Welcome to MERGED – the MSc programme that gives you direct access to the best European universities within global environment and development teaching and research. We aim to make your participation in MERGED academically rewarding as well as enjoyable and culturally enriching.
All students have a lot of academic and practical questions when starting a new programme or when moving to a new country and a new academic institution – as all MERGED students will do in both the first and the second years of studies. This handbook is intended to provide you with an overview of the MERGED programme, including practical details related to issues such as academic calendars, student services, contact persons, and accommodation. It also provides details on economic issues such as expected location specific costs per year.
This handbook should thus help you to get the most out of your MERGED studies by providing information on academic and practical aspects of the programme. It also contains a number of links for more specific information for everything between detailed course descriptions, accommodation and campus services. Please note that each MERGED partner institution also publishes International Student Handbooks. You are encouraged to read these; the present handbook is focused on general MERGED issues and does not replace existing institutional specific handbooks.
Never hesitate to contact the MERGED Secretariat (merged@ifro.ku.dk) with suggestions on how to improve this handbook. We will be looking forward to hearing from you.
Background and aims
The world is changing, and changing fast. The complex and unprecedented challenges, in the European Union and beyond, include biodiversity loss, depletion of natural resources, climate change, and unsustainable production systems. We need to educate tomorrow’s leaders to unravel these challenges, find innovative solutions, and accelerate change, including through uncovering new possibilities – while the global demand for environmental resources is increasing, and the associated prospecting, extraction, and appropriation can threaten livelihoods and ecosystems, this development also constitutes an opportunity. Livelihoods, environmental and agricultural resource management, and global developments are intimately linked. This linkage constitutes a possibility to increase human prosperity and enhance sustainable resource use simultaneously. Strengthening development without sacrificing the prospects of the weakest, or compromising local or planetary limits, is the critical challenge of the 21st century. We believe in the human capacity to meet this challenge. An example of a challenge is the need to feed more people in the face of declining food production. Given global population increase, estimated to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, and climate change induced crop yield decreases, new measures are needed to minimize the climate impacts on crop production and productivity, diversifying agricultural livelihoods, reconfigurating global production networks, and changing the political ecology of food production. Identifying feasible solutions to fairer food systems requires an interdisciplinary approach.
The two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Global Environment and Development (MERGED) will train students to start inquiry and act by providing an in-depth understanding of development opportunities and causal linkages, thereby providing the building blocks for sustainable, holistic, and value-conscious solutions.
MSc course structure
MERGED is a two-year programme. The first year of study takes place in Copenhagen and the second in either Warsaw or Milan dependent on your choice of specialisation. The language of instruction is English.
The choice of mobility tracks is made at the time of application. Please note that the choice of mobility-track is binding.
An overview of the programme is provided in the figure below. In the first year, each student has 30 ECTS of joint compulsory modules and 30 ECTS of restricted electives (meaning you can choose from a list of modules) as per the chosen line of specialisation. In the second year, there are compulsory courses, restricted electives, and 30 ECTS assigned to the thesis (this includes 3 ECTS for a joint workshop where each student present their thesis synopsis).
Read more about the programme at the MERGED programme website.
Welcome and orientation
To help you settle and provide you with all the necessary information, the MERGED institutions arrange a variety of welcome and orientation events. You will receive detailed information from your host institution.
In Copenhagen, you will already in May receive an email with an invitation for e-learning modules called “How to MSc”. In this online study start you will be introduced to the University, Faculty of SCIENCE, campus activities and get a short welcome from your Head of Study.
It is also here you will sign up for the welcome programme (both online and physical) that is offered prior to semester start. The welcome programme takes place during the last week of August every year and provides:
- An introduction to living in Denmark, official paperwork, language course, the city of Copenhagen, excursions.
- An introduction to research methods and pedagogy (PBL, project work), university facilities (ICT, library), course registration.
- The culture meeting, intercultural communication strategies.
- Networking, academic, and social groups and activities with your fellow students at the programme but also other SCIENCE students. You will also meet your Head of studies.
Practicalities as a UCPH Student
In this section, you will find links to all the practical necessities of studying at the University of Copenhagen, such as campus WiFi and getting your student ID card, as well as important information on living costs and accommodation for your move to Denmark.
Eduroam (WiFi):
All MERGED institutions provide free Wi-Fi using the Eduroam protocol.
