Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Planetary Geosciences - GeoPlaNet

EMJM Objectives

Train by research the next generation of geologists, planetary scientists and experts in space missions.

• It will prepare them to design, analyse and interpret the data of the future space missions and to address the many challenges of the oncoming Earth and Planetary exploration programmes. 
• It aims at developping students research and numerical skills, the use of VR tools and the creation of collaborative virtual universes for space exploration, in an international and multidisciplinary environment. 
• The goal is to reach 100 % of employment after graduation and create a wide network of employment opportunities within research & industry.

Highlights:

• Students will do their internships within the GeoPlaNet associated partners' network: Space exploration centers and academies worldwide including ESA and NASA 
• Visit of the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Netherlands 
• Fieldtrips in Italy and Spain 
• Internship offers at NASA (JPL) and ESA 
• World-renowned guest lecturers 
• Students will widen their minds to different cultures and languages in an intercultural environnement and experience new learning and working methods through an immersion in up to 4 different countries.

Mobility pathway

The GeoPlaNet EMJM in Planetary Geosciences is based on 3 existing Masters in 3 European Universities:

• Semester 1 in Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal) 
• Semester 2 in Università d'Annunzio di Chieti-Pescara (Italy) 
• Semester 3 in Nantes Université (France) 
• Semester 4: Internship in associated partners network worldwide

Ccourse programme

The EMJM is based on 3 existing long-lived national master programmes in University of Coimbra, Portugal, Università Gabriele d’Annunzio di Chieti/Pescara, Italy and Nantes Université, France. Each partner's master degree is fully recognized and accredited by national accreditation agencies, according to national procedures. The EMJM has been designed to ensure academic continuity and complementarity with first cycle programmes and to ensure access to PhD opportunities throughout the consortium, within the EHEA and worldwide.

Skills

On completion of the programme, students will have achieved a wide range of soft and transversal skills and competencies which will ensure they meet the needs of the current employment market. The identified skills are as followed:

• Linguistic skills (Capacity for language learning, basic knowledge of 3 European languages) 
• Communication skills and networking competences (ability to communicate effectively with different audiences at different levels, and present materials orally in a clear manner, using audio-visual aids where appropriate)
• Capacity for independent learning and maturity (soft skills) 
• Knowledge and critical understanding of a number of disciplines connected to PG 
• Capacity to frame and to test hypotheses; to deploy a range of research techniques and methodologies appropriate to their field of study at different scale and to define and develop creative responses to new research problems 
• Skill to present materials coherently in written form, with clear use of language, professional referencing and use of tables, diagrams and graphics where appropriate 
• Capacity to work flexibly and constructively in teams, including the ability to answer questions on their work and to give and receive constructive criticism 
• IT competencies (using a range of IT resources, including cutting-edge tools such as planetary data processing and integration and VR) 
• Understanding process of scientific communication and the publishing process

Degree recognition

• Successful graduates will receive a Joint Master Degree from the 3 Partner Universities in line with national legislation, entitled: “ERASMUS MUNDUS JOINT MASTER DEGREE IN PLANETARY GEOSCIENCES – GEOPLANET". This degree is jointly accreditated in France (MASTER de Sciences, Technologies, Santé mention Sciences de la Terre et des Planètes, Environnement), in Italy (Laurea Magistrale Internazionale in Planetary Sciences) and in Portugal (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Planetary Geosciences). 
• In addition to these degree certificates, graduates will receive a diploma supplement. This document outlines the nature of the course, curriculum and marking scheme and should help employers and universities understand the skills and achievements obtained as part of the study on the EMJM GeoPlaNet.  
• To ensure transparency and the conversion of marks between institutions, the EMJM GeoPlaNet uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Upon successful completion of the course you will gain a total of 120 ECTS.