Programme Overview
The Joint International Master of Environmental Sustainability (JIMES) is a unique transdisciplinary program jointly offered by Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India (BVDU), and the University of Cologne, Germany (UoC). This program integrates scientific, technical, and policy perspectives to address complex environmental challenges, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to lead sustainability efforts on a global scale.
Unlike conventional environmental science programs, JIMES stands out with its international mobility component, where students spend one semester at the partner university, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and diverse problem-solving approaches. The curriculum covers cutting-edge topics such as climate change science and strategies, geospatial science and technology, nature-based solutions, digital image processing, environmental modelling, environmental governance, etc. With a strong focus on experiential learning, students engage in fieldwork, internships, and real-world projects, gaining hands-on expertise in ecosystem sustainability, environmental auditing, and resource management.
A defining feature of JIMES is its interdisciplinary foundation, incorporating insights from natural sciences, social sciences, law, and technology to develop innovative sustainability solutions. Students benefit from joint supervision of their master’s thesis by faculty from both universities, enhancing their academic and professional growth. The program also offers direct exposure to emerging sustainability careers, with a curriculum aligned with the needs of the green economy, climate policy, and environmental consulting industries.
Graduates of JIMES emerge as highly skilled sustainability professionals, prepared to work in international organizations, government agencies, industries, and research institutions. By combining academic excellence with practical application, JIMES shapes future environmental leaders who will drive sustainable development and climate resilience across sectors and regions.
Programme Outcomes
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Transdisciplinary Expertise for Real-World Impact: Graduates will integrate natural sciences, geospatial technologies, and policy frameworks to develop innovative sustainability solutions for complex environmental challenges.
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Hands-On Skills in Sustainability Science and Technology: Students will gain practical expertise in geospatial analysis, climate modeling, and environmental impact assessment, preparing them for careers in the green economy and conservation sectors.
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Global Leadership in Sustainability and Policy: With international exposure in India and Germany, graduates will be equipped to drive policy, corporate sustainability, and environmental initiatives at national and global levels.
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SEMESTER 1 (BVDU students)
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|
Course Number
|
Module
|
Course Title
|
Location
|
Mandatory (M) | Elective (E)
|
Type of Module (Core, Advanced, Specialization)
|
BVDU Credits
|
UoC ECTS
|
|
JIMES-CM-RM
|
Research Methods in Sustainability Science
|
Summer School
|
BVDU | UoC
|
M
|
CM
|
2
|
6
|
|
Introduction to Sustainability
|
BVDU | UoC
|
M
|
2
|
|
JIMES-AM-GIS
|
Geographic Information Systems
|
Fundamentals of Geospatial Science and Technology
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM |
3
|
6 |
|
Geospatial Techniques
|
BVDU
|
M
|
1
|
|
JIMES-AM-SDBVDU
|
Sustainable Development
|
Sustainable Development
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM |
3
|
6 |
|
Fieldwork
|
BVDU
|
M
|
1
|
|
JIMES-AM-EcoSys
|
Introduction to Ecosystem Concepts and Techniques
|
Ecosystem Studies
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM |
3
|
6 |
|
Field Techniques I
|
BVDU
|
M
|
1
|
|
JIMES-AM-EnvMan
|
Environmental Management
|
Environmental Laws
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM |
3
|
6 |
|
Air and Noise Pollution Management
|
BVDU
|
M
|
3
|
|
|
|
Total Credits / Hours
|
|
|
|
22
|
30
|
|
SEMESTER 1 (UoC students)
|
|
Course Number
|
Module
|
Course Title
|
Location
|
Mandatory (M) | Elective (E)
