Postgraduate Programmes in the Environment in Europe

Postgraduate Programmes in the Environment

Environment   Land Surveying

If you look up the word environment in the dictionary you get descriptions like 'the setting or condition where a particular activity takes place'. Well that's a pretty broad area of study because studying the environment is different depending on where you are in the world and offers the chance to travel and learn more about the world we live in. It is a truly global subject matter.

Not only that, but studying the environment actually changes over time, so it is never a static area of study. Many people who chose to study the environment often find that they end up working in areas that they couldn't have foreseen when they graduated. For example one area of study called 'Environmental Science' covers the diverse disciplines of Ecology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, engineering, soil science, atmospheric science and much more. Other courses like 'Environmental Planning' require a flexible approach as they deal with the various challenges facing sustainable development as the global population increases.

So with that in mind, which kind of environmental study is right for you and what areas of study are becoming popular with employers and environmental researchers. Let's take a look at some world-renowned courses that are available across Europe that tackle some of the most important environmental issues of our time. This is by no means an exhaustive list - there are plenty of other fascinating master's degree programs avaiable at top-notch European universities, but this will but give you a flavour of what is on offer. Once you have more of an idea of what you want to specialise in and where you want to be based, you can use our A-Z European university search facilty to refine your search.

Happy searching!

Environmental Science Course

'Erasmus Mundus' Master's Program in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management—MESPOM

This program is operated by CEU, Lund University (Sweden), the University of Manchester (UK), the University of the Aegean (Greece), the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), and the 'Monterey Institute for International Studies' (USA). Graduates are awarded MSc degrees by all European partners. It is aimed at graduates who want to solve the many environmental challenges that we face today so would suit graduates from natural sciences, earth studies, social sciences and even law.

Environmental Planning Course

MSc in European Spatial Planning, Environmental Policies and Regional Development  
(September start, 2 years)
 
This course – part of 'PLANET Europe' – is an integrated 'Erasmus Mundus' Master's program on European spatial planning, environmental policies and regional development. It is a joint Master's Program of Radboud University Nijmegen, Blekinge Institute of Technology and Cardiff University that prepares graduates for a career in environmental and spatial planning in Europe. It's truly international in perspective and offers transferable skills to other environment careers.

Marine Environment Course

MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management 
(September start, 2 years)

This program – at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium – provides insight into the diversity and complexity of the life and processes in the oceans, seas, lakes and estuaries and skills to study and manage them. It is open to graduates in biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, chemistry, geology, geography, geography and geomathics, bio-engineer science or environmental sciences. There is a huge skills shortage in this area and the ocean provides endless opportunities for study.

 

 

Environmental Business Course

MA in European Food and Agribusiness 
(October start, 1 year)

Companies in Europe require managers with trans-national knowledge and linguistic skills, and who can function confidently and competently within the European arena of food production and business. So if you are passionate about the food you eat and think you have a head for business this could be a great option for you. It is based at the Royal Agricultural University in the UK

Geography Course

MA/MSc Geography 
(September start, 1 year full time or 2 years part time)

The Geography Department at King's College London in the UK has one of the widest ranges of postgraduate courses on offer in Europe, with over thirty degree options available.  Geography covers so much of 'the environment', so personalise your degree by choosing optional modules that suit your interests, and enjoy living in the one and only city of  London. Applicants should be graduates or have relevant experience

Environmental Architecture Course

MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies (Sustainable Architecture)
(September, March start, 1 year full time or 2 years part time)

The Graduate School of the Environment at CAT in Wales. CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology) is an education and visitor centre which demonstrates practical solutions for sustainability, covering all aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing. It is a world-renowned centre of new ideas and has been around for over 40 years. If you want to live your 'environmental principles' while you study then this is good place to start.

Environmental Health course

MSc Health and the Environment 
(October start, 1 year full time or 3 years part time)

Health is a growing sector and assessing the impact of our surroundings on our health is crucial to many organisations. So if you have a social conscience and well as an interest in environmental science or management this course may well suit you. This course at Cranfield University in the UK is suitable for both recent graduates and scientists who are looking to gain an advanced understanding of how human activities which are detrimental to the environment specifically affect human health

Environmental Management course

MSc Sustainable Water Management 
(October start, 1 year full time or 2 years part time)

The Lancaster Environment Centre in the UK is an internationally renowned centre of environmental studies. This course is taught by world experts in their field, including staff of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology within the Lancaster Environment Centre. If you want to help ensure we manage our resources more effectively then this course could be ideal. Water is a crucial resource yet it is often in short supply to those who need it so be part of the solution. A degree in a relevant subject is required to apply.

Ecology course

MSc Ecology and the Environment 
(August start, 2 years)

The Ecology and the Environment master's program at Linköping University in Sweden prepares students for working with the management of ecosystems, ecological communities and populations, based on a thorough knowledge of ecological concepts and theories. So if you love nature or biology and want to make sure ecosystems gets the protection it deserves and even plan ecological landscapes then this course may suit you.

