What is MaStER_G?
1. What is MaStER_G?
The MaStER_G project aims to create a new international master study program in the field of environmental geotechnics and geohazards. It is fully complied with the Strategic framework for European cooperation in the field of education and training. As the consortium contains partners of different geographic, religious, mother tongue, and alphabet origins, this project strongly supports equity and inclusion in education and training, making mobility a reality for all, including those with socio-economic difficulties, as well as reinforcing the European higher education space in the environmental and hazard aspects of civil engineering. MaStER_G provides strong foundations for the educational, professional and personal development of the people involved in this project and for the students that will enroll it.MaStER_G strongly promotes cooperation, quality, inclusion and excellence through its international steering group. Moreover, the MaStER_G will also contain detailed procedures about evaluation of informal and non-informal learning outcomes in compliance with the Croatian Qualifications Framework (CQF) and European Qualifications Network (EQF). This approach will provide the opportunity to evaluate the prior knowledge of enrolled students and possible issuing of a graduate diploma without formal study, while the compliance with the CQF and EQF will secure the recognition of the diploma across EU space.
2. Rationale for the design of a highly integrated Master programme
The main objective of the MaStER_G project is to establish a new international Master’s Study Programme in environmental geotechnics and geohazards. In response to global climate change and increasing natural and man-made hazards, the project aims to educate a new generation of highly skilled, multidisciplinary experts capable of addressing complex geohazard challenges at regional and global levels. MaStER_G brings together international partners to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices across different countries and regions. The programme is designed as a cross-border initiative that prepares graduates for direct professional engagement in geohazard management and related fields. To modernize higher education, MaStER_G adopts innovative teaching approaches based on learning by experience, knowledge sharing, and progressive learning phases. Digital tools, virtual learning components, and critical, creative thinking are integral parts of the curriculum. The programme strongly promotes equity, inclusion, sustainability, and environmental responsibility, ensuring balanced participation across countries, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Through diversity, collaboration, and innovation, MaStER_G supports inclusive mobility and contributes to transforming higher education to meet contemporary global challenges.
3. What is geohazard(s)?
Geohazards are defined as potentially damaging geological events (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, tsunamis), which “may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation”. A geohazard event is characterized by its location, magnitude/intensity, time, and probability of occurrence. Triggered by geohazard event(s), a disaster (that is, a severe disruption of the normal functioning of a community/society) causes widespread human, economic, and/or environmental losses, which exceed the ability of the affected community/ society to cope using its resources. In some cases, anthropic activities are behind triggering events. Also, the increasing frequency of extreme precipitation and drought events caused by global warming also impacts geohazards such as landslides and floods.
4. Trans-national dimension of the project
The programme develops professionals with strong digital, entrepreneurial, and intercultural skills, promoting regional and global cooperation in environmental risk management. Its curriculum combines advanced geotechnical solutions with strategic risk assessment to address hazards such as slope failures, earthquakes, and soil degradation. By integrating the expertise of partner institutions from Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Iran, and Brazil, the programme establishes an international knowledge hub that highlights the value of EU-supported cooperation. Cross-border collaboration strengthens the Western Balkans’ capacity to manage complex geological and climate-related challenges. Special emphasis is placed on supporting students from regions most affected by geohazards, ensuring equitable access to specialized education while promoting EU values of sustainability, solidarity, and environmental responsibility. The extensive experience of partners from Iran (earthquakes) and Brazil (floods) contributes valuable risk-management practices and a multi-perspective approach to the programme.