Tartu universities offer a joint master’s programme in environmental management

In autumn 2021, first students start their studies in the joint English-taught master’s programme “Environmental Governance and Adaptation to Climate Change” by the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the University of Tartu. The joint international curriculum focuses on tackling challenges resulting from climate change and covers a broad range of subjects from politics and legislation to information technology and science. 

Waste issues, water shortage and environmental changes caused by global warming are all a harsh reality that we increasingly have to face. In the context of adaptation to climate change, the world needs more specialists who can find solutions to global problems that are suitable for different social groups: governments, entrepreneurs and individuals.

“We want to teach active young people who feel they have the ambition to achieve something in the modern world of change. With us, they will learn to shape the mentality of the humankind and change it towards a more sustainable global economy,” explained the programme leader Kalev Sepp, Professor of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Sepp says the international curriculum allows meeting like-minded people and top-level specialists from all over the world.

The new joint curriculum brings together the competence of the University of Tartu and the Estonian University of Life Sciences in the field of environmental management and its design stems from the recommendations of former and current students and the needs of employers. The curriculum is flexible and versatile to help each student find their strengths and interests. For example, already in their first year, students can specialise in a narrower subject area of the environment, such as climate, remote sensing or circular economy, to focus their studies on the topic that drives them the most. “We also offer numerous opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical classes, fieldwork and group projects to get an idea of working in the field of environmental management,” Kalev Sepp added.

The curriculum consists of four main modules and its courses are divided across four semesters. The two years include the best, most exciting and most relevant courses offered by the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the University of Tartu, covering a wide range of topics from the ecosystem and environmental law to climate and hydrodynamics. In this regard, every piece of knowledge in the area of environmental management is important for success. Graduates will receive a joint diploma from the two universities.

The master’s programme is subject to tuition fee, but five tuition-waiver scholarships are available for Estonian students with outstanding study results. One tuition-waiver scholarship is available for a citizen of another European Union member state.

The application period lasts from 1 February to 31 May; Estonian students can also apply in June. Studies start on 1 September. More detailed information about the curriculum, scholarships and application requirements is available on the website of the Estonian University of Life Sciences.

Further information:
Kairi Põldsaar, Programme Director at the University of Tartu, 583 3832, kairi.poldsaar@ut.ee
Kalev Sepp, Programme Leader at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Professor, 510 0678, kalev.sepp@emu.ee