To connect to Eduroam at the University of Copenhagen, follow this guide (requires login)
At University of Copenhagen your student email account will often be referred to as Kumail. It can be accessed via http://webmail.ku.dk, or you can set up your device to read emails directly e.g. via Outlook, Apple Mail, or Gmail.
All IT guidelines are available at your Study Information Site at KUnet (requires login) – particularly you can find the email related guidelines here (requires login).
ID:
Your student ID card is needed to identify yourself at exams, to open doors at campus and to borrow books at the library at the University of Copenhagen.
You can order your ID and get more information at KUnet (requires login).
Learning Portal:
The University of Copenhagen’s study portal is Absalon. You will find teaching materials, course details and study information in the portal.
You are encouraged to regularly monitor the portal, as well as your student email, in order to stay updated with news and communications from the University and your professors.
Find Absalon here: https://absalon.ku.dk/
Academic Calendar
All your courses at the University of Copenhagen are organized in a block structure, which divides the academic year (60 ECTS credits) into four nine-week blocks. Blocks 1 and 2 take place in the autumn semester, while block 3 and 4 take place in the spring semester. Courses normally last for one block only.
- Block 1: Late August – Late October
- Block 2: Early November – Late January
- Block 3: Early February – Early April
- Block 4: Mid-April – Late June
Blocks are parted by a teaching-free week, where you do not have any courses or exams. The teaching-free weeks during the academic calendar are also used for re-exams.
In each block, you normally attend one or two courses. The duration of the course is typically 7 weeks, which are followed by 2 ‘exam weeks’. Some courses have continuous assessment. This means that the duration of the course is 9 weeks with no final ‘regular’ exam.
Find the online calendar and further details on the academic year through this link.
Accommodation:
Finding a place to live is, naturally, an important part of your mobility concerns both in the first and second year. The MERGED institutions will help guide you in finding accommodation. Types of housing and rental costs may vary from country to country. Additionally, it can be extremely difficult to find accommodation, so we strongly suggest that you accept the accommodation offered by the local housing offices.
The University of Copenhagen has a whole guide to help international students with housing. Find it here.
The university is also associated with the Housing Foundation Copenhagen, which is an independent organisation that helps international students enrolled at the university to find accommodation.
Questions for the Housing Foundation should be sent to contact@housingfoundation.ku.dk
Cost of Living
We’ve made a rough estimate of the expected living costs in the different cities, and as you can see in the table below, you will need approximately €900 a month to cover living expenses in Copenhagen.
Click here for the University of Copenhagen’s guide to living in Copenhagen as an international student.
| Cost/month | Copenhagen |
| Rent | €500 |
| Transportation | €50 |
| Food | €250 |
| Books | €30 |
| Misc. | €100 |
| Total | €930 |
Another useful resource is the Study in Denmark that is especially designed to help international students in Denmark. See their page on living costs here.
Working while studying
If you have the time and energy to work alongside your studies, this can help your economic situation. In Denmark, most students – both Danish and international – do this.
Beside the money, there are many good reasons to combine your studies with a student job or an internship (usually unpaid): Studies show that work experience can double your chances of landing a job after graduation.
See Study in Denmark’s page for working as a student here – this can be very useful to understand if your residence permit allows you to work, and there to search for student jobs.
International student handbooks
The MERGED institutions have developed special handbooks for international students. Here you will find more information on studying and living in your host country, e.g.: How is teaching organised? How do I meet other students? Where do I find information? What is the local culture like? What official paperwork is required?
There are two primary resources from the University of Copenhagen that will be useful for your first year in MERGED.
- This handbook is focused on student life while studying at the Faculty of Science, where you will be enrolled in Copenhagen.
- For a more general handbook to student life in Copenhagen and at the university, click here.
Additionally, Study in Denmark, is a valuable resource for tips and guidance to international student life in Copenhagen.
Language Courses and Cultural Immersion
Learning basic Danish will get you a long way if you want to apply for a student job while you study or if you want a career in Denmark after you graduate. It can help you to:
- learn about Danish culture,
- speak informally with colleagues – also if the official working language is English, and
- show to potential employers that you are investing yourself in Denmark and indicate that you are interested in staying for a while.
In the online introduction course „How to MSc” you are offered a Danish language course by UCPH that you can sign up for when you start your MSc programme.
Campus Facilities
You have many opportunities to become part of an academic or social community with other students – within and outside MERGED programme.
The various communities and associations at UCPH allow you to:
- cultivate your interests together with other students
- collaborate on projects and events
- expand your network
- take part in social activities.
