Master Study Programme
Ecoremediations and Sustainable Development
- 4 semesters / 2 years
- 120 ECTS
“In a world facing urgent environmental challenges, this programme prepares you to rethink how we interact with ecosystems and to lead the transition towards sustainable and nature-based solutions.”
Assist. Prof. Jihene Nouairi
Study programme director
- Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Structure: 9 core courses, 3 elective courses, master thesis
- Title: Master in Sustainable development (magister/ magistrica ekoremediacij in trajnostnega razvoj)
- Mode of study: part-time, blended learning
- Location: Koper
- Start dates: October
Programme overview
This interdisciplinary master programme that equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to address contemporary environmental challenges through sustainable and nature-based solutions. The programme integrates scientific knowledge from ecology, environmental protection, environmental economics, legislation, and sustainable development. It focuses on the concept of ecoremediation, which involves using natural processes and ecosystem functions to restore, protect, and sustainably manage the environment.
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem functioning and the application of environmentally friendly technologies to mitigate environmental degradation, manage water and natural resources, and address global challenges such as climate change and pollution. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications and research activities, enabling students to develop innovative solutions for environmental restoration and sustainable development.
Programme learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- Analyse, evaluate, and synthesise environmental information and data
- Apply critical and creative thinking to solve complex environmental problems
- Conduct research and apply scientific methods in environmental studies
- Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines related to sustainable development
- Plan, organise, and manage environmental projects and initiatives
- Plan and implement advisory and professional activities in environmental management
- Apply ecosystem-based technologies for environmental protection and restoration
- Design and evaluate solutions for pollution mitigation using phytoremediation and bioremediation techniques
- Assess environmental impacts and benefits of nature-based remediation measures
- Apply ecoremediation methods in urban and rural environments
- Contribute to sustainable development strategies and environmental planning
- Apply environmental protection legislation and policy frameworks in practice
- Evaluate ecosystem services and biodiversity benefits associated with ecological restoration.
Courses - Year 1
| # | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Technology and Ecosystems
|
10 |
|
2 |
Introduction to sustainable development
|
10 |
|
3 |
ERM of terrestrial and water ecosystems
|
10 |
|
4 |
Environmental Law
|
10 |
|
5 |
Economics of Sustainable Transformation
|
10 |
|
6 |
Research Methodology
|
5 |
|
7 |
Elective course I.
|
5 |
Courses - Year 2
| # | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
|
8 |
Ethical Aspects of Sustainable Development
|
10 |
|
9 |
ERM in Rural and Urban Areas
|
10 |
|
10 |
Elective course II.
|
5 |
|
11 |
Elective course III.
|
5 |
|
12 |
Sustainable Development in Slovenia and the World
|
10 |
|
13 |
Master Thesis |
20 |
Elective courses
| # | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Climate Change & Sustainable Development
|
5 |
|
2 |
Economic Growth & Sustainable Development
|
5 |
|
3 |
Marketing for SD & Rethinking Consumption Models
|
5 |
|
4 |
Social & Corporate Systems for Sustainable Development
|
5 |
|
5 |
Solid Waste & Hazardous Waste management
|
5 |
|
6 |
Cultural heritage in the light of sustainable development and climate change
|
5 |
Admission requirements
- A completed first cycle degree (180 ECTS, 3 year’s Bachelor’s degree) or equivalent in the field of natural sciences; or
- A completed previous higher education professional study programme (programmes adopted before 11/06/2004) in the field of natural sciences; or
- A a completed study programme equivalent in duration and scope to the programmes referred to points a) or b) in other professional fields, the candidate must pass bridge exams before enrolment in the extension of 10 to 60 ECTS determined according to the professional field by the Commission for student and study affairs.
- English language proficiency at upper intermediate level (B2 CEFR level).
Admission to the first year of study is granted to the candidates who have completed a comparable education abroad and have been, in the process of recognition of their qualification and in accordance with Assessment and Recognition of Education Act, granted the right to continue their studies at the study programme.
