Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS)

Master programme
A.Y. 2020/2021
LM-75 - Environmental and land sciences and technology
Environmental change plays a central role in modern societies, to the point that a sustainable management of the environment currently represents one of the most important open challenges for humanity. Addressing this challenge requires a multidisciplinary approach that overcomes the usual boundaries of scientific disciplines.
In this context, the Master program in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS) provides advanced expertise in the hard- and life-science components of environmental studies as well as in their economic- and social-science components. The general goal is to train students to tackle environmental change and sustainability in a multidisciplinary perspective. Students will therefore be provided with both a solid knowledge of the dynamics of the different components of the environment and a deep understanding of the tools required to promote its sustainable management and protection.
The Master degree in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability represents a novelty in the Italian university system, not only for its marked multidisciplinary approach, but also for being taught entirely in English.
In this context, the Master program in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability (ECGS) provides advanced expertise in the hard- and life-science components of environmental studies as well as in their economic- and social-science components. The general goal is to train students to tackle environmental change and sustainability in a multidisciplinary perspective. Students will therefore be provided with both a solid knowledge of the dynamics of the different components of the environment and a deep understanding of the tools required to promote its sustainable management and protection.
The Master degree in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability represents a novelty in the Italian university system, not only for its marked multidisciplinary approach, but also for being taught entirely in English.
The main peculiar quality of ECGS graduates is their ability to tackle environmental change and sustainability in a multidisciplinary perspective. This ability benefits of advanced expertise in the hard- and life-science components of environmental studies as well as in their economic- and social-science components. In this context, seven professional positions ECGS graduates can achieve are listed below:
1. Environmental manager in agro-food, energy and green economy companies as well as in other companies in the industrial and service sectors;
2. Environmental specialist in the public administration as well as in local governments;
3. Environmental specialist in supra and international bodies as well as in national and international non-governmental organizations.
4. Specialist in environmental impact studies, strategic environmental assessments and environmental risk assessments;
5. Specialist in quantifying the economic value of natural resources;
6. Specialist in quantifying the economic value of agricultural resources and in managing them;
7. Environmental technologist.
Further employment opportunities of ECGS graduates concern research positions at universities and research institutions as well as teaching at the secondary school level.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
1. Environmental manager in agro-food, energy and green economy companies as well as in other companies in the industrial and service sectors;
2. Environmental specialist in the public administration as well as in local governments;
3. Environmental specialist in supra and international bodies as well as in national and international non-governmental organizations.
4. Specialist in environmental impact studies, strategic environmental assessments and environmental risk assessments;
5. Specialist in quantifying the economic value of natural resources;
6. Specialist in quantifying the economic value of agricultural resources and in managing them;
7. Environmental technologist.
Further employment opportunities of ECGS graduates concern research positions at universities and research institutions as well as teaching at the secondary school level.
Employment statistics (Almalaurea)
Eligibility to the Master program in Environmental Change and Global Sustainability presupposes to possess suitable curricular qualifications and to have an adequate personal preparation, to be verified by means of an interview.
As to the curricular qualifications, the ECGS program can be accessed by graduates holding an Italian three-year laurea (BA) degree (ex D.M. 270/2004 or ex D.M. 509/1999) in either the class L-32 Scienze per l'ambiente e la natura (ex D.M. 270/2004) or the class L-27 Scienze e tecnologie per l'ambiente e la natura (ex D.M 509/1999).
The ECGS programme can also be accessed by graduates holding an Italian three-year laurea (BA) degree, obtained in classes different from the above-mentioned ones, provided they have earned at least 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits for having attended courses in the scientific-disciplinary sectors belonging to at least two of the following sets, of which at least 15 in the scientific-disciplinary sectors belonging to the first set:
1. computer science, mathematics, and statistics (INF/01, MAT/01-MAT/09, SECS-S/01-/03, SECS-S/06);
2. chemistry, physics and Earth sciences (CHIM/01-/03, CHIM/06, CHIM/12, FIS/01, FIS/06-/07, GEO/01-/02, GEO/04-/05, GEO/10-/12);
3. life sciences (AGR/02-/03, AGR/05-/06, AGR/08-/10, AGR/13, AGR/15, AGR/17-/18, BIO/01-/07, BIO/09-/13);
4. economic and social sciences (AGR/01, ING-IND/35, IUS/01, IUS/04, IUS/09-/10, IUS/13-/14, SECS-P/01-/03, SPS/01, SPS/04, SPS/07, SPS/10).
Students with foreign qualifications obtained from international Universities subscribing to both the European system for acknowledging university qualifications and the ECTS system for assigning university credits can also enter the ECGS program, provided that they hold first-level degrees accepted as equivalent to Italian laurea degrees by the members of a Committee appointed by the ECGS program Council, who will also ascertain that the international applicants meet curricular requirements in disciplines similar to those belonging to the scientific-disciplinary sectors listed above.
