Targeted level of study
BAC +5
ECTS
120 credits
Duration
1.5 years
Training structure
University of Montpellier
Language(s) of instruction
English
Presentation
The CHARM-EU Master's degree "Global Challenges for Sustainable Development" is a joint international degree delivered by five of the universities of theCHARM-EU alliance: the University of Barcelona, Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Utrecht and the University of Montpellier. Students will have the opportunity to tackle contemporary issues related to sustainable development in a transdisciplinary environment, through a curriculum focused on solving challenges through innovative pedagogical approaches. The degree is delivered entirely in English and offers diverse opportunities for physical and virtual mobility.
The advantages of the training
- Semester 1: acquisition of general skills, particularly in the areas of sustainability, social innovation and transdisciplinary research
- Semester 2: one thematic pathway to choose from: Water, Food, or Life and Health
- Semester 3: project on a sustainability challenge, in cooperation with a social partner (company, community, association, etc.)
Know-how and skills
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Research and evaluate complex societal challenges with different stakeholders in a cross-cultural manner;
- Evaluate and integrate different disciplinary and transdisciplinary research knowledge and methodologies;
- Demonstrate expertise in identifying and using the latest technologies to ethically analyze, manage, use and communicate data;
- Gain expertise and communicate effectively on complex, real-world issues;
- Formulate an advanced understanding of transdisciplinarity and demonstrate expertise in facilitation, communication, reflection and collaboration skills to support one's practice ;
- Gain advanced cross-cutting skills in challenge solving, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills, and readiness for lifelong learning.
International training
Joint degreeInternational dimension
Mobility is an integral part of this international program which offers opportunities for short and intensive, medium and long periods of mobility.
- Students will participate in virtual exchange programs, physically travel for a co-creation project, and undertake a mixed mobility activity.
- For Phase 2 of the program, students will travel to another partner university (mandatory), taking the subject of their choice.
- It will be possible to change institutions in phase 3 depending on the challenge chosen by the student.
Mobility grants are available, notably through the Erasmus+ program.
Organization
Knowledge control
A unique and holistic approach to assessment is an essential component of the CHARM-EU student learning experience. The curriculum uses a competency-based "programmatic assessment" method. In this innovative approach, a variety of assessment activities are used and the student will have ample feedback on their learning process through regular follow-up with their mentor. The modes of evaluation are very varied: tests, presentations, projects, research reports and team work. These assessment activities optimize learning by ensuring continuous and active monitoring of students. With the support of mentors, teacher-researchers, and non-academic stakeholders, students have an electronic assessment portfolio system that records assessments and observations of their work. This e-portfolio also allows graduates to share with their future employers some of their progress during the training.
Program
Phase 1
A preparatory phase composed of 3 compulsory modules each delivering 10 ECTS credits (30 ECTS in total):
Phase 2
A flexible phase composed of 3 modules each delivering 10 ECTS (30 ECTS in total). The student will have to choose one of the following thematic paths:
Phase 3
A project phase called "Capstone", consisting of a single module delivering 30 ECTS.
During this phase, students work in collaboration with their peers, academic staff and extra-academic actors (e.g. companies and associations) on a real challenge related to sustainable development based on the student's original disciplinary field.
Admission
Conditions of access
University level: Bachelor's degree or a degree recognized as equivalent. For administrative reasons, holders of a French bachelor's degree must have 30 ECTS in addition to their bachelor's degree (validated year of M1 or double bachelor's degree, for example) in order to apply.
English: C1 level (download the notice on accepted English certificates). Students with a B2 level will be considered according to the other admission criteria, but must reach the C1 level before the beginning of the program.
How to register
Tuition fees
- Students who are citizens of the European Union and have completed their previous year in French higher education: 0 €.
- Other European Union citizens: €3,000 for the entire degree
- Other students: €19,000 for the entire degree
Capacity
100
And then
Professional integration
The degree is designed to enable students to work in areas such as social innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship, project management or research.
External partners and stakeholders also contribute to the program, allowing students to connect with business and social sectors, build a strong network, and be prepared to work with companies and institutions around the world. The degree program is directed toward student employability, development of specific professional skills, and academic career progression. The curriculum reinforces these aspects by identifying multiple career paths, aligning learning outcomes with the needs of business and civil society, and promoting the acquisition of a wide range of skills relevant to the needs of industry and society.
Four occupational areas were identified:
- Sustainable development policies and communication
- Innovation and social action, either within existing companies or through the creation of new companies (entrepreneurship)
- Managers able to deal with complex issues from a sustainability perspective and to advise the company's general management on sustainability issues
- Progression in the academic environment
Specific positions graduates may target:
- Specialist in sustainable development
- Communication Specialist
- Social Innovation Analyst
- Contractor in the environmental field
- International consultant (for companies, government institutions or NGOs)
- Researcher