Art and environment course

MA Environmental Art 
(September start, 2 years)

This program at Aalto University in Finland challenges students to develop their artistic and conceptual skills in diverse issues related to spaces. Land art, installations, spatial art, public art and communal projects form the field of environmental art, in which physical, social and informative spaces meet ecological questions and the global reality. So if you love the environment but hate science then maybe your creativity can still be used in an environmental career. Relevant study is required.

Geological course

MSc in Paleo-Climate and Geo-Ecosystems 
(September start, 2 years)

An MSc in Paleo-Climate and Geo-Ecosystems at VU University Amsterdam (the Netherlands) will enable you to understand the processes controlling climatic and environmental change on Earth. It requires previous study in Earth Sciences, Geology, Biogeology, Environmental Sciences or other relevant study. So if you used to collect rocks as a kid and love to learn more about the earth and its processes then you may love this course.

In Conclusion

This is just a tiny selection of Environmental postgraduate courses that are available to study in Europe.  There are currently over 17,000 environmental master's courses registered at the European Master's study portal so take a look and find the perfect course for you.

Good luck in studying an environmental master's subject. The options and possibilities are endless, so do your homework and find a course that suits your skills and personality.

Useful Links

EnvEuro offers information about the European Master's in Environmental  Science with six specialisations.

The Environmentalist is a leading environmental publication, jobs portal and magazine.

Environmentjob.co.uk is a leading UK website giving you an idea of jobs available in the environmental sector.

A list of environmental careers and more info.

Looking for funding for postgraduate studies? Check out the exclusive bursaries on offer from Postgrad Solutions.

- See more at: http://www.postgrad.com/editorial/subjects/environment/#sthash.rw8HwDGn.dpuf

Vacancy: Senior Program Officer, Results Monitoring, Bangkok

Senior Program Officer, Results Monitoring
Bangkok, Thailand

Web version available at : https://rew31.ultipro.com/ASI1001/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*FD860E839C7EAF85

Background:
The Asia Foundation (TAF) has partnership with Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) which includes a series of program initiatives aimed at addressing a range of critical development challenges. The partnership arrangement combines flexible funding for country and regional programs with a heavy focus on research, results monitoring, and incorporating learning into program design and implementation. This program will allow the Foundation to support our most innovative ideas and program activities, through flexible and responsive activities. The emphasis on measureable results and the availability of significant resources to invest in this area make it possible to conduct impact monitoring at an unprecedented level of rigor and depth. This will allow the Foundation to develop an evidence-base of lessons learned that will ultimately increase the impact of our programs.

Summary of Position:
Under the direction of the Director for Governance and Law, the Senior Program Officer will be responsible for supporting and oversight of results monitoring and evaluation activities under the partnership. This will include a combination of perception surveys and qualitative assessments and the following:

• Oversee "Strategy Testing" process
• Develop monitoring and evaluation plans for DFAT-TAF
• Support field office results monitoring activities
• Design and conduct qualitative assessments of program impact including perception surveys
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of program initiatives funded through the DFAT-TAF Partnership
• Design and produce donor reports, external communication, and periodic updates on DFAT-TAF Partnership program initiatives
• Oversee development of publication series
• Produce publications and knowledge products on program results, regional trends, and key lessons from DFAT-TAF partnership program initiatives
• Present fundraising and results monitoring approach to an external audience including donors

REQUIREMENTS:

Experience
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, perception surveys, qualitative impact analysis, and/or other relevant methods for monitoring the results of development assistance programs required;
• At least 5 years experience in international development assistance;
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in research and publications, including oversight of qualitative and quantitative research design and implementation, and publications on related subject matter;
• In-depth knowledge of international development industry, including familiarity with current literature and policy debates on aid effectiveness;
• Excellent analytic and writing skills are essential;
• Knowledge of Asian political, security, and development issues is strongly preferred;
• Experience living and working in Asia is preferred.

Education
• Master's degree in appropriate field required: political science, international development, anthropology, economics, or public administration.

Skills
• Must have a strong track-record of working independently and in a diverse team environment, with multiple nationalities;
• Must be willing and available to travel extensively (up to 40% time), including to regions affected by conflict;
• Strong communication and organizational skills important;
• Knowledge of the programs and operations of The Asia Foundation or similar international development organizations, helpful.

To Apply:
The Foundation offers excellent benefits and salary commensurate with experience. All application must be submitted through our website. To apply please visit our website at www.asiafoundation.org/about/employment/ and select "Regular Employment."

