Call for Applications 2022-2024

November 23, 2021

Central European University – University of the Aegean – Lund University – University of Manchester – University of Saskatchewan – Monterey Institute for International Studies

Coordinated by Central European University
www.mespom.eu, coordinator@mespom.eu

The MESPOM Consortium of six universities – Central European University (Austria and Hungary), Lund University (Sweden), the University of Manchester (UK),and the University of the Aegean (Greece) – is inviting applications for the Joint Master Degree in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) for studies in 2022-2024.

Overview

Since 2005, MESPOM has prepared its students for solving complex environmental sustainability problems, especially in an international context. It offers a multi-and inter-disciplinary curriculum that challenges students to integrate theory and practice for rigorous analysis and effective management of environmental issues in various social settings. In addition to their academic work, students acquire research, communication and other cross-cutting skills, engage with real-life practice in business, government, non-profit and academia, learn to orient themselves in European and worldwide networks of environmental professionals, and develop effective career strategies.

MESPOM partners provide a cohesive programme which exposes students to diversity of geographic perspectives (including Scandinavian, Mediterranean, and British) and complementary professional competences (policy, management and science). 18 Associated Partners connect MESPOM students to academic and professional networks in 15 countries of 4 continents.

Programme structure

The MESPOM study programme of 120 ECTS credits lasts 22 months. The fall and winter terms of the first year are hosted by Central European University (CEU, Vienna) and include an introductory module followed by advanced elective courses on contemporary environmental sustainability challenges and cross-cutting competencies. The spring term is hosted by the University of the Aegean (Lesvos, Greece) and includes environmental science courses related to land, water and ecosystems management as well as sustainable tourism. In summer, students take internships supervised by MESPOM faculty and hosted by Associated Partners or other organisations.

During the fall term of the second year, students study at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics at Lund University (Sweden) focusing on Environment, Industry and Products or at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences of the University of Manchester (UK) focusing on Environment and Pollution Control. Students spend the 4th (thesis) term at any of the Consortium partners according to their academic and professional interests. Throughout their studies, MESPOM students specialise in cutting-edge topics such as sustainable energy and climate change, biodiversity and conservation, urban sustainability, sustainable consumption and production, and environmental security and justice.

MESPOM Students

In order to create a diverse and stimulating learning environment, MESPOM strives to achieve a balance between geographic and disciplinary backgrounds of its students. The 501 MESPOM students admitted in 2005-2021 come from over 70 countries of five continents.

Career opportunities

MESPOM alumni work in governments, the UN, academia, industry and the non-profit sector worldwide. Many have chosen to return to their home countries whereas others have stayed in Europe, including for pursuing PhD degrees. The careers of selected MESPOM graduates are described on the MESPOM website.

Financial aid

MESPOM offers several forms of financial assistance, including partial tuition fee waivers and living stipends for outstanding students.

Entry requirements

MESPOM invites applicants from all countries. Successful applicants must have a good first degree (a Bachelor or analogue) in a subject related to environmental sciences, policy or management, in the natural or social sciences, engineering or management. Candidates with other first degrees will also be considered if they show commitment to environmental challenges, usually through voluntary or professional work. All applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English. Admission to MESPOM is highly competitive andis based on the academic and intellectual excellence of applicants as well as their motivation and prior experience.

Central European University organizes the application process on behalf of the MESPOM Consortium. All applications for the 2022-2024 study period should be submitted online, along with the necessary documents, by the following deadlines:

February 1, 2022: For individuals applying for financial aid
March 15, 2022: For self-financing applicants who are citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA area and require a study visa
August 15, 2022: For self-financing applicants who are citizens of EU/EEA countries

More information on the eligibility and application process can be found here.

Application materials must be submitted via the online application form of CEU.

Contact and additional information

Additional information is available on www.mespom.eu or by writing to the MESPOM Consortium Coordinator (coordinator@mespom.eu). Interested candidates are encouraged to use the Facebook group ‘Study at MESPOM’ to find answers to their questions about the programme.