|
Type of Module (Core, Advanced, Specialization)
|
BVDU Credits
|
UoC ECTS
|
|
JIMES-CM-RM
|
Research Methods in Sustainability Science
|
Summer School
|
BVDU | UoC
|
M
|
CM
|
2
|
6
|
|
Introduction to Sustainability
|
BVDU | UoC
|
M
|
2
|
|
JIMES-AM-GIS
|
Geographic Information Systems
|
Fundamentals of Geospatial Science and Technology
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM |
3
|
6 |
|
Geospatial Techniques
|
BVDU
|
M
|
1
|
|
JIMES-AM-SDUoC
|
Sustainable Development
|
Sustainable Development
|
UoC
|
M
|
AM |
3
|
6 |
|
Fieldwork
|
UoC
|
M
|
3
|
|
JIMES-AM-GeoHyd
|
Geosphere and Hydrosphere
|
Introduction to Environmental Geophysics
|
UoC
|
M
|
AM |
2
|
6 |
|
Physical Hydrology
|
UoC
|
M
|
2
|
|
JIMES-AM-Law
|
Environmental Law
|
Environmental Law: Comparative and Basic Studies
|
UoC
|
M
|
AM |
2
|
6 |
|
International Environmental Law (to be completed in Semester 3)
|
UoC
|
M
|
2
|
|
|
|
Total Credits / Hours
|
|
|
|
22
|
30
|
|
SEMESTER 2 (all students at BVDU)
|
|
Course Number
|
Module
|
Course Title
|
Location
|
Mandatory (M) | Elective (E)
|
Type of Module (Core, Advanced, Specialization)
|
BVDU Credits
|
UoC ECTS
|
|
JIMES-AM-SustSc
|
Advances in Sustainability Science
|
Urban Sustainability
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM
|
3
|
9
|
|
Data Analysis with R
|
BVDU
|
M
|
1
|
|
Elective*
|
BVDU
|
E
|
3
|
|
JIMES-AM-EcosysSustain
|
Advanced Approaches to Ecosystem Sustainability
|
Nature-Based Solutions
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM
|
3
|
6
|
|
Nature-Based Solutions
|
BVDU
|
M
|
3
|
|
IMES-AM-IP
|
Satellite Image Analysis and Processing
|
Digital Image Processing
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM
|
3
|
6
|
|
Techniques in Digital Image Processing
|
BVDU
|
M
|
1
|
|
JIMES-AM-CC
|
Climate Change
|
Climate Change Science and Strategies
|
BVDU
|
M
|
AM
|
3
|
9
|
|
Fieldwork
|
BVDU
|
M
|
2
|
|
|
|
Total Credits / Hours
|
|
|
|
22
|
30
|
*Choice for Electives in Semester 2 are given below
|
Course Title (Electives)
|
Mandatory (M) | Elective (E)
|
Type of Module (Basic, Advanced, Specialization)
|
|
ESG and Sustainability
|
E
|
AM
|
|
Environment Management Techniques
|
E
|
AM
|
|
Big Data Analysis
|
E
|
AM
|
|
Environmental Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
|
E
|
AM
|
|
Climate Change Assessment Tools
|
E
|
AM
|
|
ISO 14064 Certification
|
E
|
AM
|
|
SEMESTER 3 (all students at UoC)
|
|
Course Number
|
Module
|
Course Title
|
Location
|
Mandatory (M) | Elective (E)
|
Type of Module (Basic, Advanced, Specialization)
|
BVDU Credits
|
UoC Credits
|
|
JIMES-AM-SustScII
|
Advances in Sustainability Science II
|
Advances in Sustainability Science
|
UoC
|
M
|
AM
|
2
|
6
|
|
Project Seminar
|
UoC
|
M
|
2
|
|
JIMES-AM-Edu
|
Global Citizenship Education
|
Global Citizenship Education
|
UoC
|
M
|
AM
|
2
|
6
|
|
Project Seminar
|
UoC
|
M
|
2
|
|
|
*Elective module
|
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
4
|
6
|
|
JIMES-AM-Int
|
Internship
|
Internship
|
UoC
|
M
|
SM
|
12
|
12
|
|
Seminar
|
UoC
|
M
|
|
|
|
Total Credits / Hours
|
|
|
|
16
|
30
|
*Choice for Electives in Semester 3 are given below
|
Course Number
|
Course Title (Electives)
|
Location
|
Mandatory (M) | Elective (E)
|
Type of Module (Basic, Advanced, Specialization)
|
|
JIMES-AM-Ecosys
|
Ecosystems and Landscape Dynamics
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
|
JIMES-AM-Econ
|
Environmental Economics
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
|
JIMES-AM-EnvPol
|
Environmental Pollution
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
|
JIMES-AM-EnvMod
|
Environmental Modelling
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
|
JIMES-AM-TSA
|
Analysis of environmental time series
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
|
JIMES-AM-Meteo
|
Meteorology
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
|
JMES-MA-Indiv
|
Individual Advanced Module
|
UoC
|
E
|
AM
|
|
SEMESTER 4 (BVDU and UOC)
|
|
Course Number
|
Module
|
Course Title
|
Location
|
Mandatory (M) | Elective (E)
|
Type of Module (Basic, Advanced, Specialization)
|
BVDU Credits
|
UoC Credits
|
|
JMES-AM-Thesis
|
*Master Thesis and Colloquium
|
|
BVDU/UoC
|
M
|
AM
|
16
|
30
|
|
|
|
Total Credits / Hours
|
|
|
|
16
|
30
|
*Thesis is jointly evaluated by faculty from BVDU and UoC