You can find a lot of useful information on the Study information page (requires login).
Examination and Regulations
Across the MERGED institutions you will study at, courses may be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the form of teaching. The main methods of assessment are written and oral examinations, tests during modules, written practical reports, essays, oral presentations, fieldwork, and reports.
You can find the forms of assessment for each course at the University of Copenhagen in the course catalogue here: https://kurser.ku.dk/
Participation in the second year of the programme is conditional upon successful completion of all first-year courses, i.e. passing all required exams. In case you fail an exam, arrangements will be made for you to finalise your first year in time for starting your second year study programme. Only in exceptional cases will the time limit for the final completion of the degree be extended. Please contact your local MERGED contact person for assistance in case you foresee complications.
As a MERGED student you must comply with all university regulations both at your first and second year institution.
Find the regulations at the University of Copenhagen here.
The University of Copenhagen also has a Student Ambassador that provides impartial advice on issues related to your studies. The Student Ambassador can help if you are unsure regarding rights and obligations and can provide impartial advice on a broad range of issues related to your studies such as illness and exams to complaints and reports of plagiarism.
For more information on the Student Ambassador, see the Student Ambassador website.
Contact
Academic contact person: Professor Carsten Smith-Hall csh@ifro.ku.dk
Administrative issues: merged@ifro.ku.dk
Faculty of Science Student Service: studenterservice@science.ku.dk
Welcome and orientation
To help you settle and provide you with all the necessary information, the MERGED institutions arrange a variety of welcome and orientation events. You will receive detailed information from your host institution.
The University International Students Office and the Study and Career Guidance Service (COSP) every year, in November, organize a Welcome Day for the new international students. Representatives of all University centres and administrative offices take part in the Welcome Day, providing students with an overview of the respective services and activities.
Other welcome and orientation events, with more detailed information about studies, career and student life, are organized by each degree programme within the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences before the beginning of the fall semester.
Practicalities as a student at the University of Milan
In this section, you will find links to all the practical necessities of studying at the University of Milan, such as campus WiFi and getting your student ID card, as well as important information on living costs and accommodation for your move to Italy.
Eduroam
All MERGED institutions provide free Wi-Fi using the Eduroam protocol.
To connect to Eduroam at the University of Milan, follow this guide.
You will receive a student-ID number and the institutional email account of the University of Milan: name.surname@studenti.unimi.it.
The email account gives you access to all student services, that is, Unimia (portal with personal information and procedures regarding the University career, e.g. registration to courses/exams or transcripts) and Ariel (database with teaching materials for each course).
ID
As a student at the University of Milan, you will receive the personal badge, or “Carta La Statale”, which serves as identification document at exams, for library services, to take advantage of discounts at the University refectory and for cultural activities in the city of Milan.
Learning Portal
Ariel is the online portal of the University of Milan where professors upload teaching materials and organizational information about their courses.
You are invited to regularly monitor the portal and their institutional email address, in order to be updated about news and communications sent by the University and relevant to their studies.
Find Ariel here: https://ariel.unimi.it/
Academic Calendar
Your courses at the University of Milan are divided into two semesters (60 ECTS credits total) of 4-5 months.
- Semester 1: Late September – Early February
- Semester 2: Late February – Late June
Find the online calendar at University of Milan through this link.
Accommodation
Finding a place to live is, naturally, an important part of your mobility concerns both in the first and second year. The MERGED institutions will help guide you in finding accommodation. Types of housing and rental costs may vary from country to country. Additionally, it can be extremely difficult to find accommodation, so we strongly suggest that you accept the accommodation offered by the local housing offices.
For help to finding a place to live in Milan, see the University’s designated accommodation page.
The University of Milan’s Welcome Desk, InformaStudenti (the ticketing platform for students) can also be of help.
Cost of Living
We’ve made a rough estimate of the expected living costs in the different cities, and as you can see in the table below, you will need approximately €800 a month to cover living expenses in Milan.
| Cost/month | Milan |
| Rent | €450 |
| Transportation | €30 |
| Food | €200 |
| Books | €50 |
| Misc. | €80 |
| Total | €810 |
Click here for the University of Milan’s guide to living in Milan as an international student.
Working While Studying
Students who wish to work while studying can contact the COSP centre (University Study and Career Guidance Service) for internship opportunities. Go to the COSP website here.
