MERGED Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Global Environment and Development

The MERGED Erasmus Mundus program is a prestigious two-year master’s degree designed for students who want to address global challenges in environment, agriculture, and development. This program brings together top European universities to provide world-class education, mobility opportunities, and practical experience. With MERGED Erasmus Mundus, students spend their first year in Copenhagen and then move to either Milan or Warsaw in the second year, depending on their chosen track. The program offers a perfect mix of classroom learning, field research, and thesis work, making graduates highly employable in areas like environmental policy, international development, sustainability, and natural resource management.

What makes MERGED Erasmus Mundus unique is its interdisciplinary approach. Students gain knowledge in both natural and social sciences, learning how to link environment and development issues with practical solutions. The program is supported by the Erasmus+ initiative and the 4EU+ alliance, ensuring high academic standards, funding opportunities, and strong global recognition. Whether your interest is in agricultural development, sustainable policies, or environmental law, MERGED Erasmus Mundus prepares you for impactful careers in NGOs, research, government, or the private sector.

Project Status

• Status: Active and running, part of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s initiative
• Start date: 2020
• End date: Ongoing (funding secured until at least 2028)
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme in Global Environment and Development

Description of the MERGED Erasmus Mundus program

The MERGED Erasmus Mundus program is a two-year, 120 ECTS master’s degree in Global Environment and Development. The first year takes place at the University of Copenhagen, where students study interdisciplinary topics covering environment, development, economics, policy, and research methods. In the second year, students choose between two tracks: Agricultural Development at the University of Milan or Sustainable Environmental Development at the University of Warsaw. The program includes a thesis based on fieldwork, which gives students the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Key features of the MERGED Erasmus Mundus program

• Interdisciplinary learning across environment, development, economics, agriculture, and law
• First year in Copenhagen; second year in Milan or Warsaw
• Strong focus on field research and empirical data collection
• Two mobility tracks: Agricultural Development or Sustainable Environmental Development
• A master’s thesis worth 30 ECTS based on fieldwork or internship
• Funded through Erasmus Mundus scholarships covering tuition, insurance, and participation costs
• Part of the 4EU+ Alliance, ensuring strong academic and professional networks

Mobility tracks of the MERGED Erasmus Mundus program

• Agricultural Development Track (Milan): Focuses on natural sciences, agriculture, food systems, water management, and agro-environmental challenges.
• Sustainable Environmental Development Track (Warsaw): Focuses on social sciences, sustainability policy, environmental law, institutions, and global justice.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (natural sciences, social sciences, environment, or development)
• Strong academic record and motivation for interdisciplinary studies
• English language proficiency
• Required documents: transcripts, bachelor’s diploma (or proof of completion), recommendation letters, motivation letter, and proof of residence

How to apply for MERGED Erasmus Mundus program

• Applications for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students usually open in November
• Applications for EU/EEA/Switzerland students usually open in January
• Deadlines: mid-January for non-EU/EEA and early March for EU/EEA/Switzerland students
• Submit application through the official portal with all required documents
• Shortlisted candidates receive conditional offers and must accept within a short time frame

Tips to win the MERGED Erasmus Mundus program

• Write a strong motivation letter explaining why MERGED Erasmus Mundus is the best fit for your career goals
• Highlight interdisciplinary experience in both environment and development fields
• Showcase fieldwork, internships, or volunteer work related to sustainability or development
• Secure strong recommendation letters, especially from academics
• Ensure all documents are correct, complete, and submitted early

Application Timeline

Curriculum Structure of the MERGED Erasmus Mundus program

• Year 1 (Copenhagen): Core courses in interdisciplinary environment and development studies, research methods, restricted electives, and fieldwork.
• Year 2 (Mobility tracks):
  • Milan: Focus on agriculture, water, livestock, and agro-food systems
  • Warsaw: Focus on social sciences, environmental law, global justice, and sustainability policies
• Thesis: 30 ECTS research project based on fieldwork or internship experience

Coordinator Contact

• Coordinator: University of Copenhagen (main contact)
• Local Coordinators: University of Milan and University of Warsaw
• General Contact Email: merged@ifro.ku.dk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)