Target level of study
Master's degree
ECTS
120 credits
Duration
2 years
Training structure
University of Montpellier
Language(s) of instruction
English
Presentation
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),Eötvös 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 environment, through a curriculum focused on solving challenges using innovative teaching approaches. The degree is delivered entirely in English and offers a variety of opportunities for physical and virtual mobility.
The advantages 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 thematic courses: 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 (stakeholders and intercultural);
- Evaluate and integrate different disciplinary and transdisciplinary research knowledge and methodologies;
- Learn how to use the latest technological tools to find, analyze, process, use, and communicate complex data sets 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;
- Acquire advanced cross-disciplinary skills in problem solving, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills, and a disposition for lifelong learning.
International training
Joint degreeInternational dimension
Mobility is an integral part of this international program, which offers both short, intensive mobility opportunities and longer ones.
- Students will participate in virtual exchange programs or physically travel for a co-creation project and undertake a blended mobility activity.
- For phase 2 of the program, students will attend another partner university (mandatory), following the course of study of their choice.
- It will be possible to change institutions in phase 4 (Capstone) depending on the challenge chosen by the student.
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 learning experience. The curriculum uses a competency-based" programmatic assessment " method.
In this innovative approach, various assessment activities are used and students receive frequent feedback on their learning process through regular monitoring by their mentor. The assessment methods are very varied: tests, presentations, projects, research reports, and teamwork.
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 records assessments and observations on their work. This e-portfolio also allows graduates to share some of their progress during the program with their future employers.
Program
Phase 1
A preparatory phase consisting of three compulsory 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 credits (30 ECTS credits in total). Students must choose one of the following thematic tracks:
A flexible phase consisting of several modules, with students required to choose one of the following four tracks:
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 on health challenges and solutions
- Designing policies for health and well-being
- Behavioral interventions for healthy living and well-being
Food:
- 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
The phase includes a two-week Erasmus+ short mobility program in the form ofa Blended Intensive Program (Erasmus+). During this period, all students in the class will meet at one of the partners' locations to work on small projects related to real sustainability challenges, in collaboration with local stakeholders.
Phase 3
A 30 ECTS experimental phase that provides the opportunity to complete an internship in a professional environment in various types of organizations (private companies, public institutions, non-governmental organizations, research laboratories, etc.) for part of the semester. The semester will be supplemented by two short modules on internship preparation and preparation for the Capstone phase.
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, academic staff, and external stakeholders (e.g., companies and associations) on a real-world challenge related to sustainability in Europe or around the world.
Admission
Admission requirements
University level: Bachelor's degree or a diploma recognized as equivalent.
English: level C1 (download the notice on accepted English certificates). Students with a B2 level will be considered based on other admission criteria, but must reach level C1 before the start of the program.
Registration procedures
Tuition fees
- European Union students who completed their previous year in French higher education: €0
- Other European Union citizens: €5,000 (for the entire training program)
- Non-EU students: $24,000 (for the entire program)
Capacity
100
And after
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, allowing students to connect with business and social sectors, build a strong network, and prepare 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 progression. 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, either within existing companies or through the creation of new companies (entrepreneurship)
- Managers capable of addressing complex issues from a sustainability perspective and advising senior management on sustainable development issues
- Progress in academia
Specific positions that graduates can target:
- Sustainable development specialist
- Communications specialist
- Social Innovation Analyst
- Environmental entrepreneur
- International consultant (for companies, government agencies, or NGOs)
- Researcher