The two Erasmus Mundus Master’s degrees being coordinated by the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country, Marine Environment (MER+) and  Renewable Energies in the Marine Environment (REM), have been worthy of the Good Practices Flag distinction awarded by the European Commission,  after having exceeded the first evaluation with a score far higher than the minimum grade of 75 out of 100.

“This distinction is only granted to projects that stand out in terms of quality management and which may be a source of inspiration for others; and it means occupying a leading position on the select Erasmus+ Project Results Platform,” said Ionan Marigómez, international coordinator of the MER+ Master’s.

This platform includes all the areas of good practices in the projects as a whole funded by the Erasmus+ programme and its predecessors in the field of education, professional practices, youth and sport in Europe. Among a total of 225 top-calibre Master’s degrees completed between 2010 and 2016 and funded through the Erasmus Mundus programme that preceded the Erasmus+, only 26 obtained this distinction.

“For those who graduate it will mean that their programme of studies has a quality distinction in addition to what the Erasmus+ label of excellence signifies. Through the score obtained by each we easily exceed the strict requirements demanded by these programmes in all their aspects, ranging from the subject matter itself to the drawing up of the programme itself including a webpage that is clear and detailed in all aspects, the facilities we offer, the clear possibilities in the job market right up to the extra services we provide the students with,” as Jesús María Blanco, the international coordinator of the REM Master’s, spelled out.

Incentive

Likewise, Manu Soto, the UPV/EHU head of the MER+ Master’s, believes that it is a “clear incentive to go on improving”, which will be verified through periodical evaluations by the EACEA (Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency of the European Commission). Blanco went on to say that the recognition provides “the university itself with great international visibility on many forums”.

Erasmus Mundus Master’s in the Marine Environment (MER+)

This Master’s prepares the student to act as a leader in various marine sectors, such as research, environmental conservation and management, and to work in non-governmental organisations and local and international administrations.

This post-graduate course teaches the students to analyse the marine environment by means of field measurements and models and qualifies them to manage projects and programmes, thus providing them with leadership and properly developed personal skills.

Erasmus Mundus Master’s in Renewable Energies in the Marine Environment (REM)

This postgraduate course has been designed to facilitate expertise in two directions, “Marine Renewable Energy Systems Engineering” and “Power Electronics and Control for Marine Renewable Energy Systems”.

The Master’s equips the student for a leadership role in the renewable energy and marine sectors. The students will be able to carry out high-level technical tasks in engineering companies, equipment manufacturers and other marine industries, and to develop research careers at universities, research centres and other institutes.