Program Overview

Global Challenges for Sustainability (Master's)

The Global Challenges for Sustainable Development is a joint international master's degree awarded by nine member universities in the CHARM-EU alliance. This program is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds and uses a challenge-based and interdisciplinary approach to address sustainability issues.

Program Details

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits: 120
• Start of studies: Autumn
• Language of instruction: English

Learning Outcomes

As a student in this program, you will achieve:

• In-depth knowledge of sustainability challenges by engaging in key developments within sustainability science, policy, and practice
• Specialized expertise in one of the focus areas:
  • Food
  • Water
  • Life and health
  • Energy and sustainable cities
• Interdisciplinary research and analysis skills by solving complex global challenges from multiple perspectives, considering various stakeholders and cultural contexts
• Advanced scientific and technological skills by developing proficiency in retrieving, analyzing, and communicating complex sustainability data in an ethical and effective manner
• Creative and critical thinking skills and intercultural competence by acquiring advanced interdisciplinary competencies in problem-solving, entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital skills

Study Structure

The program consists of four semesters:

1. First Semester: A preparatory phase with core subjects on social innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary research
2. Second Semester: Specialization in one of the four sustainability themes, choosing from:

• Food
• Water
• Life and health
• Energy and sustainable cities Each theme consists of three courses

3. Third Semester: Professional practice with an external partner, providing an experimental phase for practical experience in a professional environment across various types of organizations
4. Fourth Semester: Master's thesis, where students work in collaboration with academic and non-academic stakeholders on a concrete sustainability challenge in Europe or worldwide

Career Opportunities

Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in sustainability-focused roles across sectors, including:

• Public administration: working on interdisciplinary projects, integrating and applying sustainability science
• Consulting: advising businesses, public institutions, and NGOs
• Sustainability management and business transformation: through corporate social responsibility, green management, and responsible innovation
• Policy, advocacy, and communication: designing sustainability policies and communicating sustainability challenges
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Academia and research

Admission Requirements

• Academic requirement: Completed bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Language requirement: English proficiency at C1 level (certification required)
• Application period: Opens on January 15, 2026
• Application details: Applications are submitted directly to CHARM-EU, not through the university's application portal

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• EU/EEA students: 5,000
• Non-EU students: 24,000
• Financial support: Mobility scholarships and stipends available through Erasmus+ and other funding sources

International Experience

The program offers a genuine international experience, bringing together students and universities from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Students participate in virtual, physical, and blended mobility opportunities, with an obligatory semester at one of the partner universities enhancing their learning experience further. Mobility scholarships are available, particularly through the Erasmus+ program.

Further Study Opportunities

Graduates with this degree are qualified to apply for PhD programs in sustainability and related fields.