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). 11Associated Partners connect MESPOM students to academic and professional networks in 9 countries of 4 continents.
MESPOM is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degreesupported by the Erasmus Mundus programme of the European Commission.
Programme structure
The MESPOM study programme of 120 ECTS credits lasts 24 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, studentsstudy 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 579 MESPOM students admitted in 2005-2024 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.