Finally, students with foreign qualifications obtained from international Universities not subscribing to the European system for acknowledging university qualifications and the ECTS system for assigning university credits can also enter the ECGS program, provided that they hold first-level degrees accepted as equivalent to Italian laurea degrees by a Committee appointed by the ECGS program Council, and that the same Committee verifies that the international applicants meet curricular requirements similar to those required of the applicants holding qualifications awarded by Italian Universities.
Moreover, in all the above cases, knowledge of the English language is required at level B2 or higher, according to the classification provided by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The qualifications recognised by the University of Milan, with the corresponding CEFR levels, can be found at: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/297/
Native English speakers and graduates from university first-level programmes entirely taught in English are exempted from producing any such language qualification.
Students without a documented B2 level may be accepted on condition that their level of English proficiency, assessed during the interview, is evidently good.
Students who do not comply with some of the above prerequisites can still be allowed to register in the ECGS programme, provided that they attend crash courses in the areas where they do not fulfil the requirements, to be held in early September before the start of the official courses, and sit the corresponding exams (see the programme website at: https://ecgs.cdl.unimi.it/en).
As to the curricular qualifications, the ECGS program can be accessed by graduates holding an Italian three-year laurea (BA) degree (ex D.M. 270/2004 or ex D.M. 509/1999) in either the class L-32 Scienze per l'ambiente e la natura (ex D.M. 270/2004) or the class L-27 Scienze e tecnologie per l'ambiente e la natura (ex D.M 509/1999).
The ECGS programme can also be accessed by graduates holding an Italian three-year laurea (BA) degree, obtained in classes different from the above-mentioned ones, provided they have earned at least 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits for having attended courses in the scientific-disciplinary sectors belonging to at least two of the following sets, of which at least 15 in the scientific-disciplinary sectors belonging to the first set:
1. computer science, mathematics, and statistics (INF/01, MAT/01-MAT/09, SECS-S/01-/03, SECS-S/06);
2. chemistry, physics and Earth sciences (CHIM/01-/03, CHIM/06, CHIM/12, FIS/01, FIS/06-/07, GEO/01-/02, GEO/04-/05, GEO/10-/12);
3. life sciences (AGR/02-/03, AGR/05-/06, AGR/08-/10, AGR/13, AGR/15, AGR/17-/18, BIO/01-/07, BIO/09-/13);
4. economic and social sciences (AGR/01, ING-IND/35, IUS/01, IUS/04, IUS/09-/10, IUS/13-/14, SECS-P/01-/03, SPS/01, SPS/04, SPS/07, SPS/10).
Students with foreign qualifications obtained from international Universities subscribing to both the European system for acknowledging university qualifications and the ECTS system for assigning university credits can also enter the ECGS program, provided that they hold first-level degrees accepted as equivalent to Italian laurea degrees by the members of a Committee appointed by the ECGS program Council, who will also ascertain that the international applicants meet curricular requirements in disciplines similar to those belonging to the scientific-disciplinary sectors listed above.
Finally, students with foreign qualifications obtained from international Universities not subscribing to the European system for acknowledging university qualifications and the ECTS system for assigning university credits can also enter the ECGS program, provided that they hold first-level degrees accepted as equivalent to Italian laurea degrees by a Committee appointed by the ECGS program Council, and that the same Committee verifies that the international applicants meet curricular requirements similar to those required of the applicants holding qualifications awarded by Italian Universities.
Moreover, in all the above cases, knowledge of the English language is required at level B2 or higher, according to the classification provided by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The qualifications recognised by the University of Milan, with the corresponding CEFR levels, can be found at: https://www.unimi.it/en/node/297/
Native English speakers and graduates from university first-level programmes entirely taught in English are exempted from producing any such language qualification.
Students without a documented B2 level may be accepted on condition that their level of English proficiency, assessed during the interview, is evidently good.
Students who do not comply with some of the above prerequisites can still be allowed to register in the ECGS programme, provided that they attend crash courses in the areas where they do not fulfil the requirements, to be held in early September before the start of the official courses, and sit the corresponding exams (see the programme website at: https://ecgs.cdl.unimi.it/en).
In line with the nature of the ECGS programme, international mobility is highly encouraged.
Students enrolled in the programme may spend a study period abroad under the ERASMUS+ program (they can take courses, take exams, prepare theses, carry out research), obtaining recognition for their academic career from that educational experience.
Erasmus+ also provides Placements, that is, the opportunity for a traineeship in companies and other organisations abroad. The new Erasmus+ program provides the following new study and placement opportunities: a) up to 12 months abroad (study periods and placements); b) placements, including those for new graduates (within 12 months of completing a degree). Students who have already spent a period abroad under the Erasmus+ programme may still apply for an Erasmus+ educational or placement activity. Yet, the months previously spent abroad concur to the attainment of the overall maximum of 12 months for each Erasmus+ study cycle.
Students enrolled in the programme may spend a study period abroad under the ERASMUS+ program (they can take courses, take exams, prepare theses, carry out research), obtaining recognition for their academic career from that educational experience.
