Program Overview

Introduction to the CHARM-EU International Master's Degree

The CHARM-EU university alliance has been offering a transdisciplinary and international master's degree on the theme of sustainability since 2021. This joint degree allows future students to follow a common curriculum at the nine CHARM-EU partner universities within a truly interconnected European campus.

Program Overview

The program is a unique four-semester master's degree (120 ECTS) taught in English, aimed at holders of a bachelor's degree, regardless of discipline, who wish to acquire advanced knowledge in sustainable development and tackle global societal challenges. Its innovative teaching model enables students to become "complexity managers" who can devise and lead projects addressing societal challenges related to water, food, health, and life sciences, as well as energy and sustainable cities.

Collaborating Universities

The European degree is jointly awarded by nine member universities of the CHARM-EU alliance:

• The University of Barcelona (Spain)
• Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
• The University of Utrecht (Netherlands)
• Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest (Hungary)
• The University of Montpellier
• Ĺbo Akademi University (Finland)
• The University of Würzburg (Germany)
• The Ruhr-West University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
• The University of Bergen (Norway)

Program Structure

The degree program lasts two years, or four semesters, and offers numerous mobility opportunities that allow students to study at several partner universities during their studies. At least one semester of mobility at one of the alliance's universities is mandatory.

First Semester

A preparatory phase consisting of three mandatory modules:

• Social Innovation
• Sustainability
• Transdisciplinary Research

Second Semester

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:
  • Health systems and policies
  • Health challenges
  • Healthy living and well-being
• Food:
  • Link between food, health, and the environment
  • Food systems and their transformations
  • Socially just and sustainable food systems
• Energy and sustainable cities:
  • Emerging technologies and smart cities
  • Sustainable urban planning
  • Resource management and resilience
  • Politics, climate change, and the future of sustainable cities

Third Semester

An experimental phase that provides the opportunity to undertake an internship in a professional environment within various types of organizations (private companies, public institutions, non-governmental organizations, research laboratories, etc.).

Fourth Semester

During this phase, called Capstone, students work collaboratively with their peers, academic staff, and external stakeholders (e.g., companies or associations) on a real-world sustainability challenge in Europe or around the world.

Educational Model

The Global Challenges for Sustainability degree program focuses on students, who become active participants in their own learning. Based on solving real-world problems, this program offers students the opportunity to work with international peers and civil society actors to resolve complex societal issues related to sustainable development. It also implements an innovative competency-based assessment method, with individual support from a mentor throughout the program and regular feedback on results and the means to be implemented to progress.

Eligibility and Admission

As the program is interdisciplinary, all profiles are welcome. Admissions are open to students with a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Applicants will be required to demonstrate a C1 level of English at the start of the program in September 2026. This degree is recognized in France as a master's degree.

Tuition Fees

• Free for European students (EU/EFTA) who have completed their final year of study in France.
• 5,000 for students who are European citizens.
• 24,000 for students from outside Europe.

Students can apply for mobility grants under the Erasmus+ program.

Application Process

Registration is open from January 15 to February 22, 2026. All information about courses and application procedures is available.

Conclusion

The CHARM-EU International Master's Degree in "Global Challenges for Sustainability" offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in a transdisciplinary and international program focused on sustainability, collaborating with nine prestigious European universities. With its innovative teaching model, mobility opportunities, and competency-based assessment, this program equips students to tackle global societal challenges and become leaders in sustainable development.