When submitting your application please put your cover letter/expression of interest and resume in one document and submit it as an attachment. We will only consider applicants who provide a cover letter along with their resume, and submit their application prior to the deadline. The application deadline is May 30, 2014. The Asia Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V. No phone calls, please.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

International dual degree program in Coexistence and Conflict (Brandeis University) and International Law and Human Rights (United Nations University for Peace, Costa Rica)

The Graduate Program in Coexistence and Conflict (COEX), supported by the Alan B. Slifka Foundation is pleased to announce the launching of our new international dual degree program in Coexistence and Conflict (Brandeis University) and International Law and Human Rights (United Nations University for Peace, Costa Rica). Details can be found here, and applications are being accepted now for the inaugural class.  

The Master's Program in Coexistence and Conflict (COEX) is designed for early and mid-career professionals who work or wish to work in peacebuilding within governments, international agencies or non-government organizations.  The program also prepares graduates for careers in security and diplomacy, aid and development, human rights, democracy work, education, civil society and community development. Students are trained in theoretical and practical issues of coexistence and conflict resolution in divided societies. 

Students will gain professional skills to design and implement successful interventions that enable groups, nations and regions to embrace peaceful coexistence and use those skills in their work in both government and non-government settings.

Through three pillars, the COEX program curriculum aims at strengthening students’ competencies:

• To evaluate conflicts and design strategies for coexistence intervention,
• To mediate, negotiate and lead interactions with the different stakeholders,
• And to test coexistence theory in the reality of conflict zones through a practicum.

The 16-month curriculum includes an academic year in residence in the Boston area followed by six months of combined fieldwork, leading either to an internship report, a master's paper or thesis. The program is designed to help students develop the ability to foster inter-communal and international cooperation in the face of tension and conflict. The approach is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields as diverse as social psychology, international politics, sociology, law, anthropology and cultural studies.  The Slifka Foundation supports the fieldwork travel costs.

COEX students may choose to combine a Master of Coexistence and Conflict degree with:

• Our MBA in Nonprofit Management supporting the MA degree in Coexistence and Conflict builds synergies across interdisciplinary skills to deliver results on a vision of peace. This dual degree provides a context-appropriate set of strategy, financial management, and operations skills to develop and implement peacebuilding policies through efficient organizations.

• Our joint MA degree in Coexistence and Conflict and in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies combines a rich and specific understanding of the historical, religious, linguistic, and cultural dimensions of the Near East with professional skills for implementing successful interventions that enable groups, nations, and the region to embrace coexistence values in the field.

• Our dual MA in Coexistence and Conflict (COEX) and MA in Sustainable International Development (SID) responds to the global demand for professional training that addresses the overlap between development and conflict resolution. This “SIDCO” program offered since 2009 gives students the opportunity to train with expert faculty and practitioners in the fields of coexistence and development, who build on one another's expertise and perspectives.

• The new Brandeis-UPeace Dual MA Degree in Coexistence and Conflict (COEX) a...) will enable graduates to address the world's need for peace professionals and human rights activists who can skillfully integrate the dimensions of coexistence, reconciliation and human rights in their public interest work

To complement their expertise, our students automatically become part of the Program on Negotiation (PON) at Harvard Law School, which brings together faculty and practitioners from the field of deal-making and conflict resolution. Brandeis University also belongs to a consortium including namely Boston College, Boston University, Tufts University (excluding the Fletcher School) and the School of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT, enabling Heller students to take courses at these schools. 

Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis

To apply click here.

Scholarships and Financial Aid 

Students applying to the COEX program are considered for a variety of scholarships, including 
the Alan B. Slifka Scholarship in Coexistence and Conflict Resolution, a partial tuition award. Scholarships are also offered to students from certain geographic regions and who have particular research interests. For a full listing please click here. 

The Heller School also offers generous scholarships to returning Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and City Year participants.

Peace Corps Scholarships

The Heller School is a Paul D Coverdell Fellows Program (formerly a Peace Corps Fellows/USA partner school). All Fellows receive $10,000 in tuition remission for each year of full-time enrollment in their selected program. All fellows are required to complete an internship in an underserved American community.

AmeriCorps Scholarships

The Heller School provides a $10,000 scholarship for each year of AmeriCorps service (up to two years) and will match the AmeriCorps Educational award (currently $5,350) for any AmeriCorps Alumna or Alumnus enrolled in a full-time degree program.

City Year Scholarships

Each City Year alumna or alumnus who is accepted into our programs will receive a  $10,000 Service Scholarship through the Heller/City Year Give a Year National Service program. Heller will also match any Segal Education Award for up to two years of service, regardless of whether or not it has been used.

Veterans Scholarships

The Heller School also participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP). This award is a supplement to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and signifies the University’s commitment to supporting veterans who pursue higher education.

The maximum award is $18,077.50 per academic year with another $18,077.50 match from the YRP for a total of $36,155 YRP scholarship.

For morel information visit the GI Bill website

For further details about the Coexistence and Conflict Program please visit http://heller.brandeis.edu/academic/coex/about/index.html.

Questions may be addressed to helleradmissions@brandeis.edu or Sandra Jones, Assistant Director for Outreach, COEX Program at joness@brandeis.edu.