Master of Global Environment & Development

The MSc in Global Environment and Development, known as MERGED, is an Erasmus Mundus programme run by the Department of Food and Resource Economics at the University of Copenhagen. It addresses problems of unsustainable natural resource use and the need for new agricultural production systems, and it looks at balancing resource use with society’s demand for forests and managing it profitably and sustainably. The programme is taught in English and has special admission and application rules. According to the MERGED website it lasts two years and 120 ECTS, with year one in Copenhagen and year two in Warsaw or Milan, and about 40 students admitted each year.

Course Details

CategoryDetails
TimeFull Time
CampusCopenhagen
Duration2
Deadline-Date01-September,15-January,
Fee Per Year
Application Fee750
Currencydkk
Intake Linkhttps://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
Deadline Linkhttps://studies.ku.dk/masters/application-and-admission/userguide-for-online-application/
IntakesFebruary
Program language requirementUnless 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

CategoryDetails
Scope of the programThe programme page says that graduates can manage major forest and nature preservation projects. The MERGED website adds that students attend an employment workshop called MERGEDNext, with a final employability and networking session at the end of year two. Warsaw graduates are prepared for careers in sustainable development that require a holistic view, while Milan graduates are prepared to work as innovative agricultural professionals in the Global North and South. The fieldwork-based thesis, possible internships with international organisations, NGOs and universities, and study in two countries give an international profile.
Program entry requirementTo 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 GPABachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE RequiredNo. 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 RequiredNo. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application ProcessApplication 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 Scholarshipshttps://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditationThe 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 expensesLiving 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 DetailsVisa 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 timeworkPart-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 opportunityPost-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 MSc in Global Environment and Development at the University of Copenhagen?

To apply for the MSc in Global Environment and Development, applicants must have a recognized bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Science, Geography, Economics, Sociology, or Development Studies. They must also fulfill English language proficiency requirements and have completed at least 15 ECTS of qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

What language tests are accepted for admission to this master's program?

The accepted language tests for demonstrating English language proficiency include TOEFL with a minimum score of 83, IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5, and Cambridge Advanced English or Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. Applicants can also provide documentation of completing English at level A or B at the upper-secondary school level.

What is the duration and structure of the MSc in Global Environment and Development program?

The program lasts two years and consists of 120 ECTS credits. The first year is spent at the University of Copenhagen, where students complete compulsory courses and select restricted electives. The second year takes place at the University of Warsaw or the University of Milan, featuring courses and a thesis based on empirical fieldwork.

Are there scholarship opportunities available for the MSc in Global Environment and Development?

Yes, there are scholarship opportunities available for this program. Interested applicants can find more information on available scholarships through external links, such as the Danish government scholarship.

What are the living expenses for students in Copenhagen?

Living expenses in Copenhagen generally range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 per month, which is approximately €800 to €1,350. Additionally, upfront costs can include a deposit equivalent to three months' rent and the first month's rent. Students are also required to show proof of funds in their bank account to meet visa requirements.

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