first degree in a subject related to environmental sciences, policy and management, such as biology, geography, chemistry, engineering, management or economics.
Candidates with other first degrees will also be considered if they show commitment to environmental issues, usually through work experience. All candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English. Admission is based on the academic and intellectual excellence of applicants as well as on their motivation and prior experience. In order to create a multicultural learning environment, the Consortium strives to achieve a balance between various geographic and disciplinary backgrounds of MESPOM students. It is envisioned that 80-90% of MESPOM students will come from outside the European Union.
All applicants should fill in CEU and MESPOM on-line application forms (
www.mespom.org) and supply other required documents by the following deadlines:
* February 17, 2005 – on-line application forms to be completed by candidates wishing to take the CEU institutional TOEFL test3 on March 5th, 2005;
* February 25, 2005 – on-line application forms to be completed by other candidates;
* February 25, 2005 – all required documents (electronic versions) to reach MESPOM by e-mail;
* March 15, 2005 – all required documents (paper copies) to reach MESPOM by mail.
The admission process will include a check of eligibility requirements, selection by the MESPOM admission committee, and review by the European Commission of the applications for Erasmus Mundus scholarships. The MESPOM Consortium has a non-discrimination policy stated on its home page and other documents.
Those candidates who have already applied to the Masters’ programmes at the CEU Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy or at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics at Lund University are welcome to apply to MESPOM and may be exempt from requirements to resubmit certain documents.
Additional information:
1 This figure may be subject to change. The fee can be partially waived for a limited number of students from EU and member states and candidate countries.
2 Nationals of all countries in the world other than the 25 EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and the EU candidate countries (Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey) are eligible for Erasmus Mundus scholarships. Details of eligibility are available from the Erasmus Mundus and MESPOM Web sites.
3 Available in certain countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia and Mongolia
www.mespom.org; [email protected] (the address will be active from February 7, 2005).
Erasmus Mundus Masters Course
