MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Master of Urban Climate and Sustainability1.5

The MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Science in Urban Climate and Sustainability is a distinguished two year, 120 ECTS master’s programme that offers an exceptional academic journey across several European universities. Structured under the Erasmus Plus framework, the MUrCS15 version represents the second project period from 2021 to 2025, with its successor branded as MUrCS Plus for the years 2025 to 2029. This programme prepares graduates with a comprehensive understanding of urban sustainability, the challenges of climate change, and the strategic tools required to lead innovative urban practices

Participants embark on a dynamic learning trajectory that interlinks three core thematic streams—Planning, Management, and Science—and is hosted across four European institutions: Glasgow Caledonian University (Coordinator, UK), LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland), University of Huelva (Spain), and HTW Dresden (Germany) for the 2021–2025 cycle. The curriculum starts with common foundational modules, progresses to stream-specific curricula, and culminates with a jointly supervised thesis—cultivating both academic depth and intercultural agility

Project Status

• Status: Ongoing
• Start date 01-10-2020
• End date 30-09-2026
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master

Description of the MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Program

The MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus programme is an Erasmus+ Joint Master Degree tailored to nurture future leaders in urban climate resilience. It delivers an innovative, interdisciplinary educational experience across various European contexts, blending academic rigor with hands-on, cross-cultural exposure

Key Features of the MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Program

• Integrated 2-year programme delivering 120 ECTS across multiple universities
• Streamed learning in Planning, Management, Science offering specialization and depth
• Mobility-based structure: core modules in Glasgow, stream-focused semesters in Lahti & Huelva, with a transit option via Dresden
• Jointly supervised thesis by professors from different institutions
• Fully Erasmus+ funded: scholarship covers tuition, travel, insurance, living allowances, and more—with priority to candidates from Partner Countries
• Global recruiting: welcomes professionals and environmental specialists worldwide

Mobility Tracks of the MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Semester 1 – Glasgow (UK): Core modules, transverse skills (e.g., research methods, intercultural communication)
2. Semester 2 – Lahti (Finland): Specialized planning/management/science modules plus integrated project in Dresden
3. Semester 3 – Huelva (Spain): Second specialization, problem-based learning with associated partners
4. Semester 4 – Varies: Thesis work at the most aligned university; possibility to conduct thesis research at an associate partner institution outside EU

Admission Requirements for MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Program

• Academic: Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Studies, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies/Planning, or related fields
• Professional Experience: Minimum 2 years full-time work after obtaining degree (up to month before start)
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 each), TOEFL 90 (component thresholds), or CEFR C1; certificates required (degree-taught-in-English alone not sufficient)
• Documentation: Certified degree copies, proof of experience, residence certificate, valid language test, etc.
• Note: Previous EMJMD scholarship holders are ineligible for another funding award, but may still apply with other financing

How to Apply for MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Visit the official MUrCS website’s “How to apply” section
2. Review eligibility and selection criteria, prepare required documentation
3. Submit application via the online application system when open
4. If selected, undergo admission process and scholarship selection

Tips to Win the MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Program

• Highlight interdisciplinary background and passion for urban sustainability and climate action
• Demonstrate clarity in choosing a primary and secondary stream (Management, Planning, or Science)
• Secure strong English proficiency with official test results, not just degree medium language proof
• Emphasize professional experience that aligns with urban climate issues
• Craft a clear, compelling motivation letter outlining your global perspective and leadership potential
• Prepare all documentation meticulously—duplicate or fraudulent applications lead to disqualification

Application Timeline

• Opens: December
• Deadline: January
• Enroll: Starting September following selection

Curriculum Structure of the MUrCS15 Erasmus Mundus Program

• Total Credits: 120 ECTS over four semesters
• Semester Breakdown:
  • S1 (Glasgow): Basic & core modules + transverse skills
  • S2 (Lahti): Specialized modules and integrated project
  • S3 (Huelva): Problem-based learning and second specialization
  • S4 (Host institution or external partner): Thesis and final exam
• Credit Split (approximate): Basic modules 30 ECTS, Core 45 ECTS, Electives 15 ECTS, Thesis 30 ECTS

Coordinator Contact

Contact the MUrCS Secretariat regarding academic issues: mailto:secretariat@murcs.eu

Alumni Feedback

“I would recommend this program to design, management, innovation and environment and engineering professionals who wish to explore urban sustainability and have an interest in climate change dynamics in cities. Moreover, apart from the basic compulsory courses, the electives offer a pathway for one’s own specialized focus and interests. However, this is an intensive master’s degree and does require fulltime attention. But during breaks and holidays, I highly encourage internships for MUrCS students for networking and local industry and institutional experience.”

~Marina Khan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)