Why do students choose the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Environmental Policy and Economics (M3EP)? What makes this joint programme stand out — and what are the hopes and motivations of those embarking on this journey?
In these testimonials, Abubakar Sani Yahaha from Nigeria and Chiara Fiacco from Italy share their perspectives as newly admitted M3EP students. The programme starts at the University of Copenhagen, where all students complete their first year together, before continuing to different partner universities — Abubakar to Heidelberg University and Chiara to Charles University.
What motivated you to apply for the programme?
Coming from the Northwest region of Nigeria, which is engulfed in climate-induced conflict, I have seen how environmental degradation, from desertification to plastic pollution and unregulated exploration of natural resources, threatens livelihoods. This experience, together with my professional interest in working as a stakeholder in the fields of environmental governance and sustainability economics, prompted me to apply for the M3EP programme. Being a novel programme, M3EP offers a distinctive strategy for addressing environmental challenges around the world, utilising creative solutions that strike a balance between social justice, economic stability, and ecological preservation. I am confident that M3EP is the right programme to equip me with environmental knowledge through political, economic, social, and policy dimensions, since I hope to help implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges both in my home country and on a global stage.
What are your expectations?
I expect the M3EP programme to prepare me for significant employment opportunities at international organisations such as the EEA, EEB, and UNEP, as well as future PhD studies in Environmental Governance. I also hope to grow into a skilled environmental policy analyst and economist. I hope to gain strong analytical skills in assessing policy trade-offs and constructing adaptive economic frameworks through the programme’s focus on environmental economics and policy at the University of Copenhagen. However, my second-year specialty at Heidelberg University, Comparative Environmental Policy, will allow me to identify and analyse global environmental concerns and propose solutions, particularly in the areas of plastic pollution, green energy, and natural resources conflict. I like to be a part of an inclusive academic community where I can learn and contribute my perspectives while also meeting and exploring new cultures and people. Thanks to M3EP for providing me with a brother, Sebastianas Uribe, with whom I have already become acquainted to begin a project called "Student Summer Series (SSS)" – an educational online platform that we hope will benefit students from around the world and allow them to reflect, write, and share their perspectives on the world, nature, and the environment.
What do you find unique about the M3EP programme?
Aside from being an Erasmus Mundus programme, M3EP has a distinct strength in its seamless integration of economic and policy perspectives on environmental issues. Unlike programmes that only focus on one area, M3EP enables me to grasp environmental concerns through economic analysis and policy frameworks. The programme's mobility across two universities is of particular importance. Having fundamental knowledge in Copenhagen and then specialising in Heidelberg creates a holistic learning journey for me to pursue. It is worth noting that the curriculum focuses on Europe while also providing opportunity for comparative research of global environmental concerns. It offers the exact perspective required to handle today's interrelated environmental issues. M3EP's unique approach of rigorous academics, practical policy applications, and worldwide exposure positions it to develop the next generation of environmental leaders. I am overjoyed to have been accepted into the M3EP programme and awarded a full Erasmus Mundus scholarship. Many thanks!
I have always been fascinated by the intersection of environmental science and policy. I started my academic journey in Biotechnology, which sparked my interest in ecological systems and biodiversity, and later moved to International Relations, where I learned how societies and institutions respond to complex challenges. Seeing the tangible impacts of climate change made me realise just how urgent these issues are and that addressing them effectively requires more than scientific knowledge; it also demands an understanding of the economic, social, and policy dimensions and how they interact in practice. This awareness has made me especially attuned to the need for a just transition, ensuring that environmental strategies consider social and economic impacts on communities and do not exacerbate existing inequalities. M3EP stood out to me because it brings together economics and policy in an international and collaborative setting, giving me the chance to approach environmental challenges in a holistic way and develop solutions that are both scientifically grounded and socially aware.
I expect the M3EP programme to provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to effective and well-informed strategies at European and global levels. In the first year in Copenhagen, I look forward to developing a solid foundation in environmental economics and policy analysis, which will help me better understand the trade-offs, interconnections, and practical implications of environmental decision-making. In the second year at Charles University, specialising in Policies and Politics of Green Transition, I hope to deepen my understanding of governance and comparative policy approaches, exploring how different political and institutional contexts influence the design and implementation of green policies. Beyond the academic content, I am especially looking forward to collaborating with peers, sharing perspectives, and developing ideas that bring together different approaches and expertise. I see this experience as a stepping stone toward my long-term goal of working within European institutions to shape policies that integrate environmental considerations with social and economic fairness.
What I find most unique about M3EP is its interdisciplinary and international structure. I am particularly drawn to the way the curriculum combines economics and policy, as it allows me to approach environmental challenges from multiple angles, not only understanding the problems but also critically assessing possible solutions and their social and economic implications. I also really value the programme’s mobility and flexibility. Starting with the whole cohort in Copenhagen and then continuing at different partner universities gives me exposure to varied academic approaches, research cultures, and ways of thinking about environmental issues in Europe. Working alongside peers from diverse backgrounds during the shared phase, even while pursuing different specialisations, creates a collaborative environment that mirrors how professionals in this field need to work together. Being in this setting helps me see how different contexts and disciplines interact in practice. For me, it is this mix of learning, collaboration, and exposure to diverse perspectives that makes the programme inspiring and what I believe will prepare me to tackle complex environmental challenges in ways that are both practical and globally relevant.