Helena Valvur and Lily Black are first-year students in the Environmental Governance and Adaptation to Climate Change (ENGO) Master’s programme, jointly offered by the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the University of Tartu. Coming from different backgrounds – astronomy and geoscience – they were both drawn to the programme by its interdisciplinary approach and flexibility.
“What I liked most was that it opens up many directions,” Lily says. “It connects well with my previous studies, but also allows me to explore new areas.”
Both students were positively surprised by the balance between science and policy in the programme. Alongside theoretical knowledge, they highlight the importance of field trips and applied projects, which bring real-world context into their studies.
“It’s not just classroom learning,” Helena adds. “You actually see how things work in practice.”
The programme’s structure across two universities gives students access to a wider range of courses and perspectives, while the small cohort size creates a supportive and close-knit learning environment.
Beyond academics, life in Tartu offers a unique student experience. The city’s compact size, active student community, and easy access to nature make it an ideal place to study.
Looking ahead, both Helena and Lily see ENGO as a programme that opens multiple career paths. Whether in consulting, policy, or environmental planning, they value the broad skillset and perspective the programme provides.
“It’s not about one specific job,” Helena says. “It gives you a foundation to choose your own direction.”
For both students, ENGO is more than just a degree – it is an opportunity to grow, explore, and build a future in the environmental field.
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