Moreover, students can work part-time at University offices or departments, taking part in the work-study programmes for a maximum duration of 200 hours or 320 hours per academic year.
Click here for more information on traineeship and work.
For more information on working while studying at the University of Milan, click here.
International Student Handbooks
The MERGED institutions have developed special handbooks for international students. Here you will find information on studying and living in your host country, e.g.: How is teaching organised? How do I meet other students? Where do I find information? What is the local culture like? What official paperwork is required?
See the welcome guide for international students in Milano here.
Language Courses and Cultural Immersion
The language centre of the University of Milan (SLAM) offers Italian language courses which are free for all international students. The courses cover all CEFR levels between A1 and C1 and take place every semester, from October to January and from March to June, usually in the evening in order not to interfere with other courses.
Moreover, 40 students are selected every year for 3-week summer courses on Italian language and culture in the beautiful setting of Lake Garda – read more here.
Campus Facilities
Libraries: the University Library Service comprises 17 libraries specialized in the areas of teaching and research of the University, with 1.800.000 books and 26.000 journals, and a digital library with 520.000 ebooks, 70.000 ejournals and 200 databases.
Sports: the University Sports Centre (CUS) offers courses and activities in several disciplines (football, volleyball, tennis, rugby, canoe, sailing, skiing) and takes part in national and international tournaments.
Music: the University orchestra, the choir and the ensemble are always willing to welcome students who wish to make music.
Placement, internships, guidance: the University Study and Career Guidance Service (COSP) is available to assist students before, during, and after their University career.
Examination and Regulations
Across the MERGED institutions you will study at, courses may be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the form of teaching. The main methods of assessment are written and oral examinations, tests during modules, written practical reports, essays, oral presentations, fieldwork, and reports.
You can find the forms of assessment for each course at the University of Milan in the course catalogue here: https://www.unimi.it/en/education/global-environment-and-development (expand the „Educational Plan” and click on each course title to find information about programme and assessment).
As a MERGED student you must comply with all university regulations both at your first and second year institution.
Find the regulations at the University of Milan here.
Thesis requirements
The second year ends with a 27 ECTS thesis. The thesis requirements differ between the two MERGED universities, and you can read about the requirements at University of Milano in this paragraph.
The workflow for the thesis at the University of Milan consists of 4 steps.
(I) Ideation phase:
before the second-year intra-semester MERGED Joint Workshop, you will propose a potential topic for the master’s thesis and meet with one or more supervisors.
You must submit a thesis concept note to the MERGED local coordinator, including a description of the state of the art, an indication of the placement of the topic within the field of global environment and development studies, a description of the methods to be used and a timetable.
(II) Development phase:
you and the supervisor develop the thesis subject well before the thesis work period; this includes the possible involvement of external supervisors and data collection/fieldwork planning.
When conducting a thesis at the University of Milan, you must carry out a curricular internship according to the procedure available on the University website. Read more about the curricular internship here.
If you need additional funding to finance data collection/fieldwork you can be assisted by your supervisor(s). You and your supervisor(s) cooperate on planning the thesis work: timetable (project start, periods of fieldwork, submission) and financial resources must be identified and discussed. Supervisor(s) will assist you in finding literature and planning data collection/fieldwork.
(III) Work phase:
You and you supervisor(s) must discuss the hypotheses, the data collection strategy and the potential risks connected. You must abide by the regulation of any external institution in which the data collection is carried out. Early in the writing phase, the thesis project should be presented and discussed at a status seminar with the supervisor, fellow students and other experts.
(IV) Submission and discussion.
Contact
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science
University of Milan
Via G. Celoria 2
20133 Milan
Italy
Academic contact person: Tenured Associate Professor, Carlo Massimo Pozzi
carlo.pozzi@unimi.it, tel: +39 02503 16568
Administrative contact persons:
Katia Righini, katia.righini@unimi.it; doubledegree@unimi.it
Welcome and orientation
To help you settle and provide you with all the necessary information, the MERGED institutions arrange a variety of welcome and orientation events. You will receive detailed information from your host institution.
Before the beginning and during the first month of the academic year, various events are organized at the University of Warsaw to introduce the following goals, among others:
- First steps, where to start?
- student’s rights and duties;
- campus guided tour;
- library course;
- cultural orientation in Poland;
- mentor programme
- familiarization with the UCBS unit.
The Welcome Point is a central information service at the University of Warsaw for international employees, visitors and students, providing all information and assistance.
