Coastal zones around the world are under increasing threat from climate change, rising sea levels, and natural hazards. In response to these global challenges, the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program offers an interdisciplinary two-year master’s program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and tools to assess, predict, and mitigate coastal hazards. The program fosters resilience by combining environmental science, engineering, risk management, and climate policy across a range of academic and practical settings.
With courses delivered by a consortium of top-tier European institutions, COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus focuses on both theoretical knowledge and applied fieldwork. The program offers a unique opportunity to study in multiple countries, engage with international experts, and collaborate on real-world coastal projects. Whether you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, policy-making, or scientific research, this program opens pathways to impactful global careers.
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-01-2022
- End date 31-12-2027
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus program is a Master’s in coastal hazard risk and climate change adaptation, offered by top European universities worldwide.
| University of Cantabria |
| IHE Delft Institute for Water Education |
| University of Algarve |
| Spain |
| Netherlands |
| Portugal |
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 COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program
The COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program focuses on addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing coastal regions due to natural hazards and climate change. Students gain multidisciplinary training in coastal engineering, hazard risk modeling, ecosystem preservation, and policy-making. The program emphasizes innovative strategies for climate change adaptation and coastal resilience.
Key Features of the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program
- Fully-funded Erasmus Mundus scholarships for top-ranked applicants
- Study at 3 different European universities with cultural and academic diversity
- Industry and research-based internships
- Practical coastal fieldwork and hazard simulation training
- Courses taught in English
- Access to global coastal hazard datasets and climate models
Mobility Tracks of the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program
Students follow a predefined mobility path across three universities:
- Semester 1: University of Cantabria (Spain)
- Semester 2: IHE Delft(Netherlands)
- Semester 3: University of Algarve (Portugal)
- Semester 4: Master’s thesis (hosted at any partner institution or associate partner, including industry or research institutes)
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program, applicants must meet the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Geography, or related fields
- Strong academic record
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+, or equivalent)
- Statement of purpose
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Updated CV/Europass
- Passport copy
How to Apply for COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program
- Visit the official COASTHazar website
- Create an account and complete the online application form
- Upload required documents (degree, transcript, English test, SOP, references, CV)
- Choose your preferred mobility track
- Submit the application before the deadline
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews
Tips to Win the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program
- Tailor your statement of purpose to align with COASTHazar’s focus areas
- Highlight any relevant research, fieldwork, or project experience
- Secure strong reference letters from professors familiar with your coastal/environmental work
- Demonstrate clear motivation for addressing climate change and hazard adaptation
- Mention any interdisciplinary or international experience
Application Timeline
- Opens: October
- Deadline: January
- Enroll: Starting September following selection
Curriculum Structure of the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program
Semester 1 – Spain:
- Marine and atmospheric climate (4EC)
- Water waves and sea-level (6EC)
- Coastal sedimentation and erosion processes (5EC)
- Theoretical and practical bases for risk assessment (5EC)
- Introduction to management and diagnosis of coastal ecosystems (5EC)
- Applied computational tools in coastal engineering (5EC)
Semester 2 – Netherland:
- Coastal processes and morphology (5EC)
- Modelling of coastal hazards (5EC)
- Design of risk reduction measures in coastal areas (5EC)
- Climate change impacts and adaptation in lowland areas and coastal areas (5EC)
- Dynamic and statistical regional wave modelling(5EC)
- Flood protection in lowland areas (5EC)
Semester 3 – Portugal:
- Fieldwork and data analysis (9EC)
- Nature-based solutions for coastal management (3EC)
- Coastal evolution and hazards at rocky shores (3EC)
- Dissertation plan (9EC)
- Monitoring of marine systems (elective) (3EC)
- Anthropic Disturbances of Marine Systems (elective) (3EC)
- GIS applied to coastal systems (elective) (6EC)
- Harmful Algae Blooms (elective) (3EC)
Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis
- Research-based project at one of the consortium or associate partners
Coordinator Contact
Dr. Alvaro Semedo(IHE Delft)
Programme Coordinator
a.semedo@un-ihe.org
+31152 152 387
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program?
The COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program is a two-year master’s focused on coastal hazards, climate change impacts, and adaptation strategies, taught across leading European universities.
Who can apply for the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program?
Anyone with a bachelor’s in environmental sciences, geography, engineering, or related fields and strong academic credentials can apply for the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program.
What funding is available in the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program?
The COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program offers full scholarships covering tuition, travel, and monthly living allowance for selected students.
What is the teaching language of the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program?
All courses in the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program are taught in English.
Can I work part-time while enrolled in the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program?
Yes, you can work part-time during your studies, depending on the host country’s regulations.
Does the COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program include fieldwork?
Yes! The COASTHazar Erasmus Mundus Program offers rich fieldwork and real-life hazard simulation experiences.
