The Master’s program in Environmental and Energy Sciences promotes research excellence and educates students on the scientific frontiers and advanced methodologies at the vanguard of interconnected issues related to Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, Water Sciences, Energy and Sustainability. The challenging curricula includes core subjects aiming to build a common basis among students from different disciplines as well as a wide number of electives that provide insight into a variety of more specialized topics. The program is offered by The Cyprus Institute (CyI) Graduate School and it is centered around the Research and Innovation activities of two of its five Research Centres: the Climate and Atmosphere Research Centre (CARE-C), and the Energy, Environment and Water Research Centre (EEWRC), both of which are internationally recognized centres addressing important interdisciplinary scientific and technological issues on regional problems of global significance.

 The program is accredited by The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education. The language of instruction and communication of The Cyprus Institute is English.

Degree Tracks 

The Master's degree in Environmental and Energy Sciences with three specialization Tracks in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, Water Sciences, and Sustainable Energy, aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions in the environment, involving atmosphere, climate, water resources, and energy systems.

The program's structure allows students to explore the interconnections between these three specializations, enabling them to develop holistic approaches to addressing complex environmental challenges. The program includes a combination of track-specific core courses and electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. Coursework is complemented by the research project and opportunities for hands-on learning through field work, laboratory experiments, and internships. Graduates will be prepared for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, research institutions, and private companies working on air quality, meteorology and climate, water resources and renewable energy, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for a changing world.

Students who enroll in the program can select one of the following three tracks:

The Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences Track provides a solid foundation of air pollution, climate and weather, enabling the students to contribute academically and professionally to the increasing challenges of the Anthropocene related to atmospheric and climate change. It covers the basic principles of atmospheric physics and chemistry of gases and aerosols, the state and dynamics of various meteorological phenomena, the factors controlling air quality and climate change and the modelling methods and tools to predict them, as well as the techniques and instrumentation used for air pollution control. In addition, specifically designed courses aim to train the next generation of scientists seeking a professional career in Meteorology, covering all topics required for professionals employed in national departments of meteorology as prescribed by the World Meteorological Office (WMO).

The Water Sciences Track aims to provide knowledge on the hydrologic cycle, hydrologic processes and water quality, nurturing the capacity to apply hydrologic field and laboratory equipment and models to measure and model hydrologic processes. It will also equip the students with the necessary tools to operate professionally in a rapidly changing world affected by water scarcity and climate change, with increasing floods and droughts. The students will obtain theoretical and practical insights in integrated water resources, management, hydrodiplomacy and the water-energy-food-ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. Students can learn to obtain a solid understanding of terrestrial ecosystem processes and their interactions with the environment.

The Sustainable Energy Track uses the concept of sustainability with a focus on energy systems and resource economics to support a sustainable transition toward carbon-neutral energy systems and communities by providing students with (1) fundamental knowledge to understand the principles of energy science and thermal engineering and enable critical understanding of physics principles and their application in energy systems design and evaluation, (2) state-of-the-art tools and skills to assess the potential of renewable energy technologies to support the prosperity of thriving societies; (3) methods in policies to manage energy resources in a world constrained by finite natural resources and global climate change, in combination with knowledge of economic principles in order to address energy and environmental management issues at local, national and global level.

Back to top

Degree Paths

MSc in Environmental and Energy Sciences

The MSc is a 90 ECTS, 12-month program. During the first two semesters (Fall and Spring), students take courses and an internship. Students are also required to complete a research project which is assessed through the submission of an MSc thesis and viva at the end of the program. The part-time study option allows students to extend their study duration to a maximum of 24 months. 

MPhil in Environmental and Energy Sciences

The MPhil is a 120 ECTS, 18-month program. During the first two semesters (Fall and Spring), students take courses and an internship (which continues in the summer term). Students are also required to complete an extensive research project which is assessed through the submission of an MPhil dissertation and a viva at the end of the program. The part-time study option allows students to extend their study duration to a maximum of 36 months.

Part-time study option for Master's programs 

Back to top

Internship 

A mandatory internship is required for both degree options of the program, aiming at a more extensive research, technological and industrial exposure of the students towards a well-rounded training.

The intended learning outcomes for the internship include:

• Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skill sets acquired from the workplace
• Solve real-life challenges in the workplace by analyzing work environment and conditions
• Articulate career options by considering opportunities in company, public sector, industry, professional and educational advancement
• Communicate and collaborate effectively and appropriately with different professionals in the work environment both verbally and in writing
• Exhibit critical-thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing underlying issue/s to challenges
• Recommend ideas to improve work effectiveness and efficiency by analyzing challenges and considering viable options;
• Demonstrate appreciation and respect for diverse groups of professionals by engaging harmoniously with different company stakeholders
• Exhibit professional ethics by displaying positive disposition.

The internship in the MSc (1 year) degree option will have a duration of typically six weeks and will award 10 ECTS, while the internship in the MPhil (1.5 years) degree option will have a duration of up to eighteen weeks and will award 30 ECTS.

The internship can be either internal in one of the institute’s labs/groups or external in the industry (private/public sector). Internal internships offer students the opportunity to interact with more than one research group at The Cyprus Institute and experience research work in more than one lab. In cases where the internship will be carried out in the lab or with the research group directly connected with the student’s research project, this will allow students more time to work and focus on their research project.

The external internships contribute to the enhancement of the links between the program and the industry and through these provide opportunities for the employment of the students in these organizations. External internships help students acquire knowledge of the industry’s operations and develop the spirit of innovative and critical thinking. The internships are developed as leverage on already established partnerships of the institute.

The Graduate School will also consider suggestions for internship hosts from applicants. In such cases, we will contact the suggested host and confirm that they meet our requirements and are willing to agree to the conditions of the internship. Companies should be active in the relevant field.

Back to top

Career Prospects

Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences Track graduates will be equipped to pursue careers in:

Water Sciences Track graduates may pursue a professional career in:

 Qualified students may continue on to a PhD, which offers generous financial support options.

Back to top

Program Structure and Requirements

Back to top

Program Courses

Back to top

Academic Calendar

Go to Academic Calendars

Back to top