In a world facing increasingly complex environmental challenges, this programme equips students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills needed to understand, manage, and design sustainable solutions for the future.
Full Professor Mounir Ghribi
Study programme director
- Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Structure: 9 core courses, 3 elective courses, master thesis
- Title: Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (magister/ magistrica okoljski ved)
- Mode of study: full-time, blended learning
- Location: Koper
- Start dates: October
Programme overview
The Master’s programme in Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary and research-oriented programme that addresses key environmental challenges, including air, water, and soil pollution, waste management, and environmental monitoring. It combines scientific, technological, and socio-economic perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental systems and their interactions.
The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyse, assess, and manage complex environmental issues across natural, technological, organisational, and economic contexts. Through a strong emphasis on applied research and real-world problem-solving, students develop the ability to design and implement sustainable solutions.
Graduates are prepared to integrate environmental science with policy, management, and technological innovation, contributing effectively to sustainable development and environmental protection in diverse professional settings.
Programme learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- the ability to assess environmental quality, impacts, and risks.
- the skills to conduct research and implement environmental monitoring programmes.
- the capacity to develop and apply sustainable solutions, including waste management strategies.
- the competence to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge to design effective environmental policies, strategies, and solutions.
Courses - Year 1
| # | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Instrumental Techniques in Environment
|
10 |
|
2 |
Transport and fate of pollutants in the environment
|
8 |
|
3 |
Individual Project I
|
4 |
|
4 |
Specialised elective subjects
|
32 |
|
5 |
Elective course
|
6 |
Courses - Year 2
| # | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Social and legal aspects of the environment
|
6 |
|
2 |
Soft skills for career development
|
6 |
|
3 |
Individual Project II
|
10 |
|
4 |
Elective courses
|
18 |
|
5 |
Master’s Thesis
|
20 |
Elective Module Ergonomics
| # | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Environmental Epidemiology
|
8 |
|
2 |
Strategies and Technologies for Reducing Atmospheric Pollution
|
8 |
|
3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Reducing Water Pollution
|
8 |
|
3 |
Strategies and Technologies for Waste Treatment
|
8 |
Elective Module Healthy and active lifestyle
| # | Course name | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Advanced In-situ Aerosol Measurement Techniques
|
5 |
|
2 |
Cancer and Environment
|
5 |
|
3 |
Geochemistry
|
5 |
|
4 |
Geographic information systems
|
5 |
|
5 |
Karstology and Development Challenges
|
5 |
|
6 |
Materials and the environment
|
5 |
|
7 |
Optimization procedures in environmental protection
|
5 |
|
8 |
Process simulation and control
|
5 |
|
9 |
Radiation Biology and Biophysics
|
5 |
|
10 |
Radioecology
|
5 |
|
11 |
Shallow Subterranean Habitats: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
|
5 |
Admission requirements
- a completed first cycle degree (180 ECTS, 3 year’s Bachelor’s degree) or equivalent in the field of natural sciences, technical sciences or biotechnology; or
- a completed previous higher education professional study programme (programmes adopted before 11/06/2004) in the field of natural sciences, technical sciences or biotechnology; or
- 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 up 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, candidates will be selected based on their success in the bachelor studies (GPA 60%, thesis grade 40%).
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 relevant 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
A key feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on research-based and project-oriented learning. Throughout their studies, students actively engage in projects addressing real-world environmental challenges, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as environmental monitoring and measurement, environmental impact assessment, implementation of sustainable and low-impact technologies, and the development and integration of renewable energy solutions.
The programme is closely aligned with the applied research activities of the academic staff, ensuring that teaching is directly connected to current scientific developments and practical applications. This approach enables students to work on relevant, real-life problems and equips them with the skills needed to develop innovative and effective solutions for environmental issues.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this programme are highly sought after in the rapidly expanding environmental and sustainability sectors, where interdisciplinary expertise is essential for addressing global challenges. They are equipped to pursue dynamic careers in environmental monitoring and pollution control, research and innovation, environmental policy and governance, as well as project management and consulting. With a strong foundation in both science and application, graduates can work in public institutions, international organisations, private companies, and consulting firms, driving sustainable solutions and contributing to the transition towards a more resilient and environmentally responsible society.
Possible career paths with this degree
- research and innovation
- environmental policy and governance
- technical environmental work (monitoring, pollution control)
- policy and administration
- project management and consulting
Graduates can work across public institutions, private companies, research organisations, and consulting firms, dealing with environmental protection and sustainable development.
Possible job positions
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental analyst
- Sustainability specialist
- Environmental project manager
- Policy advisor
- Researcher
- Environmental monitoring specialist
- Pollution control expert
- Waste management specialist
- Environmental impact assessment expert
Faculty
- Programme coordinator: Prof. Mounir Ghribi
- Assist. Prof. Blaž Belec
- Assist. Prof. Iain Robert White
- Prof. Matjaž Valant
- Assoc. Prof. Jerneja Penca
- Prof. Ivan Eržen
- Izr. Prof. dr. Griša Močnik
- Prof. Gregor D. Zupančič
- Prof. Janez Ščančar
- Prof. Sonja Lojen
- Prof. Janja Vaupotič
- Prof. Ario de Marco
- Assoc. Prof. Marko Komac
- Prof. Juš Kocijan
- Prof. Tanja Pipan
- Prof. Tadej Slabe
- Prof. Henrik Gjerkeš
- Assist. Prof. Andreea Oarga-Mulec