Overview
The Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law (NOMPEL) is a two-year collaborative program offered by Uppsala University, the University of Eastern Finland, and the Arctic University of Norway. Taught in English, it provides comprehensive knowledge of environmental law across international, EU, and Nordic contexts. Students study at all three universities, focusing on topics such as climate change law, biodiversity protection, and marine environmental law. Graduates earn a joint degree from all three institutions, equipping them for careers in environmental law or further academic research.
Program structure
The Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law (NOMPEL) is a two-year, full-time study program totaling 120 ECTS credits. The curriculum is structured to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in environmental law across international, EU, and Nordic contexts.
Program Structure:
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First Semester (30 ECTS) – Uppsala University, Sweden:
- Introduction – The Role of Law in Environmental Policies (15 ECTS): This course examines the functions and potentials of various environmental legal instruments and principles, focusing on how legislation and legal principles can influence the implementation of environmental objectives and green growth.
- Law on Management of Natural Resources and Protection of Biodiversity (15 ECTS): This course analyzes the relationship between natural resource management (e.g., forests, water, wind) and biodiversity conservation, as stipulated in international, EU, and Nordic national laws.
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Second Semester (30 ECTS) – University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu:
- Climate Change Law and Policy: Focuses on legal frameworks addressing climate change at international and EU levels.
- International Environmental Law: Covers global environmental agreements and their implementation.
- Green Transitions: Explores legal aspects of transitioning to sustainable energy and resources.
- International Forest Law: Examines legal issues related to forest conservation and use.
- International Water Law: Discusses legal frameworks governing transboundary water resources.
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment: Teaches methodologies for assessing environmental and social impacts of projects.
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Third Semester (30 ECTS) – UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø:
- Protection of the Marine Environment with Focus on Marine Living Resources Law (15 ECTS): Studies the protection of biodiversity in marine harvesting, in areas within and beyond national jurisdiction, with regional implementation case studies.
- Energy and Climate Change Law (15 ECTS): Provides advanced knowledge of the interdependence between climate and energy, including implications of climate change law for the energy sector, renewable energy, emissions trading, and carbon capture and storage, with Arctic case studies.
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Fourth Semester (30 ECTS) – Master's Thesis:
- Students produce an individual master's thesis on a topic related to the subjects taught in the program. The thesis is supervised and evaluated by UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
This structured approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address complex environmental legal challenges at multiple governance levels.
For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.
Fees and Funding
The Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law (NOMPEL) involves studies at three partner universities: Uppsala University (Sweden), the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), and the Arctic University of Norway (UiT). Tuition fees and funding opportunities vary depending on your nationality and the policies of each institution.
Tuition Fees:
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EU/EEA Nationals:
- Uppsala University: No tuition fee.
- University of Eastern Finland: No tuition fee.
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway: No tuition fee.
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Non-EU/EEA Nationals:
- Uppsala University: Tuition fees apply.
- University of Eastern Finland: Tuition fees apply.
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway: No tuition fee.
Funding Opportunities:
Additional Considerations:
- Living Expenses: Scholarships and tuition waivers typically do not cover living expenses or travel costs.
- Application Process: Funding opportunities often require separate applications and may have specific eligibility criteria.
Scholarship Guidance
The Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law (NOMPEL) offers several funding opportunities to support students throughout their studies.
Scholarships and Tuition Waivers:
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University of Eastern Finland (UEF):
- UEF Scholarship:
- Coverage: 100% tuition waiver for the entire duration of the studies (2 years for Master's programmes).
- Eligibility: Awarded to the highest-ranked tuition fee-liable student based on admission results.
- Application: Applicants subject to tuition fees can apply for this scholarship during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.
- Tuition Waiver:
- Coverage: Up to 50% of the tuition fee.
- Eligibility: Granted to a limited number of applicants based on academic merit.
- Application: Applicants can apply for this waiver during the university application process by completing the relevant section on the application form.
- Finnish Language Scholarship:
- Coverage: Specific details are provided during the studies.
- Eligibility: Available to students who demonstrate progress in learning the Finnish language during their studies at UEF.
- Application: Information on applying for this scholarship is provided after enrollment.
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Uppsala University:
- Offers various scholarships for international students, including the Uppsala University Global Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition.
- Application: Details and application procedures are available on Uppsala University's official website.
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UiT The Arctic University of Norway:
- Norway does not charge tuition fees for higher education, including for international students.
- Scholarships: While tuition is free, students are responsible for living expenses. UiT offers various scholarships to assist with these costs.
Application Process:
- When to Apply: Scholarships and tuition waivers are applied for through the application form when applying to the respective universities.
- Selection Criteria: Scholarships are awarded based on merit, primarily considering the best scores in the application process.
Important Considerations:
- Limited Availability: The number of scholarships offered by each university is limited.
- Financial Planning: Prospective students are advised to finalize their financial plans well in advance, as scholarships and waivers do not cover living expenses or travel costs to Finland.
- Early Bird Discount: A one-time deduction of €500 for the autumn semester is available to students who accept their study place and pay the tuition fee within three weeks of the result publication.
For detailed information and specific inquiries, it's recommended to contact the programme coordinator or visit the official websites of the respective universities.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law (NOMPEL), applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Educational Background:
- Bachelor's Degree: A completed bachelor's degree in law or a related field.
2. Language Proficiency:
- English Language Skills: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Applicants can demonstrate this by:
- Language Tests: Achieving the minimum required scores in recognized English language tests, such as:
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 92, with a minimum of 22 in writing.
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in writing.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 62, with a minimum of 54 in writing.
- Previous Education: Completing a bachelor's, master's, or higher degree in English in EU/EEA countries, or in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States. The degree must be taught and assessed entirely in English.
3. Application Documents:
- Degree Certificate and Transcript: Officially certified copies of the bachelor's degree certificate and transcript of records, along with English translations if the originals are not in English, Finnish, or Swedish.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Valid language test results or documentation of exemption.
- Motivation Letter: A letter outlining the applicant's reasons for applying to the programme and how it aligns with their career goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.
- Copy of Passport: A copy of the information page of the applicant's passport.
4. Application Process:
- Application Period: The application window is from January 8 to January 22, 2025.
- Submission: Applications are submitted online through the Studyinfo.fi portal.
- Document Submission Deadline: All required documents must be uploaded by January 29, 2025, at 15:00 (Helsinki time, GMT+3).
For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.
Application Procedure
To apply for the Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law (NOMPEL), please follow these steps:
1. Application Period:
- Start Date: January 8, 2025
- End Date: January 22, 2025, at 15:00 (UTC+2)
2. Application Portal:
- Submit your application through the national Studyinfo portal: studyinfo.fi
3. Required Documents:
- Degree Certificates and Transcripts: Officially certified copies of your bachelor's degree certificate and transcript of records.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Valid language test results or documentation of exemption.
- Motivation Letter: A letter outlining your reasons for applying to the programme and how it aligns with your career goals.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your educational background, work experience, and other relevant information.
- Copy of Passport: A copy of the information page of your passport.
4. Document Submission Deadline:
- All required documents must be uploaded to the application form by January 29, 2025, at 15:00 (UTC+2).
5. Application Instructions:
- Ensure all documents are in PDF or JPEG format, with a maximum file size of 1.0 GB.
- Upload each document to the appropriate section of the application form.
- Scanned copies of original documents are accepted; paper copies are not required during the application period.
- Late submissions will not be processed.
6. Contact Information:
For detailed information and specific inquiries, please visit the official UEF website or contact the programme coordinator.