MSc in Environmental Engineering and Management

Industrial production has an enormous impact on the environment, and society’s awareness of such effects is constantly growing. The course offers an integrated approach towards current and long-term strategic environmental issues, focusing on technologies and concepts in environmental planning and management for the sustainable development of industrial production systems. This programme provides interdisciplinary solutions in a market-based economy through the integrated management of water, wastewater, solid wastes, and air pollutants.

Curriculum

The programme aims to provide students with needed skills to enable an interdisciplinary approach when applying environmental technologies and using environmental management tools, based on the principles of sustainable development and environmental sustainability. The curriculum aims also to deepen knowledge and understanding of the major trends in environmental technologies, environmental protection and sustainable production, linking environmental problems with engineering and economic aspects.

Why this programme?

• Students have the possibility to take part in research projects.

• Selected examples of defended theses and their authors:

  • “Nitrogen and Phosphorus Budgeting – A comparative Account of Different Methodologies and Scales” Susmita Banerjee

  • “Analysis of Environmental Radiation Monitoring Results of Paldiski Former Nuclear Site and Tammiku Radioactive Waste Storage Facility” Liisa Mihkla

  • "Preliminary feasibility study of MSWI fly ash utilization" Hakan Berber

  • "Evaluation on Estonia's success in implementing the EU Directives for landfilling" Gero Schumacher

  • "Influence of Same Additives on the Thermal Behavior of Ammonium Nitrate" Evelin Edro

  • "Biogas Potential of Crude Glycerol and its Suitability for Co-Digestion" Andra Paltser

Future career

The curriculum offers knowledge and skills in various fields of environmental technology (air protection, water management, waste handling) that enable graduates of Masters to:

• advise, guide the company in introducing environmentally friendly and sustainable engineering solutions, increasing material, water- and energy efficiency and reducing emissions;
• successfully work as an enterprise environmental councillor, an environmental specialist in local municipalities, water service companies, consultancy firms, public institutions (ministries, environmental boards, inspectorates, research and scientific institutions as well as applying for doctoral studies.

Students say

"Studying at TalTech has played a significant role in advancing my career. TalTech gave me both theoretical knowledge and some hands-on experience which I believe is very important. It was a perfect setup for my needs and future plans where not only you obtain environmental engineering and management skills but also a much broader approach where you can get the basics of business, philosophy, project management etc. In my day to day work all the subjects I took play a significant role whether it is helping to solve technical questions or contributing to new business developments." Andre Zahharov, Alexela Group OÜ, Environmental Manager

"I believe for bringing a positive change one needs knowledge and the right tool to understand the issue/problem and the solution. I always feel there is a bigger requirement for a competent workforce who can bring innovation and improvements towards the environment, sustainability and green technology and I think Estonia is making one through TalTech. I am glad I choose TalTech to enrich me and prepared myself for better future which is greener and more sustainable. I like the study structure, course design, teaching methods and various real-life case discussions, which gave me the hands-on experience to deal with environmental problems. A bigger role has been played by faculty members, who contributed actively to understand the root cause of the existing environmental problems. I think moving to Estonia and joining this course at TalTech, is one of the best decisions of my life." Susmita Banerjee, Lallemand Inc. Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, Quality Assurance Manager and Environmental Specialist

"I strongly suggest TalTech and the MSc programme in Environmental Engineering and Management for prospective students. My favourite courses were Air Pollution Prevention and Control (EKK0170) and Statistics (TES0020). Understanding the challenges of atmosphere protection along with the characteristics of main air pollutants is one of the key elements for the successful future Environmental Scientists to explore state-of-art engineering applications. With the dawn of the data-driven digital world, the next generation of Environmental Scientists will be in need to have competence in organizing and analysing large amounts of environmental data to answer the increasingly complex questions Environmental Scientists are facing." Hakan Berber, PhD-to-be

"First, the programme gives an excellent overview of environmental engineering, for example, air and water pollution and prediction technologies, as well as the background of environmental regulations and laws that are crucial for working in this field. For example, for me as a consultant, it was a really good mix because it helps to understand how the regulations and laws are functioning in order to help companies that are working in environmental engineering field. Next, the mix of Estonian and international students creates a dynamic class setting where you learn to deal with different work ethics and customs, sculpting you into a valuable and understanding team member for the future. What’s more, in every project students could choose a relevant topic from their own country. This made it interesting to listen to other presentations as it also broadens your horizon about environmental problems in the world. As of last, TalTech is a technical university and technology plays a really important role in the whole country. Therefore, I am sure that every Estonian can teach you at least one technological magic." Merit Kaal, Environmental consultant in Sweden

Admission

Students for TalTech international study programmes are admitted based on the admission threshold. The maximum score for the motivation letter and online interview is 10 points. An applicant who receives a minimum of 5 points is admitted.

Programme specific requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in technical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, mining, materials, industrial or civil engineering field.

In order to qualify for the studies at Tallinn University of Technology, an applicant has to have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA.

Motivation letter

Please include the following:

• What and where have you studied, how does your academic background fit to the degree programme you are applying for?
• Why do you think you are the right person for this programme? Previous experience, interest in the special field. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Describe your professional goals. How will the degree programme you are applying for support your professional profile?
• Why do you apply to the chosen programme? Which of the courses offered in this programme are particularly beneficial in pursuing your professional goals?
• Why do you want to study at the TalTech? How do you see your future after graduation?

NB! It is important to properly cite and reference any sources used in your motivation letter (quotations, publications, ideas etc. that are not your own). Neglecting the rules of referencing and citation is considered plagiarism and will result in the disqualification of your application.

Online interview

Topics covered during the interview:

• Describe the key issues, problems in the field and your role in solving them.
• What were the main criteria for selecting a speciality?
• What you can give to our study programme?
• What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses in acquiring a speciality, e.g. learning ability, language, teamwork, etc.?
• What is your opinion about the need for environmental engineering and management specialist in your home country, anywhere else in the world?

Duration of the interview is 10-15 minutes.