Practicalities as a student at the University of Warsaw
In this section, you will find links to all the practical necessities of studying at the University of Warsaw, such as campus WiFi and getting your student ID card, as well as important information on living costs and accommodation for your move to Poland.
Eduroam
All MERGED institutions provide free Wi-Fi using the Eduroam protocol.
To connect to Eduroam at the Univeristy of Warsaw, follow this guide.
The email account gives you access to all student services.
ID
As a student at the University of Warsaw, you will receive an Electronic Student Card. The card not only confirms your affiliation with the university but will also serve as a library card and a public transportation city card. Additionally, it can provide you with a variety of special offers.
Click here for details on getting the Electronic Student Card.
Learning Portal
The Center for Digital Competence at UW implements and supports activities related to e-learning and digital humanities, provides digital services, and coordinate UW’s participation in national and international networks involved in the use of digital technologies.
A diverse range of courses and activities are made available on the Campus General University E-Learning Platform.
Academic Calendar
Your courses at the University of Warsaw are divided into two semesters (60 ECTS credits) of 4-5 months.
- Semester 1: October – Mid February
- Semester 2: Late February – Late July
Find the online calendar at University of Warsaw through this link.
Accommodation
Finding a place to live is, naturally, an important part of your mobility concerns both in the first and second year. The MERGED institutions will help guide you in finding accommodation. Types of housing and rental costs may vary from country to country. Additionally, it can be extremely difficult to find accommodation, so we strongly suggest that you accept the accommodation offered by the local housing offices.
For help to finding a place to live in Warsaw, check out the University’s designated accommodation page on Welcome Point and International Relation Office.
There has also been made a website with an overview of dormitories in Warsaw that you may find useful.
Cost of Living
We’ve made a rough estimate of the expected living costs in the different cities, and as you can see in the table below, you will need approximately €650 a month to cover living expenses in Warsaw.
Click here for the University of Warsaw’s guide to living in Warsaw as an international student.
| Cost/month | Warsaw |
| Rent | €340 |
| Transportation | €30 |
| Food | €160 |
| Books | €60 |
| Misc. | €90 |
| Total | €680 |
For a detailed guide on living costs in Poland, find more information here or see this page.
Working while studying
Working while studying often helps you improve your economic situation and gain valuable experience that enables you to find your dream job in the future
In Poland, students from a variety of fields of study take on additional jobs to increase their chances in the job market after graduation.
Check out these pages to learn about regulations and job opportunities.
International Student Handbooks
The MERGED institutions have developed special handbooks for international students. Here you will find information on studying and living in your host country, e.g.: How is teaching organised? How do I meet other students? Where do I find information? What is the local culture like? What official paperwork is required?
See the welcome guide for international students in Warsaw before travel and arrival and during your stay.
Language Courses and Cultural Immersion
The University of Warsaw offers a wide range of language courses, which you can attend during your second year of the MERGED programme.
You can join Polonicum (Centre of Polish Language and Culture for Foreigners) to participate in regular courses in Polish at no charge, in addition to the other classes you take at the university. Read more here.
Additionally, students at the University of Warsaw can study 37 foreign languages thanks to its distinguished University System of Language Provision. Read more here.
Click here to read for the website of the University System of Language Provision.
The University of Warsaw has also created a thorough overview of cultural, sports and tourist activities in the city, which you can find here.
For an overview of activities financed by the Integrated Development Programme, click here.
Examination and Regulations
Courses may be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the form of teaching. The main methods of assessment are: written and oral examinations, tests during modules, written practical reports, essays, oral presentations, fieldwork, and reports.
As a MERGED student you must comply with all university regulations both at your first and second year institution. Find the regulations at the University of Warsaw.
Thesis requirements
The second year ends with a 27 ECTS thesis. The thesis requirements differ between the two MERGED universities, and you can read about the requirements at University of Warsaw in this paragraph.
A thesis is a self-contained study of a research problem, documented with sources, including an abstract, keywords, table of contents, lists of tables, figures, maps, photographs, and appendices and cited literature.
The thesis must be written within the academic scope of the programme. The thesis shall be carried out in accordance with the rules laid down by the cooperating universities.
The thesis must include the following main elements, the order and scope of each to be determined in collaboration with the supervisor -an introduction outlining the theory and methods used, outlining the academic background of the study and its relevance to the Global Development context.
The objectives of the thesis:
To formulate, define and operationalise a science issue in relation to Global Development in a broad sense. The thesis is prepared on the basis of courses and other learning activities covered in the MSc in Global Development programme.
