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The 2-year (120 ECTS credits) MESPOM programme is delivered in English and includes three semesters of taught courses followed by a fourth research semester.
Semesters 1 and 2: Central European University in Vienna, Austria (CEU) and University of the Aegean in Lesvos, Greece (UAegean)
Semester 3: One of two specialized tracks: 1) IIIEE at Lund University in Lund, Sweden (LU) or 2) SEAES at the University of Manchester, in Manchester, U.K. (UoM)
Semester 4: individual thesis research based at any of the 4 consortium partners.
Overview of the Study Programme
The first year (Semesters 1 (Fall) and 2a (Winter)) is hosted by Central European University with contributions from Lund University and the University of Manchester. Under the overarching theme 'environmental transitions and social change', this period includes mandatory and elective units focusing on scientific, technological, economic and political aspects of environmental challenges and the society-environment interaction. Please visit the CEU online course hub for more details.
Semester 2b (Spring), Land, Water, Ecosystems, is hosted by the University of the Aegean on the Island of Lesvos. It includes courses on biodiversity, water, waste and land management including GIS and modelling tools.
Summer Internships (August, 4 ECTS credits). MESPOM students undertake internships with MESPOM Associated Partners or other organisations supervised and evaluated by MESPOM faculty. During their internships the students can also be hosted by at Central European University's campus in Vienna, Austria.
During Semester 3 (the first half of the second year) students choose between specialised tracks in either environmental strategies in the public and private sector (at IIIEE, Lund University) or environmental sciences and pollution control (at the SEAES, University of Manchester). Both tracks emphasize hands-on research and practical experience in industries, organizations and laboratories.
In Semester 4 (the second half of the second year), students undertake individual thesis research. They can choose to be hosted at any of the MESPOM Consortium partners. The topics of student research are closely linked to areas of research excellence of MESPOM Universities. Often, students combine their research projects with academic or professional internships. The research results in a Master’s thesis which is jointly examined by the MESPOM Consortium partners.
At the end of the fourth Semester, the students come back to Vienna for a one-week Capstone meeting. During this week they take part in the thesis presentations and the graduation ceremony.
Semester 3 specialized tracks:
understanding the experience of separate 3rd semester tracks (Lund University and University of Manchester) and other consortium partners
To apply for the MESPOM class of 2019 and further years, applicants will now pre-select a track to be accepted at the University of Manchester or Lund University for the third semester. (In previous years, students indicated their preference and were accepted to one track or the other only after starting their studies at Central European University.)
Applicants from 2019 are able to submit two applications and apply for either one or both tracks and it is recommended that all applicants gain a good understanding of the difference between the two tracks offered.
If an applicant is applying for both mobility tracks (Lund and Manchester), it is important that the applicant explains which of the two is her/his preferred option!
Comparison: Basic Information on Consortium Partners
Below is a basic comparison of the experience at each partner in the MESPOM consortium. More information on each area of comparison can be found throughout the website. With more specific questions, please review all sections of the website or contact coordinator@mespom.eu. We are also happy to put applicants in touch with current students and alumni to gain more insights.
Summary of Semesters 1-3
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Semester One and Two |
Semester Three |
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Budapest, Hungary (from 2020 Vienna, Austria): one of the most impressive historic European cities within an easy reach of all European capitals |
Lesvos, Greece: small town and semi-rural, island community |
Lund, Sweden: university town in southern Sweden, bordering rural areas but close to urban areas e.g. Copenhagen |
Manchester, UK |
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Academic institution |
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Academic track |
Introductory module. Environmental transition and social change |
Land, water, ecosystems |
Environment, economy, industry
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Pollution and environment control |
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Accommodation |
Some student housing options and many affordable private renting options |
Support by University of Aegean to find private accommodation |
Guaranteed student housing or private renting options |
Guaranteed student housing or private renting options |
Basic Comparison: Semester 3 Tracks
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Academic Tracks 3rd semester |
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Aim of the track |
Equip students with knowledge and skills necessary to prepare and implement environmentally-relevant management decisions at business and policy level.
“Environmental management and decision-making in business and policy” |
Understanding the effects of pollution on marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems and human health, the management of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes and pollution abatement and research.
“Effects of pollution on ecosystems and human health, pollution abatement research and waste management”
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Academic structure |
3 mandatory units (respectively 9, 6, 6 & 9 ETCS credits). More in-class and structured learning time. |
3 mandatory units equivalent to 15 ETCS and additional elective 15 credits. More independent study time. |
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Mandatory courses |
Environmental Management in Organizations (9), Integrated Product Policy (6), Applied Research in Preventative Environmental Approaches (6), Strategic Environmental Development (9) |
Pollution Damage to Human Health and Ecosystems, Research Methods and Analytical Techniques in Environmental Science, Thesis Research Preparation Module + 1 elective |
If you want to preview selected MESPOM courses from the MESPOM e-learning site, please request log-in information.
The MESPOM study programme is regularly reviewed and endorsed by the Academic Board and by relevant bodies of all Consortium partners.