The PETaL Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme—Play, Education, Toys & Languages—is a pioneering Erasmus Mundus Master’s initiative that blends unique disciplinary fields into one truly integrated study track. Designed by leading European institutions, it combines play theory, early childhood education, language acquisition, and intercultural studies to form a distinctive academic experience
Delivered collaboratively by the University of Córdoba (Spain), the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon (Portugal), and Marmara University (Turkey), the programme spans four semesters, culminating in an enriching—and globally focused—curriculum totaling 120 ECTS, including a 30-ECTS Master’s thesis
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-09-2018
- End date 31-08-2025
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program is a Master’s in Play, Education, Toys and Languages offered by leading European universities.
| University of Córdoba |
| Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon |
| Marmara University |
| Spain |
| Portugal |
| Turkey |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program
The PETaL Erasmus Mundus programme is the first of its kind to unify play, toys, intercultural education, early second language acquisition (ESLA), and early childhood education (ECE) into a cohesive Master’s degree. It offers students a tripartite learning environment where pedagogical theory and cultural insights blend seamlessly across three countries, enriched further by global expert guest lectures
Key Features of the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program
- Fully integrated 120-ECTS curriculum (90 taught + 30 thesis) across three universities
- Innovative combination of disciplines previously studied in isolation—play, toys, ECE, intercultural education, and language acquisition
- Intercultural and multilingual competency development aligned with broader European education goals
- Low student-to-teacher ratio (1:4), plus around 30 invited lectures, ensuring personalized mentoring and exposure to global thought leaders
Mobility Tracks of the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 (Córdoba, Spain): General Introduction covering psychology of play, ECE, ESLA, and intercultural education.
- Semester 2 (Lisbon, Portugal): Focus on play and toys across cultures and their role in ECE.
- Semester 3 (Istanbul, Turkey): Emphasis on the sociology of play, educational drama, and museum education.
- Semester 4: Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS) at any of the three partner universities in collaboration with associated partners
Admission Requirements
Formal academic prerequisites include:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, officially accredited and translated into English if needed
- English language proficiency certificate unless applicant is a native speaker; non-native speakers may be interviewed
- Europass-format CV and a compelling motivation letter
- Transcripts and grading scales to convert to comparable international grade using a standard formula
- Declaration if applicant holds other scholarships; double funding is not permitted
How to Apply for PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program
- Register as a new user on the official portal and confirm via email.
- Complete the application form, supplying personal data, transcripts, language proof, CV, and motivation letter.
- Ensure all documents are in PDF, translated into English if needed.
- Submit declaration stating you’re not receiving duplicate funding.
- Check the official announcements section for cohort-specific details (e.g., 2020–2022 cohort)
Tips to Win the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program
- Craft a motivation letter that clearly ties your passion for early childhood education, intercultural pedagogy, or related fields to PETaL’s interdisciplinary themes.
- Highlight any relevant background—even if your degree is in a different field, speaking as someone whose background is in “English Language and Linguistics,” former applicants have wondered and hopefully gotten a chance—so lean into your strengths and link them to PETaL’s goals
- Showcase intercultural or multilingual experiences or openness to new environments.
- Double-check eligibility (e.g., nationality residency 12-month rule) to fit into Programme or Partner country category
Application Timeline
- Opens: September
- Deadline: December
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1 (30 ECTS): Foundation courses in play, ECE, ESLA, and intercultural education.
- Semester 2 (30 ECTS): Focus on play and toys in ECE across cultures.
- Semester 3 (30 ECTS): Sociology of play, educational drama, museum education perspectives.
- Semester 4 (30 ECTS): Master’s Thesis, done at any of the partner universities, with broad topic choices updated annually
Coordinator Contact
For general inquiries, applicants are encouraged to use the contact form on the PETaL website.
Alumni Feedback
While direct quotes from alumni are limited, online forums reflect hopeful sentiment. One 2024 Reddit post noted that the programme “has been running … since 2019, which is supposed to end in 2025” and that the final cohort may have been admitted in 2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the duration of the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program?
The PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program runs for two years (four semesters), including coursework and a Master’s thesis.
What academic background is required for the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applicants to the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program generally need a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. However, candidates from other disciplines may be considered if they can demonstrate relevance to the program’s objectives.
How can I apply for the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program?
To apply for the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program, candidates must register on the official portal, complete the application form, and submit required documents including transcripts, language certificates, a Europass CV, and a motivation letter.
Does the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program provide scholarships?
Yes, the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program offers Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) scholarships that cover tuition, travel, and living expenses, subject to Erasmus+ rules.
What is the mobility structure of the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program?
Students in the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program study across three countries—Spain, Portugal, and Turkey—completing each semester at a different partner university before finishing with a Master’s thesis.
Why should I choose the PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program over other Erasmus Mundus degrees?
The PETaL Erasmus Mundus Program is unique in combining play, toys, languages, and intercultural education into one specialized Master’s degree, making it a distinctive choice for those passionate about early childhood education.