The thesis may be based on primary or secondary empirical data.
Contact
The University Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development
University of Warsaw
ul. Żwirki i Wigury 93,
02-089 Warszawa (building of the Faculty of Geology)
Poland
Academic contact person: Mariola Zalewska, PhD
me.zalewska@uw.edu.pl, tel: +48 22 55 40 701
Administrative contact persons:
Adam Tarkowski, adam.tarkowski@uw.edu.pl
Teaching and learning
Teaching is varied and takes form as lectures, seminars, practical work, exercises, work with databases and websites, supervised paper writing as well as fieldwork and reporting. Problem-based learning is common.
The Consortium puts great emphasis on applied research, and during your study you will work with real-life problems and get exposed to field realities, both during excursions, compulsory field course in the first year, and during your thesis.
European higher education is generally characterised by an analytical approach. This means that you are encouraged to compare, analyse, and critically assess information. You are expected to work independently, to discuss and form your own opinion. Often work is carried out in small project groups, where you train your interpersonal skills. The international study environment provides you with an opportunity to work with fellow students from all over the world and thus develop your intercultural communication skills and competencies as well as developing an international network.
Student feedback and programme development
MERGED is always looking to develop its modules and programme, and an important part of that work is based on your evaluations. Your feedback is always appreciated and used. It is therefore important always to participate in evaluation activities, including standard module evaluations, oral evaluation meetings with the MERGED Co-ordinator, and completion of the First Year Evaluation Form and Full Programme Evaluation Form.
Field Course on the first year
You have the opportunity to practice skills in designing, implementing, and reporting on field research on natural resources/environment/agriculture in interdisciplinary groups. This includes applying qualitative and/or quantitative methods, commonly used in the natural and social sciences, in the field. You will thus experience the difficulties, trade-offs, limitations, and benefits of various methods in real-world situations. This includes that you can go to the field with supervisors during the first year. Here you will undertake a (small) research project that includes about two weeks of field research (data collection) in the Global South or Europe. This supervised field activity will also prepare you for independent fieldwork for your thesis.
The field course takes place in block 3 of the first year in Copenhagen. The course is free of charge for Erasmus Mundus scholarship holders – all other students will have to pay a participatory fee and pay for transportation to the location of the field course.
Grading scale
Your performance is documented by a national grade. The grades are related to the ECTS grading scale in the table below. Please note that no official conversion table exists. The table is constructed based on the practices of the involved institutions.
| Copenhagen | Warsaw | Milan | ECTS | |
| Excellent | 12 | 5! | 30, 30 cum laude | A |
| Very good | 10 | 5 | 28-30 | B |
| Good | 7 | 4-4.5 | 26-27 | C |
| Satisfactory | 4 | 3.5 | 23-25 | D |
| Pass | 2 | 3 | 18-22 | E |
| Fail | 00, -3 | 2 | <18 | F/FX |
ECTS system
The MERGED programme uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). ECTS credits are numerical values allocated to module units to describe the student workload required to complete them in the form of lectures, fieldwork, seminars, individual work, examinations, or other assessment activities. In the ECTS system, 60 credits represent the workload of a full academic year of study. To achieve the MERGED MSc degree, you must earn 120 ECTS credits.
Double degree
The MERGED MSc Course offers an integrated study programme resulting in a double degree that is fully recognised in both participating countries. To obtain the MERGED double degree, you have to acquire 120 ECTS and meet the mobility requirement of studying one full year at each of two different consortium institutions.
A double degree means that you will receive two national MSc degrees – an MSc degree from both your first and your second-year institution.
The following degrees are awarded:
| MERGED institution | Degree |
| Copenhagen | MSc in Environment and Development |
| Warsaw | Magister in Global Environment and Development |
| Milan | Laurea Magistrale in Global Environment and Development |
Diploma Supplement
A special Diploma Supplement is attached to your diploma providing a precise description of the Erasmus Mundus Degree, the MERGED consortium partners, the contents, and level of the MSc programme as well as expected learning outcomes and professional status. The Diploma Supplement provides transparency and facilitates academic and professional recognition of qualifications.
MERGED outstanding student awards
Every year the best graduating student is awarded the MERGED Award for Outstanding Achievement. This student is identified based on institutional-level feedback to the MERGED Commission; it cannot be applied for. The Award carries a Diploma and a cash prize of €500.
