Madrid, Spain
DEGREE TYPE
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
Introduction
The master's degree is part of the GLOBE project. Led by the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Spain) and as participants in the organisation and development are the University of Bangor (UK), the University of Lisbon (Portugal) and the Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala (Mexico), as well as various collaborating institutions from various sectors (consultancies, NGOs, foundations, etc.).
The GLOBE project will last for six years (from 2024 to 2030) so four editions of the master's degree are planned:
- September 2025 to July 2027
- .September 2026 to July 2028
- September 2027 to July 2029
- September 2028 to July 2030
Each of the editions will be composed of a maximum of 25 students so that the GLOBE project will benefit a total of 100 students, of which 80 will receive scholarships (more information on these grants is below).
It’ll take a novel and integrative approach to addressing the urgent problems caused by global change, based on academic excellence, international collaboration and student mobility, providing students with a novel set of knowledge, skills and competencies, from fundamental ecology to the practice of conservation management.
Scholarships and Funding
The amount of these scholarships includes, for each beneficiary student, the full cost of enrolment + 1400 euros per month (for a maximum of 24 months).
The Erasmus Mundus programme establishes that 80 per cent of the students (80) participating in the total four editions will receive scholarships. The master's degree management must apply the number of students who will benefit from each edition
Curriculum
Students will have a minimum of two teaching mobility periods, a compulsory summer school and several Joint Events that will complement their training with cross-cutting skills and networking opportunities. It will take place over two academic years divided into four semesters as follows (Figure 1):
- In the first semester at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), students will become familiar with advanced concepts and techniques in the assessment of drivers and impacts of global change and biodiversity conservation, while receiving training in key skills such as data analysis, scientific writing and communication. This initial phase will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current global ecological environment. It will have a teaching load of 30 ECTS credits.
- In the second semester at Bangor University (BU), students will have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge of biodiversity conservation. Combining natural, social and applied sciences with practical experience, students will investigate the intricate world of biodiversity, studying patterns, threats and strategies employed to protect fragile
ecosystems. With a teaching load of 30 ECTS credits - Integration of field work at the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala (UATx) and its experimental station will further enrich the learning experience, allowing students to study first-hand the ecological challenges and conservation practices in highly diverse ecosystems. It will be run as a summer course with a total of 5 credits (ECTS).
- In the third semester, hosted at the University of Lisbon (ULisboa), students will focus on the practical application of knowledge, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively address current ecological problems. Students will explore methodologies and approaches to translate theory into action, leveraging their knowledge
to create significant impact in the field of environmental management. As in the first two phases of the Master's programme, it will carry a load of 30 ECTS credits. - In the fourth semester, students will prepare their Master's thesis (Master's thesis) with a volume of 25 ECTS credits. Based on their acquired knowledge, research skills and international experiences, they will carry out in-depth research in an area of their choice under the guidance of supervisors from different university institutions and possible associated partners. This final stage of the programme will serve as a testament to their academic growth and skills, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the advancement of ecological research, conservation management practice and reversing biodiversity loss in the face of global change.
Figure 1. Overall structure of the GLOBE Master programme. The pink boxes represent Joint Events held at the different partner institutions.
The study periods will be complemented by three Joint Events (without credit allocation) organised by the different institutions, attended by students, academics and staff from all institutions, providing opportunities for staff exchange and the promotion of internationalisation at institutional and individual level (Table 1)
1st Year
1st Semester
General modules on Global Change ecology and biodiversity
2nd Semester
Advanced modules on biodiversity conservation
2nd Year
3rd Semester
Specific modules on environmental management
4th Semester
Master thesis
All modules will be taught in English, so students must demonstrate, both by official certificate and by previous interview, a minimum level of C1 in English in all skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing).
The selected entry profile is preferably the area of knowledge of Sciences, although it is also extended to other areas such as Economics and certain specialities of Social Sciences.