emiSS Erasmus Mundus Master in Soil Science

The emiSS Erasmus Mundus Master in Soil Science (emiSS) is a prestigious Erasmus+ Joint Master Degree dedicated to training the next generation of soil science professionals. This multidisciplinary program focuses on soil physics, chemistry, biology, hydrology, classification, pollution and reclamation, land use, conservation, fertility, and soil ecosystem functions, like biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and soil–plant–water relationships, integrated with intercultural and language skills.

The emiSS program is delivered by a consortium of esteemed partner universities: Ondokuz Mayıs University in Turkey (the coordinating institution), the University of Agriculture in Krakow in Poland, Agricultural University Plovdiv in Bulgaria, and Jordan University of Science and Technology in Jordan.Bringing together the strengths of each institution, emiSS aims to produce qualified, globally-minded soil scientists through immersive academic mobility and collaborative learning.

Project Status

• Status: Ongoing
• Start date 15-09-2019
• End date 14-09-2025
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Description of the emiSS Erasmus Mundus Master Program

The emiSS Erasmus Mundus Master in Soil Science is designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals in various facets of soil science, from physical and chemical characteristics to ecological functions and sustainable management. By offering interdisciplinary courses, fieldwork, and thesis research across multiple European and Middle Eastern institutions, the program fosters deep scientific expertise, multicultural competence, and strong language skills.

Key Features of the emiSS Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Covers soil physics, fertility, pollution, ecosystem dynamics, management, and more.
2. International Mobility: Joint Integration Week, field camp, and subsequent semesters across Turkey, Poland, Bulgaria, and Jordan.
3. Hands-On Learning: Field camp, integrated master’s thesis, seminar, and thesis defense with jury across partner institutions.
4. Joint Master Degree: Graduates receive a degree recognized by multiple institutions.
5. Consortium Expertise: Access to diverse soil science domains through partner universities’ strengths.

Mobility Tracks of the emiSS Erasmus Mundus Program

• Orientation: Joint Integration Week (culture, overview, planning).
• Semester 1: Courses at OMU–Turkey.
• Between Semesters: 7-day Field Camp in Turkey.
• Semester 2: Courses at UAK–Poland and AU–Bulgaria.
• Second Year: Focus on master’s thesis at one of the partner institutions. Includes seminar and defense in front of a multi-university jury.

Admission Requirements

While detailed criteria weren’t fully exposed, general expectations include:

• Bachelor’s degree in soil science, agriculture, biology, environmental science, plant nutrition, earth science, etc.
• Strong academic record, likely supported by comparative selection process (motivation letter, recommendation letters, excellence).
• English proficiency (applicants must complete application in English; certification likely required).

How to Apply for the emiSS Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Visit the emiSS online portal and create an account (new email & password).
2. Complete the online application—only online, no mail/email submissions allowed.
3. Prepare and upload all documentation in English, including translations where necessary.
4. Strongest candidates may receive Erasmus Mundus scholarships—final selection lists published by end of March.

Tips to Win the emiSS Erasmus Mundus Program

• Craft a compelling motivation letter linking your background, passion, and career goals.
• Showcase volunteering, internships, research projects, and publications—they boost holistic appeal.
• Secure strong recommendation letters from professors who know you well.
• Emphasize your unique identity—Erasmus values the person, not just grades.
• Check program scoring criteria if available (some programs assign points to documentation categories).

Application Timeline

• Round 1 (Scholarship): Opened Nov → closed Feb
• Selection results: By end of March
• Round 2 (Self-funded): Apr – June
• Program Start Date: September

Curriculum Structure of the emiSS Program

Semester 1 (OMU, Turkey) – Core courses:

• Advanced Soil Physics, Fertilizer Technology, Land Evaluation, Remote Sensing & GIS in Soil Science, Scientific Research Methods & Ethics, Soil Analysis Techniques, Soil & Water Conservation Techniques, Soil Classification Systems, Soil Microbiology, Soil Pollution.

Semester 2 (AU Bulgaria & UAK Poland) – Dual tracks of study including:

• Agrochemistry (Bulgaria) / Anthropogenic Soils (Poland)
• Mineral Nutrition in Organic Farming / Ecopedogy
• Plant Nutrition & Metabolism / Environmental Soil Quality
• Soil Fertility & Fertilization / Intro to Geology & Geomorphology
• Toxic Substances in Food / Micromorphology & Phys Methods of Soil Sampling & Analysis
• Ecochemistry of Heavy Metals / Soil Geography & Soil Resources of the World

Years 2 (semesters 3 & 4) – Thesis-focused:

• Seminar in semester 3; thesis writing and defense in semester 4 before a jury composed of members from multiple institutions.

Coordinator Contact

project email address: emiss@omu.edu.tr

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)