MERGED student alumni association
A student alumni association for all Erasmus Mundus students is being prepared by the European Commission. Here you can find more information on, e.g.: Erasmus Mundus, the student alumni association, and networking. Find the Erasmus Mundus Association here.
Plagiarism
MERGED does not accept plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious offence because the plagiarist takes credit for work that rightly belongs to someone else. If, say in a written assignment, you present other people’s words, ideas, illustrations etc. as if they were your own, you make yourself guilty of exam fraud, and when the plagiarism is revealed, sanctions will be applied. In serious cases you may be expelled from the university.
In order to avoid plagiarism and to get the best learning outcome, always follow the below guidelines.
Acknowledge your sources: It is very important that you carefully state and acknowledge all sources of words, ideas and illustrations used in your academic work. By illustrations we mean tables, figures, and images. Quotes should be clearly marked using quotation marks or similar textual means. Quotes should be reproduced without changing the original text. In addition, you must state the full and correct source of your quote. If you reproduce the ideas of others in your own words, it is still important that you state the original source. Similarly, the original source must be mentioned if you modify or change illustrations. You are also obliged to state the source of words, ideas and illustrations, even if the original author has sold or given you the rights to the material.
It is your responsibility: If you are unaware of having reproduced the work of others this is a mitigating circumstance, but it does not exempt you from responsibility. Accordingly, students are obliged to keep track of the sources they use in e.g. written assignments. These rules and principles apply, irrespective of the media used. This means, among other things, that references to information found on the internet or in newspapers must also be stated. The only exception to this rule is when the origins of words and ideas are generally known and accepted. If, say in a physics assignment, you refer to Newton’s law of gravity or in a genetics assignment you refer to Mendel’s laws of heredity, you do not need to state the source. What may be considered generally known and accepted depends on the context. If you are unsure of whether or not to state the source, you should consult your teacher/supervisor.
If you have been selected for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, you will find useful and important information about your scholarship in this section.
An Erasmus Mundus scholarship amounts to a maximum of 33,600 € (monthly allowance of 1400 € per month for up to 24 months). The monthly allowance will be transferred to your bank account monthly by University of Copenhagen You will receive the first instalment of your scholarship upon arrival in Copenhagen by the end of September at the earliest. The specific time depends on you providing the secretariat with appropriate bank account information. You will be contacted over email for further instructions. It is your own responsibility to pay the processing fee for visa and to arrange and cover travel, accommodation etc.
The scholarship can be used to cover travel costs to and from host institutions, visa fees, accommodation, subsistence costs, etc. There are no restrictions on how you spend the monthly allowance. The only important condition is that you have to be a full-time student. This means that if you for some reason you can’t fulfil this requirement, please contact the MERGED secretariat immediately in order to find a suitable solution and avoid having to refund any part of your scholarship.
On top of the monthly allowance, you will be granted: Full coverage of participation costs, tuition fee, tutoring fee, field trip costs, and insurance.
The scholarship cannot be deferred. This means that you will need to reapply if you cannot accept an offer of a scholarship. Please contact the MERGED Secretariat (merged@science.ku.dk) immediately in case you cannot accept a scholarship, as the Secretariat will then activate the student reserve list.
Bank account
In order for MERGED to transfer your scholarship allowances to you, you’ll need a specific type of bank account. You will get a direct mail with detailed information on how to provide MERGED with your banking information.
The MERGED programme has a number of seats open for talented self-financed students meeting the academic requirements. Admission is based only on the academic criteria, motivational letter, and relevant work experience.
Tuition Fee EU Students
If selected for admission to the MERGED programme as an EU student, there is no tuition fee.
However, there are still possible expenses related to the programme that you have to finance yourself: travel costs to first- and second-year institutions, participation fee for the field course, travel and other costs for thesis fieldwork, visa costs, individual module related costs e.g. books and field work travel costs etc.
Tuition Fee Non-EU Students
The tuition fee per semester is €4,500 for non-EU students starting 2023. The tuition fee for students starting 2024 or later will be €7,500 per semester. The tuition fee is the same for the Warsaw and the Milan mobility track.
The tuition fee covers: the matriculation at two host universities, cost of training where applicable, insurance, mandatory student association fees, the cost of the introductory programme, local language courses, administrative costs (bilateral coordination between first- and second-year institutions, double degree awarding etc.)