The relevant proof of compliance for English language proficiency:
- Certificate of B2 level (CEFR) of equivalent certificate (IELTS score 5 – 6.5, Cambridge FCE 160 – 179, TOEFL IBT 87 – 109, Oxford B2 Upper Intermediate)
- A bachelor degree at a programme conducted in English language and a statement of the higher education institution the candidate completed the programme in English language.
Candidates who are English native speakers and candidates who completed the studies in countries where English is the language of instruction are considered as fulfilling the English language proficiency and do not need to provide proof of compliance.
The EMUNI University reserves the right to test the candidates’ language knowledge if, during the application process, EMUNI finds that the English language proficiency is not at the required level.
In case of enrolment limitation, the candidates will be selected based on the candidates will be selected based on their GPA from their undergraduate degree (50% GPA and 50% thesis grade). If the undergraduate study did not include a thesis or it was not graded, the only criterion considered is the average grade of the undergraduate study.
Transfer criteria for admission in second year
Transferring between study programmes is possible according to the Higher Education Act, Criteria for transferring between study programmes and other regulations of this field.
Transferring between study programmes is granted to candidates, provided that the following conditions are met:
- the candidate fulfils the admission requirements for the study programme;
- study programmes ensure the acquisition of comparable competences or study outcomes;
- at least half of the obligations under the European Transferable Credit System (ECTS) from the first study programme relating to the compulsory courses of the master's degree programme may be recognized according to the criteria for recognition of knowledge and skills acquired prior to enrolment in the programme.
Applications for transferring between study programmes are considered by the competent Commission. In accordance with the Criteria for transferring between study programmes the Commission takes into account the comparability between study programmes and study obligations the candidate has completed in the previous study programme, that can be recognized in this study programme.
For the transfer the candidate must provide the syllabi for all the courses from the previous study programme in English language.
Specifics of the programme
The programme is designed as a living laboratory for sustainability, combining advanced scientific knowledge with hands-on, real-world problem solving.
Students will engage in:
- Applied laboratory work and experimental learning, using innovative and nature-based technologies for environmental restoration (e.g., phytoremediation systems, bio-based materials, water treatment solutions);
- Field-based learning in diverse ecosystems (coastal, urban, and rural), enabling direct observation, data collection, and intervention design;
- Collaboration with innovators, industry partners, and public authorities, working on real environmental challenges and co-developing solutions;
- Project-based learning and interdisciplinary teamwork, simulating real professional environments;
- Use of cutting-edge tools and digital technologies, including environmental monitoring systems, GIS, remote sensing, and data-driven decision-making;
- Engagement in pilot projects and living labs, where students test and implement sustainable solutions in real contexts;
Integration of research and practice, allowing students to contribute to ongoing scientific projects and innovation initiatives.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be able to:
- Apply nature-based solutions (e.g. phytoremediation, bioremediation, constructed wetlands)
- Design and implement environmental protection and restoration measures
- Manage water resources (rivers, lakes, groundwater, coastal areas)
- Treat wastewater using ecological approaches
- Revitalise degraded areas and ecosystems
- Plan, organise, and manage environmental projects
- Design and implement sustainability strategies
- Conduct advisory and consulting activities
- Understand and apply environmental regulations and policies
- Work within institutional and legal frameworks
- Contribute to the development and implementation of environmental policies
- Evaluate environmental impacts and benefits of interventions
Possible job positions
- Ecoremediation Specialist
- Restoration Ecologist
- Water Resource Management Specialist
- Environmental Specialist / Environmental Officer
- Environmental Protection Advisor
- Nature Conservation Specialist
- Environmental Monitoring Expert
Faculty
Programme coordinator: Assist. Prof. Jihene Nouairi
- Assist. Prof. Luka Juri
- Prof.Dr. Roberto Biloslavo
- Assist. Prof. Adnane Labbaci
- Prof.Dr. Rado Bohinc
- Assist. Prof. Valentina Jošt Lešer
- Assoc. Prof. Plamen Mirazchiyski
- Assist. Prof. Maja Pucelj
- Prof. Mounir Ghribi
- Jaka Vadnjal
- Assist. Prof. Denis Tomše
- Assist. Prof. Jihene Nouairi
- Assoc. Prof. Anja Hellmuth