ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT RELATED MASTER LEVEL DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN THE EU: BASELINE, TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Environmental assessment and management (EAM) is an inherently interdisciplinary subject, drawing on science (e.g. ecology, biology, physical geography), social science (e.g. decision making theory, political sciences, planning) and economics. Due to the absence of a clear disciplinary home, understanding of EAM related higher education degree programmes has remained poor. Furthermore, teaching of EAM is influenced by how it is practiced and therefore differs from country to country. The aim of this paper is to shed light on this still under researched area by establishing a comprehensive overview of EAM related master level degree programmes across the EU. In this context, current baseline and emerging trends as well as challenges and opportunities are presented and discussed. The paper is aimed specifically at those interested in EAM higher education, e.g. researchers, university teachers and (prospective) students.