In September, Bangor University welcomed the inaugural cohort of the GLOBE (Global Change Ecology and Biodiversity Management) Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Programme. The two‑year course is designed for students who aspire to lead ecosystem restoration, shape conservation policy, and apply evidence‑based science across diverse geopolitical contexts. By studying at partner institutions in Spain, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Mexico, graduates emerge with a unique blend of research expertise and international field experience.
Why the GLOBE Master’s Program Matters for Tomorrow’s Conservationists
The United Nations and global biodiversity charters set ambitious targets for ecosystem restoration. Meeting these goals requires professionals who can analyse ecological change and translate that analysis into actionable management plans. GLOBE fills that gap by combining rigorous ecological science with practical conservation skills. The curriculum is structured around four pillars:
- Scientific Rigor – Advanced coursework in global change drivers, statistical modelling, and genetic techniques.
- Applied Practice – Field projects, lab work, and on‑the‑ground community engagement.
- Leadership & Communication – Training in stakeholder dialogue, policy brief writing, and science communication.
- International Collaboration – Students move between partner universities, gaining exposure to varied ecological contexts and governance frameworks.
Global Change Ecology and the Urgent Need for Expertise
Climate change, land‑use pressure, and biodiversity loss are interconnected and accelerating. Traditional academic programmes often treat these issues in isolation. GLOBE, conversely, interlaces ecological theory with socio‑economic and policy dimensions, ensuring that graduates can address real‑world challenges holistically. This integrated approach produces conservation leaders capable of developing resilient ecosystems on a global scale.
A Study Across Four Continents
Unlike conventional master’s degrees, students in GLOBE rotate through four institutions, each bringing a distinct ecological focus:
- Spain – Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC) for modelling and experimental design.
- UK – Bangor University for marine and terrestrial restoration, wildlife genetics, and evidence‑based management.
- Portugal – University of Lisbon for socio‑ecological systems and sustainable governance.
- Mexico – Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala for high‑diversity fieldwork and biodiversity hotspot studies.
Students therefore graduate with a versatile skill set and a broad professional network spanning Europe and the Americas.
Experiences from the First Cohort
Welcome Week in Madrid – Building International Networks
The cohort of 25 students, representing 17 countries including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, began with an intensive week at URJC. Sessions covered the ecologies of Mediterranean landscapes, practical field techniques, and the logistics of transitioning between campuses. The week also featured an excursion to the Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, where participants trekked to Peñalara Lagoon—a firsthand illustration of how field and theory coincide.
Semester‑by‑Semester Journey
- Semester 1 – URJC, Madrid: Students tackled foundational courses in global change drivers, learned advanced data‑analysis, and participated in a local habitat restoration project.
- Semester 2 – Bangor University, Wales: Exposure to UK‑centric threats such as emerging pathogens in wildlife and large‑scale river restoration techniques. Projects included a field baseline study in the River Severn catchment.
- Semester 3 – University of Lisbon, Portugal: Focus shifted to policy and governance, with case studies on sustainable urban planning and maritime conservation in the Iberian Sea.
- Semester 4 – Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Mexico: A five‑month summer school immersed students in tropical ecosystems, executing a biodiversity inventory in Sierra de Los Tuxtlas.
- Final Semester – Thesis: Graduates returned to a partner university of their choice for a research thesis, supervised by a faculty member with international experience.
Career Opportunities and Impact
Skill Set Gained
GLOBE equips graduates with:
- High‑level quantitative analysis, including machine learning applied to ecological data.
- Field techniques across diverse habitats: from temperate wetlands to tropical wetlands.
- Wildlife genetics and species‑management protocols.
- Policy brief development and stakeholder engagement.
- Cross‑cultural communication and project leadership.
Employment Ranges
Employers actively seek alumni for roles such as:
- Conservation Project Manager in NGOs or government agencies.
- Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist.
- Research Scientist in international research consortia.
- Policy Advisor on biodiversity and climate strategies.
- Ecological Data Scientist in private‑sector environmental consultancy.
Scholarships and Admissions
Erasmus Mundus Funding
Up to 80% of students across the programme’s first four editions receive full Erasmus Mundus scholarships. The funding covers tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend of €1,400, ensuring that financial barriers do not inhibit participation.
How to Apply
Applications for the next cohort open on the GLOBE programme website and close on 5 January 2026. Eligibility focuses on a bachelor’s degree in a related field—biology, environmental science, forestry, geography, economics, or environmental law is welcome. The application requires a statement of purpose, academic transcripts, and two references. For detailed guidance, visit GLOBE Application Page.
Why Choose Bangor University?
Bangor University is ranked number one in the UK for agriculture and forestry research. Its wildlife conservation master’s programme is renowned for combining rigorous science with hands‑on learning. In GLOBE, students benefit from Bangor’s strong marine research facilities, long‑standing regional partnerships, and a faculty that includes both seasoned ecologists and emerging data‑science scientists. The campus’s proximity to diverse Welsh ecosystems provides an ideal field laboratory.
Take the Next Step in Global Conservation Leadership
Whether you are a recent graduate or a professional looking to deepen your conservation expertise, the GLOBE Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters offers a structured, well‑supported path to becoming a world‑class conservation practitioner. Secure your place, build a global network, and contribute to tangible ecological recovery.
- Submit your application today and join the next cohort of international conservation leaders.
- Learn more about the GLOBE Programme to understand the full scope of the curriculum and partnership benefits.
- Contact Bangor University’s School of Environmental and Natural Sciences for additional guidance on admission requirements and scholarship eligibility.
