The WAVES Erasmus Mundus Master is a competitive, two-year Joint Master’s designed for future engineers and researchers working in waves, acoustics, vibrations, sound engineering, and structural dynamics. Fully taught in English and funded by the European Union, this program offers an elite academic experience backed by mobility across Europe’s strongest universities in acoustics. Students gain world-class training in wave-phenomena modelling, silent mobility technologies, environmental acoustics engineering, audio-system design, metamaterials, and noise control solutions.
Whether your goal is to design the next generation of quiet electric vehicles, engineer sustainable acoustic materials for smart cities, or innovate in underwater acoustics and audio technology, the WAVES Erasmus Mundus program gives you the academic foundation and international network to accelerate your career. The curriculum blends scientific depth, practical lab exposure, flipped-classroom engagement, and a strong industry connection through internships at more than 40 partner companies and laboratories.
Key details of the WAVES Erasmus Mundus Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | WAVES – Waves, Acoustics, Vibrations, Engineering and Sound |
| Duration | 2 years – 120 ECTS |
| Degree Type | Multiple National Master’s Degrees plus Joint Diploma Supplement |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Study Model | Semester mobility – Portugal (Y1 S1), Spain (Y1 S2), France (Y2 S1), Internship worldwide (Y2 S2) |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus+ Joint Master Funding |
| Academic Focus | Acoustics engineering, sound systems, aero-vibroacoustics, wave propagation modelling, noise reduction, metamaterials, musical acoustics, underwater acoustics |
Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Start Date | 02 September 2019 |
| End Date | 01 September 2026 |
| Action Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) |
Universities and Countries Involved in WAVES Erasmus Mundus
The program is jointly delivered by a consortium of leading universities:
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| University of Coimbra | Portugal |
| Polytechnic University of Valencia | Spain |
| Aix-Marseille University | France |
| École Centrale Marseille | France |
Programme Structure
| Semester | Location | Academic Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | University of Coimbra – Portugal | Building acoustics, vibrations fundamentals, computational modelling, sustainable materials, instrumentation |
| Semester 2 | Polytechnic University of Valencia – Spain | CAD acoustics, room acoustics, musical acoustics, underwater acoustics, psychoacoustics, ultrasound, simulation techniques |
| Semester 3 | Aix-Marseille University & École Centrale Marseille – France | Aeroacoustics, metamaterials, nonlinear systems, environmental acoustics, acoustic imaging, waves in continuum media |
| Semester 4 | Internship worldwide | 4-6 month internship in industry or research labs, thesis and defense |
Research and Industry Links
The WAVES Erasmus Mundus program collaborates with over 40+ industrial and research partners, enabling:
• Internships and job pipelines in aerospace, transport, construction, marine acoustics, musical acoustics, and energy
• Joint research opportunities with laboratories in Europe and beyond
• Access to guest lectures, workshops, and specialized industry seminars
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS) in acoustics, physics, mathematics, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, or computer science
• English proficiency (native or CEFR B2 or above; accepted tests include Cambridge, EF SET, TOEFL)
• Solid academic background and motivation for acoustics and engineering
Required Documents
Following documents are required for the WAVES Erasmus Mundus Masters.
• Europass CV
• Passport or national ID
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Certified translations of academic transcripts and diplomas
• Two recommendation letters
• Cover letter (maximum 500 words) describing motivation, expectations, suitability
• Ranking letter if available
How to Apply – Step-By-Step
- Prepare all required documents
- Write a clear, strong cover letter tailored to acoustics
- Create account on the official application platform
- Upload documents and submit
- Wait for selection results (main list, reserve list, rejection)
Application Timeline (2025/2026 Intake)
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | November |
| Application Deadline | January |
| Selection Results | Announced after review |
| Program Start | September |
Scholarship Benefits for WAVES Erasmus Mundus Applicants
• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living stipend
• Travel and installation support
• Access to labs, libraries, and Erasmus mobility grants
Guidance for a Strong Application
• Highlight academic performance in physics, math, acoustics, and engineering
• Mention related projects or research in sound, modelling, vibrations
• Show openness to mobility and international teamwork
• Use the motivation letter to clearly show why WAVES is aligned with your goals
Alumni Experience
Graduates work in:
• Aerospace companies designing quieter engines
• Automotive transport firms developing silent electric vehicles
• Marine technology companies researching underwater acoustics
• Audio and musical acoustics engineering
• Research labs and PhD programs in Europe and internationally
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the WAVES Erasmus Mundus Program?
WAVES Erasmus Mundus is a two-year Joint Master’s in acoustics, wave engineering, sound, and vibrations, delivered across Portugal, Spain, and France.
Who can apply to the WAVES Erasmus Mundus Program?
Anyone holding a Bachelor’s degree in acoustics, physics, math, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, or computer science with English-language proficiency.
Does WAVES Erasmus Mundus include internships?
Yes. A mandatory 4–6 month internship is required in the final semester.
What degree is awarded?
Multiple national Master’s degrees plus a Joint Diploma Supplement.
What are career outcomes?
Graduates work in transportation acoustics, noise control, aerospace, musical acoustics, geophysics, infrastructure engineering, and research.
