Target level of study
BAC +5
ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 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 awarded by nine member universities of the Charm-EU alliance: theUniversity of Barcelona (Spain),Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), theUtrecht University (Netherlands), theEötvös Loránd University, Budapest (Hungary), the University of Montpellier, Åbo Akademi University (Finland), 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 address contemporary sustainability issues in a trans-disciplinary environment, through a curriculum focused on solving challenges via innovative pedagogical approaches. The degree is delivered entirely in English , and offers diverse opportunities for physical and virtual mobility.
Training benefits
Registration opens in early 2025, subject to accreditation of this new version of the diploma.
Semester 1: acquisition of general skills, particularly in the fields of sustainability, social innovation and transdisciplinary research- Semester 2: a thematic pathway to choose from: Water, Food, Life and Health, or Energy and Sustainable Cities
- Semester 3: Internship
- Semester 4: Project on a sustainability challenge, in cooperation with a social partner (company, local authority, association, etc.).
Know-how and skills
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Research and evaluate complex societal challenges from different perspectives (stakeholder and cross-cultural);
- Evaluating and integrating different disciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge and research methodologies;
- Learn how to use the latest technological tools to find, analyze, process, use and communicate complex bodies of data in an ethical manner.
- Learn to communicate and collaborate effectively on complex issues;
- Formulate an advanced understanding of transdisciplinarity and demonstrate expertise in facilitation, communication, reflection and collaboration skills to support its implementation in practice ;
- Acquire advanced cross-disciplinary skills in problem-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 short, intensive and long-term mobility opportunities.
- Students will participate in virtual exchange programs or travel physically for a co-creation project and undertake a mixed mobility activity.
- For phase 2 of the program, students will travel to another partner university (compulsory), taking the subject of their choice.
- It will be possible to change schools in phase 4 (Capstone) 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 element 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 receive plenty of feedback on his or her learning process through regular monitoring by his or her mentor. Assessment methods include tests, presentations, projects, research reports and teamwork. These assessment activities optimize learning by ensuring continuous and active student follow-up. With the support of mentors, teacher-researchers and extra-academic players, students have access to an electronic assessment portfolio system that records assessments and observations of their work. This e-portfolio also enables graduates to share with future employers some of the progress they have made during their training.
Program
Phase 1
A preparatory phase comprising 3 compulsory modules, each delivering 10 ECTS credits (30 ECTS in total):
- Social innovation
- Durability
- Transdisciplinary research
Phase 2
A flexible phase comprising 3 modules, each delivering 10 ECTS (30 ECTS in total). Students must choose one of the following thematic paths:
A flexible phase made up of several modules, with students required to choose one of the following four pathways:
Water :
- Extreme variations 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 into healthcare challenges and solutions
- Designing policies for health and well-being
- Behavioral interventions for healthy living and well-being
Power supply :
- The link between food, health and the environment
- Food system assessment
- Transformation of 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
Phase 3
A 30 ECTS experiential phase, which gives students the opportunity to carry out a work placement in different types of organization (private company, public institution, non-governmental organization, research laboratory, etc.) for part of the semester. The semester is rounded off by two short modules to prepare for the internship and the Capstone phase.
Phase 4
A "Capstone" project phase, consisting of a single module awarding 30 ECTS.
During this phase, students work in collaboration with their peers, academic staff and non-academic stakeholders (e.g. companies and associations) on a real sustainability challenge in Europe or worldwide.
Admission
Access conditions
University level: Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
English: C1 level (download notice of accepted English certificates). Students with a B2 level will be considered according to other admission criteria, but must reach C1 level before the start of the course.
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: to be confirmed for 2025/26
- Other students: to be confirmed for 2025/26
Capacity
100
And then
Professional integration
The degree is designed to enable students to work in fields such as social innovation, sustainable entrepreneurship, project management or research.
External partners and stakeholders also contribute to the program, enabling 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 geared towards student employability, the 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 tailored to the needs of industry and society.
Four professional fields have been identified:
- Sustainable development policies and communications
- Innovation and social action, either within existing companies or through the creation of new ones (entrepreneurship).
- Managers capable of dealing with complex issues from a sustainability perspective and advising senior management on sustainability issues
- Progression in the academic world
Specific positions graduates can target:
- Sustainable development specialist
- Communication specialist
- Social Innovation Analyst
- Environmental contractor
- International consultant (for companies, government institutions or NGOs)
- Researcher