The EMPHID Erasmus Mundus Program in Public Health in Disaster is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJM) designed to train professionals with deep interdisciplinary knowledge in public health, disaster risk reduction, emergency response and research methods in disastrous settings. Delivered by a consortium of highly respected European institutions, it equips graduates with the analytical, practical and research skills to work across international organisations, government agencies, NGOs and academia in disaster-related public health fields.
This programme emphasises European and global perspectives on disaster health, combining courses on disaster risk assessment, public health systems, epidemiology, research and response strategy. EMPHID Erasmus Mundus students benefit from mobility across three countries, gaining exposure to diverse socio-economic contexts, practical cases and international disaster response frameworks.
Key Details of EMPHID Erasmus Mundus
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Public Health in Disasters |
| Duration | 2 academic years (120 ECTS) |
| Degree Type | Joint Master’s Degree |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Study Model | Year 1 at Universidad de Oviedo, Year 2 (and parts) at Karolinska Institutet & University of Nicosia |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus+ Joint Master Funding & Consortium Scholarships |
| Academic Focus | Public Health in Disaster Risk Reduction, Response, Epidemiology, Research Methods |
Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Start Date | 01 October 2023 |
| End Date | 30 November 2029 |
| Action Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) |
Universities and Countries Involved in EMPHID Erasmus Mundus
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Universidad de Oviedo | Spain |
| Karolinska Institutet | Sweden |
| University of Nicosia | Cyprus |
Programme Structure
| Year | Location | Academic Components |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Spain (Universidad de Oviedo) | Core disaster modules: disaster risk assessment, disaster terminology, public health fundamentals (30 ECTS) |
| Year 1 / Year 2 | Sweden (Karolinska Institutet) | Public health response in disasters, qualitative research (30 ECTS) |
| Year 2 | Cyprus (University of Nicosia) | Epidemiology & research in disasters (30 ECTS) |
| Year 2 | Any partner (Mobility) | Master’s thesis (30 ECTS) |
Research and Industry Links
EMPHID Erasmus Mundus develops strong research connections through its consortium, including associated partners like Médecins Sans Frontières and the Swedish Red Cross which provide internship and fieldwork opportunities that complement coursework with real-world public health disaster response experience.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet these criteria:
- Hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent)
- English proficiency equivalent to CEFR C1 (e.g., IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in writing or TOEFL iBT 79 with 20 in writing)
- Relevant academic background (health, management, social or technical sciences accepted)
- Motivation showing global and disaster-focused commitment
Required Documents
- Bachelor’s degree certificate & transcripts (with ECTS calculation)
- Proof of English proficiency (C1 level)
- CV in English
- Motivation letter (approx. 250 words)
- Two letters of reference
- Passport copy & residence certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply – Step-By-Step
- Visit the official EMJM PHID application portal
- Create an account and log in
- Fill in all required personal and academic information
- Upload all supporting documents in English
- Submit before the deadline (31st December)
- If shortlisted, prepare for interview and await selection results
Application Timeline 2025 and 2026 Intake
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | October |
| Application Deadline | Febuary |
| Selection and Review | March |
| Final Results Notification | March – May |
| Programme Start | September |
Scholarship Benefits for EMPHID Erasmus Mundus Applicants
- Erasmus Mundus scholarships covering tuition fees and insurance
- Monthly subsistence (~€1,400) for 24 months
- Travel & installation contribution
- Possibility of full tuition waivers and support for research/internship placement
Guidance for a Strong Application
- Emphasise your motivation for public health and disaster response
- Detail relevant work or research experiences
- Highlight cross-cultural experience and teamwork skills
- Prepare for the interview in English with clear professional goals
Alumni Experience
Graduates describe the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus as a rigorous and internationally enriching experience. Alumni often work with global health agencies, disaster response organisations, public policy bodies or pursue PhD research in disaster epidemiology and public health policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus Program unique?
It’s one of the few fully‑funded joint masters with compulsory mobility and a focus on disasters.
Is EMPHID Erasmus Mundus open to non‑health science graduates?
Yes, economics, law, engineering or social science graduates are eligible if they meet ECTS requirements
Does EMPHID Erasmus Mundus offer internships?
Definitely, students complete practical internships as part of the Karolinska term.
Can I apply to EMPHID Erasmus Mundus without scholarship?
Yes, self‑financing students may still apply if they meet admission criteria.
Is the EMPHID Erasmus Mundus workload heavy?
It’s intensive, 90 ECTS of coursework + 30 ECTS thesis over 24 months.
