Background

United Nations University (UNU) was established in 1973 and currently it is comprised of over 15 Research Institutes and Programmes in 13 countries around the world. Even though postgraduate training was a huge part of UNU's history, it did not offer any complete degree programs until recently. In 2009 the UN General Assembly authorized UNU to grant and confer postgraduate degrees.

The Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) is one of the top universities in Europe: strong in research and considered first-rate with respect to the range and the quality of the study programmes it offers. As a modern comprehensive, multi-discipline university and with its 14 faculties it has a broad and diverse scientific spectrum.

The doctoral degree programme which will commence in October 2014 jointly by UNU-FLORES and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at TUD is the latest among the very few doctoral programs UNU currently offers.

About the Programme

To ensure that the students have an evenly-matched starting point, and also to introduce the basic concepts of the nexus of water, soil and waste, the programme comprises 35 course credits in addition to 175 dissertation credits. This total of 210 credits spans over 7 semesters. The credits are defined in terms of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Highlights

• The degree is jointly offered by the United Nations University and the Technische Universität Dresden, Germany;
• The focus of the programme is on integrated management of water, soil and waste using a nexus approach, making it the first of its kind;
• The programme has a strong focus on developing countries;

Tuition and fees

This joint degree programme is tuition-free. For living costs and other expenses, applicants are encouraged to secure a sponsorship from different sources. A limited number of scholarships will be made available to qualified applicants by UNU-FLORES with contributions from various donors.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to have basic knowledge in undergraduate level physics, chemistry and mathematics with a Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

• Engineering;
• Natural Sciences;
• Social sciences; or
• Other closely related field.

All applicants are also required to have a research-based Master's degree in environmental resource management.

Experience related to the nexus of water, soil and waste or environmental resource management will be considered an asset.

Since the programme is offered in English, applicants have to demonstrate proficiency in English.

How to apply

If you meet the requirements stated above, please send the following documents not later than 15 June 2014:

• Filled application form. Click here to download
• University degree certificates (Bachelor's and Master's) and transcripts (or mark sheets); Certificate demonstrating proficiency in English (IELTS-7.0; TOEFL-600 PBT, 100 IBT)
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Letter of Motivation;
• Two letters of reference

All inquiries about the Doctoral Programme can be addressed to: pginfo_flores@unu.edu

Please send your application package by post to:

UNU-FLORES
United Nations University
Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES)
Ammonstrasse 74
01067 Dresden, Germany

or by email to: pgapp_flores@unu.edu