The tuition fee does not cover: travel costs to first- and second-year institutions, travel and other costs for thesis fieldwork, visa costs, individual module related costs e.g. books and field work travel costs etc.
You will receive invoices from University of Copenhagen prior to each semester. Only the first rate is refundable. The table below shows the deadlines and options for refund:
| Payment deadline | Refund possible? | |
| 1st semester | April 15 | Until August 1 |
| 2nd semester | January 15 | No |
| 3rd semester | August 15 | No |
| 4th semester | January 15 | No |
Erasmus Study Grants for self-financed students
All MERGED students no matter nationality can apply for an Erasmus Mobility Grant, under the following conditions:
The grant amounts to approx. €400-500 monthly according to national grant amounts. The amount varies every year. The payment of the grant will be prepared and administered by University of Copenhagen. You will receive information on how and what to do from the MERGED secretariat in due time.
Alternative sources of funding
If you are looking for alternative sources of funding your studies, you can find a list of sources recommended by the MERGED institutions through this link.
You can also find additional scholarship opportunities here.
Travel to first- and second-year institutions
Unfortunately, the MERGED Secretariat is not able to assist you in these travel arrangements. It is your own responsibility to arrange and pay your travel to your host institutions.
Insurance
Insurance is an integrated part of the MERGED programme and is provided to all students free of additional charges. The insurancecovers risks related to health, accidents, theft, liability etc. Before semester start in Copenhagen you will receive an e-mail with your Proof of Insurance (PDF) and detailed information on benefits and claim procedures.
The insurance cover is worldwide and takes effect two weeks prior to the start of your Erasmus Mundus MSc programme. The medical coverage also applies during periods of travel during the Erasmus Mundus MSc programme.
Student Agreement
Before starting at the MERGED programme, you will receive a Student Agreement to sign. Please read the Student Agreement carefully before singing and returning it.
Residence Permits and Visa
During your MSc programme, you will be studying at two MERGED institutions in two different countries. It is your responsibility to secure the needed permits. The process is very different for EU and non-EU students, please find information on both scenarios below.
Non-EU Students
Copenhagen
Non-EU students must get their residence permit priorto entering Denmark on the first year of study. You apply for the residence permit in your home country at the Danish embassy or representation. It is very time consuming (approx. 3 months) to acquire the permit, so you must start the application procedure early. University of Copenhagen will guide you through this process and send you information in May.
You have to apply for your second year residence permit from the relevant representation (embassy or consulate) in Denmark during your first year. This application process can be started in the month of May during, when you receive your Letter of Admission from your second year institution.
Non-EU citizens who have obtained a master’s degree in Italy upon expiry of the residence permit can carry out work activities and apply for a residence permit with a duration of no less than nine and no more than twelve months in order to look for a job or start a company consistent with the master course. Furthermore, in certain cases, the conversion into a residence permit for work may be requested.
Milan
In Italy you must register at the General Register Office (Ufficio Anagrafe) of the municipality in which you are going to reside during the second year in Milan.
For more information, click here
Warsaw
In Poland once you are accepted as a student of our programme, you will have to apply for a Polish student visa in your country of origin. Contact a Polish consulate or embassy for complete details of the application procedure. You will find a list of Polish diplomatic missions at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For additional information, please visit this page.
EU and Nordic students
Copenhagen
EU students can apply upon arrival in Denmark. Application for a residence permit must be made within the first 3 months of residency.
If you are a citizen of Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden, you need not apply for an EU residence document since as a citizen of a Nordic country you have the right to reside in Denmark without an EU residence document. Instead, you may contact the Citizen Service of the local municipality directly in order to get a civil registration number (CPR number).
Milan
According to the Italian law, EU students do not need to apply for the residence permit. In Italy you must register at the General Register Office (Ufficio Anagrafe) of the municipality in which you are going to reside during the second year in Milan.
Warsaw
The application for registration of residence of EU (EEA/ Swiss Confederation) citizen must be submitted in person (i.e. it is required to appear in person when submitting the application or at the request of the authority) to the competent province governor for the area where the EU citizen resides, no later than the next day after the end of the 3-month period following the date of entry into Poland.
Entry visa for field trip and other study related travels
For the Joint Spring Module students might need an Entry Visa for the country of destination. This depends on bilateral agreements between your country of origin and the country visited. It must, therefore, be checked on an individual basis. It is the responsibility of the student to secure his or her own visa. However, University of Copenhagen will assist you in applying for the visa e.g. by providing Letter of Invitation.