Call for Scholarship applications: ISLANDS MsC Joint Master Erasmus 2023-24
Deadline for applications: 15 January 2023
ISLANDS – the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master connecting the Netherlands, Greece, Iceland and Spain with associated partners in Canada, Greece, Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK has opened the next round of applications for the 2023 intake into the programme.
The University of Groningen, the University of the Aegean, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Iceland jointly announce a call for applications to the Erasmus+ Mundus Joint Master Degree Programme in Islands and Sustainability (acronym: ISLANDS) commencing in September 2023.
Applications for fully funded scholarships are open until 15 January 2023.
Self-funded candidates have until 1 April 2023 to apply for the September 2023 intake.
Programme Overview
The ISLANDS programme combines thorough training in scientific research with a thematic specialization on Islands and Sustainability. It also provides multi-faceted training of research skills for social science and environmental research, including Individual Research Training by senior staff and training to work in a multi- and interdisciplinary research group. It involves taking a series of qualitative, quantitative and multi-method courses, as well as, courses on Scientific Reading, Debating and Reflecting, Scientific English Writing and Research Process.
ISLANDS students will be required to study at the University of Groningen in the first semester of the first year of the programme. During the second semester of the first year they study at one of the island-based universities of the consortium where they undertake Research Training and a Research Internship Module. Then, they return to Groningen for the first semester of their second year before going again to the same island-based university to undertake their Master thesis project in the second semester of the second year.
ISLANDS graduates receive a double-degree from the University of Groningen (including an acknowledgement that this is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master degree involving all partner universities) and the island-based University in which the graduate spends the second half of the second year of their studies and the second half of the second semester of the first year.
The ISLANDS programme is also supported by six associated partners comprising academic institutions, a research institute, an SME and NGOs (including Geoparks in Iceland and on Lesvos).
Requirements
Students will be shortlisted and selected, based on the following criteria:
Assessment Interview
Generally, an interview with shortlisted applicants, in which attitude, motivation, orientation and competence for a career in (scientific) research are evaluated, forms part of the admission procedure. The interview is scheduled after the required documents have been received and evaluated by the Admissions Board.
Grade Average
Excellent study results and high grades at university level (A range, typically top 10%); Comparable to Dutch grading system: average grade of at least 7.0, for Bachelor thesis of at least 7.5.
Language Test
English on VWO level; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (A, B or C) Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (A, B or C); Minimum of 6,5 for the International English Language Testing System (Academic version) (IELTS). With a minimum of 6.5 on listening, reading, writing and speaking; Minimum of 90 on the internet based version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); Minimum of 580 on the written version of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); Minimum of 237 on the interactive version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); ; Exemptions: native speakers or students with education from the US, Canada, Australia, New-Zealand, United Kingdom or Ireland
Previous Education
Academic bachelor degree in human geography and/or urban and regional planning or comparable qualifications, including at least 10 ECTS in statistics or equivalent statistical knowledge.
Professional Experience
Not required
Written Request
All applicants have to submit a detailed CV, list of grades, motivation letter and one or two reference letters to the Admissions Office.
Finances
EU-funded scholarships will be available for on average 15 students every year. The scholarship grant covers the tuition fee, and also provides a travel and living allowance. Admission to the degree programme and decisions on the award of scholarships will be determined by the Joint Admissions Board, which has one representative from each university, and has the Joint Programme Coordinator as its chairperson.
Please note that in line with the requirements for Erasmus Mundus joint Master programmes there is a residential eligibility criterion for scholarship applications according to which the study period should comprise at least 2 study periods in 2 countries, which must be different from your country of residence when you apply. This is particularly relevant to potential applicants who are currently resident in the Netherlands, Greece, Spain or Iceland.
Scholarships
Applicants can also apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship by indicating this in the application form (please note the deadline for scholarship applications is 15 January). An Erasmus+ scholarship has a value of EUR 1400 per month, for a total duration of 24 months. The scholarship will be a contribution to the costs incurred by the beneficiary students and shall cover travel, visa, accommodation installation and subsistence costs. In addition, the tuition fees for scholarship holders are waived.
More information / Source: Official Website HERE.