Master of Global Environment & Development with Merged in Sustainable Environmental Development

University of Copenhagen
Global Environment & Development with Merged in Sustainable Environmental Development
Masters
Social & Behavioural Science
Public University
Denmark

Sustainable Environmental Development is one of the two specialisations of the MERGED Erasmus Mundus master’s programme, a two-year, 120 ECTS degree with 60 ECTS in each year. Year one is spent at the University of Copenhagen and year two at the University of Warsaw, and the choice of specialisation is binding at the time of application. Up to 40 students are accepted each year, divided equally between the two specialisations. The specialisation focuses on sustainability from social, economic, legal and innovation perspectives. The instruction language is not stated on the programme page.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Copenhagen
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	01-September,15-January,
Fee Per Year
Application Fee	750
Currency	dkk
Intake Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Deadline Link	https://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	Unless you apply with a bachelor's degree which provide legal right of admission, you must document that you fulfil the language requirements. English language requirement When you apply for admission to a master's degree programme, you must document your English language proficiency, which means you must have passed English (level A or B) at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition (MyBest scores are not accepted): Minimum 83 with at least 20 in each subscore, IELTS Academic, IELTS Online (One Skill Retake are not accepted): 6.5 with at least 6 in each subscore, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE/CP1),Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE/CP2): 180 (C1-level), Danish language requirement If you apply for admission to a master's degree programme taught in Danish, you must have acquired Danish language skills prior to admission equivalent to level A Danish at upper-secondary school level. If you cannot provide documentation for the language requirement, you can take a language test approved by UCPH, for example the study test (studieprøven).

Who can Choose this program?

A recognized bachelor’s degree (minimum 3 years, ideally 4 years) from an HEC-recognized Pakistani university in a relevant field such as: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography Development Studies, International Development Economics (with environmental/development focus) Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science (with environment/development focus) Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Management Sustainability Studies, Climate Change

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	The page says that Warsaw prepares students for careers in sustainable development and related fields that require synthesising concepts and taking a holistic view. The programme includes an employment workshop called MERGEDNext, and year two ends with an employability workshop and networking session. There is no formal exchange scheme described, but thesis fieldwork can be combined with an internship at partner international organisations, NGOs or universities. Studying in Copenhagen and Warsaw and carrying out empirical fieldwork gives graduates an international and interdisciplinary profile for sustainability, policy and development work.
Program entry requirement	To apply for admission to this master's degree programme, you must have completed a qualifying bachelor’s degree or a similar Danish or international degree programme which is assessed to be relevant. Apply for admission via the application portal. Below, you can read more about admission requirements and which documents to upload in the application portal. Bachelor's degrees that fulfil the academic requirements In order to be admitted into the Master’s programme in Global Development, applicants must fulfil the following requirements: A bachelor degree anthropology, economics, geography, geoinformatics, natural resources, political science, public health, sociology or urban, energy and environmental planning from a Danish university, or A bachelor degree from a recognised university equivalent to the above BSc degrees The bachelor degree must contain a minimum of 15 ECTS of qualitative and/or quantitative methods. Please read more Qualitative and/or Quantitative Research Methods requirement below. English language proficiency corresponding to at least the Danish upper secondary school ‘English level B.’ Although knowledge of specific software is not a formal requirement for admission, prospective students should notice that the Stata software is frequently used in the first year at Global Development. We encourage students who are admitted to Global Development to familiarize themselves with the basic logic of the Stata software before semester start. Degrees that do not qualify for admission are: Communication and Media studies (including business communication) Journalism Language studies Psychology Tourism studies Art studies Social Work Science degrees (biology, chemistry, mathematics etc) Engineering Graphical Design Public Relations Pharmacy Law Please note that these degrees do not qualify regardless of relevant experience, letter of motivation etc. If you hold one of these degrees please do not apply as your application will not be taken into consideration. As a rule of thumb, a degree based in the humanities does not qualify. These include History, Philosophy, Literature, Cultural studies and Area studies (African Studies, American Studies, etc.). However, applicants whose humanities based degree contains half or more of ECTS/credits within the social sciences might be taken into consideration.
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. GRE scores are not listed as an admission requirement; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT Required	No. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application Process	Application Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditation	The University of Copenhagen holds a positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (decision of February 2025, valid until 2031), so its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised within the Danish higher education system. The programme page lists no separate programme-specific accreditation.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process Details	Visa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the Sustainable Environmental Development master's program at the University of Copenhagen?

To apply for admission, you must have a recognized bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Environmental Science, Geography, Development Studies, or related disciplines. Additionally, you must document your English language proficiency and meet any specific requirements outlined by the program.

How much is the application fee for the master's program at the University of Copenhagen?

The application fee for the master's program is 750 DKK.

What are the language requirements for this master's degree program?

Applicants must document their English language proficiency, meeting at least the upper-secondary school 'English level B' requirement. If documentation is not available, candidates may sit for an approved language test, such as TOEFL or IELTS. For programs taught in Danish, applicants must have Danish language skills equivalent to level A at the upper-secondary school level.

What are the living expenses for students in Copenhagen?

Monthly living expenses generally range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (approximately €800 to €1,350). It is essential to budget for higher costs in Copenhagen compared to regional cities.

Can international students work while studying in Denmark?

Yes, non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time during June, July, and August. Students will need a CPR number, a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card to work legally in Denmark.