Erasmus+ also provides Placements, that is, the opportunity for a traineeship in companies and other organisations abroad. The new Erasmus+ program provides the following new study and placement opportunities: a) up to 12 months abroad (study periods and placements); b) placements, including those for new graduates (within 12 months of completing a degree). Students who have already spent a period abroad under the Erasmus+ programme may still apply for an Erasmus+ educational or placement activity. Yet, the months previously spent abroad concur to the attainment of the overall maximum of 12 months for each Erasmus+ study cycle.
Attendance is strongly recommended
Courses list
First semester
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory | ||||
Approaches to the Study of Ecological Systems | 8 | 64 | English | BIO/07 |
Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation | 8 | 64 | English | BIO/05 |
Environmental Economics and Policy | 8 | 64 | English | SECS-P/01 |
Quantitative Methods | 6 | 64 | English | MAT/08 |
Second semester
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory | ||||
Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics and Policy | 8 | 64 | English | AGR/01 |
Chemistry of Natural Processes and Technologies for the Environment | 8 | 64 | English | CHIM/06 CHIM/07 |
Geodiversity: Theory and Applications | 8 | 64 | English | GEO/04 |
Statistical Methods in Environmental Studies | 6 | 64 | English | MED/01 SECS-P/05 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2021/2022
Undefined
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory | ||||
Final dissertation | 21 | 0 | English |
Not specified period
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Optional | ||||
Applied Environmental and Resource Economics | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/01 |
Climate Change: Impact and Adaptation | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/02 FIS/06 |
Economic botany and zoology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/04 BIO/05 |
Ecosystem Functioning and Services | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/07 |
Environmental Law | 6 | 48 | English | IUS/10 IUS/13 |
Sustainability Accounting and Management | 6 | 48 | English | SECS-P/08 |
Sustainable Development | 6 | 48 | English | SECS-P/01 |
First semester
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory | ||||
Approaches to the Study of Ecological Systems | 8 | 64 | English | BIO/07 |
Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation | 8 | 64 | English | BIO/05 |
Environmental Economics and Policy | 8 | 64 | English | SECS-P/01 |
Quantitative Methods | 6 | 64 | English | MAT/08 |
Second semester
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory | ||||
Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics and Policy | 8 | 64 | English | AGR/01 |
Chemistry of Natural Processes and Technologies for the Environment | 8 | 64 | English | CHIM/06 CHIM/07 |
Geodiversity: Theory and Applications | 8 | 64 | English | GEO/04 |
Statistical Methods in Environmental Studies | 6 | 64 | English | MED/01 SECS-P/05 |
be activated by the A.Y. 2021/2022
Undefined
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compulsory | ||||
Final dissertation | 21 | 0 | English |
Not specified period
Courses or activities | ECTS | Total hours | Language | SSD |
---|---|---|---|---|
Optional | ||||
Bioresource and Pollution Control Technology | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/09 |
Ecosustainable Materials and Processes | 6 | 48 | English | ING-IND/22 SECS-P/08 |
Environmental Change and Public Health | 6 | 48 | English | MED/04 MED/50 |
Food Industry Design, Technology and Innovation | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/15 |
Methods in Ecotoxicology | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/07 BIO/14 |
Multilevel Effects of Environmental Contamination | 6 | 48 | English | BIO/05 BIO/06 BIO/14 |
Waste Management and Sustainability | 6 | 48 | English | AGR/10 AGR/18 |
Course locations
Lecture rooms and laboratories are located in the "Città Studi" campus, mostly in the University buildings of Via Celoria, 20
Head of study programme
Academic guidance tutor
Erasmus and international mobility tutor
Study plan tutor
Internship tutor
Seminar and workshop tutor
Quality Assurance Delegate
Reference structures
Contacts
- Student administrative office
Milan - Via Celoria 18
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/359
+390250325032
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/360 - International Students Office - Welcome Desk
Milan - Via S. Sofia, 9/1
https://www.unimi.it/it/node/359
see this page: https://www.unimi.it/it/node/360 - ECGS Secretariat
ecgs@unimi.it
The tuition fees for students enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's and single-cycle degree programmes are divided into two instalments with different calculation methods and payment schedules:
- The amount of the first instalment is the same for all students
- The amount of the second instalment varies according to the ISEE University value, the degree programme and the student status (on track / off track for one year or off track for more than a year)
- An additional fee is due for online programmes
The University also offers:
- Concessions for students meeting high merit requirements
- Diversified tuition fees according to the student's home country for international students with assets/income abroad
- Concessions for international students with refugee status
Scholarships and benefits
The University provides a range of financial benefits to students meeting special requirements (merit, financial or personal conditions, international students).
Learn more
Guidance:
Admission, ranking and enrolment
Enrollment
First year enrolment: ✔
Admission
Open with entry requirements examination
Admission
Application for admission: from 10/03/2020 to 28/08/2020
Application for matriculation: from 17/06/2020 to 15/01/2021
Official documents
Regolamento
Scheda SUA