Intended Level of Study
5 years of post-secondary education
ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training Structure
University of Montpellier
Language(s) of Instruction
English
Overview
The CHARM-EU master’s degree in “Global Challenges for Sustainable Development” is an international joint degree awarded by nine member universities of the European CHARM-EU alliance: theUniversity of Barcelona (Spain), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), theUniversity of Utrecht (Netherlands), theEötvös Loránd University in Budapest (Hungary), the University of Montpellier, Åbo Akademi University (Finland), the University of Würzburg (Germany), Ruhr-West University of Applied Sciences (Germany), the University of Bergen (Norway), and the University of Montpellier.
Students will have the opportunity to explore contemporary issues related to sustainability in a transdisciplinary setting, through a curriculum focused on solving challenges using innovative teaching approaches. The degree program is taught entirely in English and offers a variety of opportunities for in-person and virtual study abroad experiences.
The Benefits of the Training Program
- Semester 1: Acquisition of general skills, particularly in the areas of sustainability, social innovation, and transdisciplinary research
- Semester 2: A choice of one thematic track: Water, Food, Life and Health, or Energy and Sustainable Cities
- Semester 3: Internship
- Semester 4: Project addressing a sustainability challenge, in collaboration with a social partner (company, local government, nonprofit, etc.)
Expertise and Skills
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Identify and assess complex societal challenges from different perspectives (stakeholder and intercultural);
- Evaluate and integrate the various disciplinary and transdisciplinary bodies of knowledge and research methodologies;
- To learn how to use the latest technological tools to find, analyze, process, utilize, and communicate complex datasets in an ethical manner.
- Learn to communicate and collaborate effectively on complex issues;
- Develop an advanced understanding of transdisciplinarity and demonstrate expertise in facilitation, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration to support its implementation;
- Acquire advanced cross-disciplinary skills in problem-solving, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital literacy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
International Training
Joint DegreeInternational Dimension
Mobility is an integral part of this international program, which offers both short, intensive mobility opportunities and long-term ones.
- Students will participate in virtual exchange programs or travel in person for a co-creation project and engage in a blended mobility experience.
- For Phase 2 of the program, students will attend another partner university (required), pursuing the track of their choice.
- Students will be able to change institutions during Phase 4 (Capstone) depending on the challenge they choose.
Mobility grants are available, particularly through the Erasmus+ program.
Organization
Knowledge Assessment
A unique and holistic approach to assessment is an essential part of the CHARM-EU student’s learning experience. The program uses a competency-based“programmatic assessment” method.
In this innovative approach, a variety of assessment activities are used, and students receive frequent feedback on their learning process through regular monitoring by their mentor. Assessment methods are highly varied and include tests, presentations, projects, research reports, and group work.
These assessment activities optimize learning by ensuring continuous and active monitoring of students. With the support of mentors, faculty members, and non-university stakeholders, students have access to an electronic assessment portfolio system that compiles evaluations and feedback on their work. This e-portfolio also allows graduates to share a portion of their progress during the program with their future employers.
Program
Phase 1
A preparatory phase consisting of 3 required modules, each worth 10 ECTS credits (30 ECTS in total):
- Social Innovation
- Sustainability
- Transdisciplinary Research
Phase 2
A flexible phase consisting of 3 modules, each worth 10 ECTS (30 ECTS in total). Students must choose one of the following thematic tracks:
A flexible track consisting of several modules, requiring students to choose one of the following four tracks:
Water:
- Extreme fluctuations in the water cycle and their complex consequences
- Adaptation Measures and Strategies in Water Management
- Resilient Cities: Water in Urban Environments
Health and Life Sciences:
- Research on Health Challenges and Solutions
- Developing Policies for Health and Well-Being
- Behavioral Interventions for Healthy Living and Well-Being
Power supply:
- The Connection Between Food, Health, and the Environment
- Food System Assessment
- Transforming the Food System
Energy and Sustainable Cities:
- Energy, Emerging Technologies, and Smart Cities
- Sustainable Urban Planning, Resource Management, and Resilience
- Resource Management and Resilience
- Politics, Climate Change, and the Future of Sustainable Cities
The phase includes a two-week short-term Erasmus+ mobility program in the form ofa Blended Intensive Program (Erasmus+). During this period, all students in the class will gather at one of the partner institutions to work on small projects related to real-world sustainability challenges, in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Phase 3
A 30-ECTS experimental phase that provides the opportunity to complete a professional internship in various types of organizations (private companies, public institutions, nongovernmental organizations, research laboratories, etc.) for part of the semester. The semester will be supplemented by two short modules on internship preparation and Capstone phase preparation.
Phase 4
A project phase known as “Capstone,” consisting of a single module worth 30 ECTS credits.
During this phase, students work collaboratively with their peers, faculty, and external partners (such as companies and organizations) on a real-world challenge related to sustainability in Europe or around the world.
Admission
Admission Requirements
Academic level: Bachelor's degree or a degree recognized as equivalent.
English: C1 level (download the guide on accepted English language certificates). Students with a B2 level will be considered based on other admission criteria, but must reach the C1 level before the start of the program.
Registration Procedures
Tuition Fees
- Students who are citizens of the European Union and who spent the previous academic year in the French higher education system: 0 €
- Other European Union citizens: €5,000 (for the entire course)
- Non-EU students: €24,000 (for the entire program)
Capacity
100
And then
Employment Placement
The degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as social innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship, project management, and research.
External partners and stakeholders also contribute to the program, enabling students to connect with the business and social sectors, build a strong network, and be prepared to work with companies and institutions around the world. The degree program focuses on student employability, the development of specific professional skills, and academic career advancement. The curriculum reinforces these aspects by identifying multiple career paths, aligning learning outcomes with the needs of businesses and civil society, and promoting the acquisition of a wide range of skills tailored to the needs of industry and society.
Four professional fields have been identified:
- Sustainable Development Policies and Communication
- Social innovation and action, whether within existing companies or through the creation of new businesses (entrepreneurship)
- Managers capable of addressing complex issues from a sustainability perspective and advising the company's senior management on sustainability-related matters
- Advancement in the Academic World
Specific positions that graduates can target:
- Sustainable Development Specialist
- Communications Specialist
- Social Innovation Analyst
- Entrepreneur in the environmental sector
- International consultant (for companies, government agencies, or NGOs)
- Researcher