CHARM-EU International Master’s Degree Program “Global Challenges for Sustainability” (Global Challenges for Sustainable Development)
Since 2021, theCharm-EUuniversity alliance has been offering a transdisciplinary and international master’s degree focused on sustainability. The new version of this joint degree program allows future students to take courses offered by all nine Charm-EU partner universities within a truly interconnected European campus. Students will also spend at least one semester studying at one of these prestigious institutions. Applications are open until February 22, 2026.
What are the career opportunities?
Resolutely transdisciplinary, this unique four-semester program (120 ECTS) taught in English is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree—regardless of their field of study—who wish to acquire advanced knowledge in sustainable development and tackle global societal challenges. Its highly innovative pedagogical model enables students to become “complexity managers” capable of devising and leading projects addressing societal challenges related to water, food, health, and life sciences, as well as energy and sustainable cities.
A collaboration among 9 prestigious universities
In its new version, for which registration opens on January 15, 2026, this European degree is awarded jointly 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, Åbo Akademi University (Finland), the University of Würzburg (Germany), Ruhr-West University of Applied Sciences (Germany), and the University of Bergen (Norway).
An Interconnected European Campus
This degree program lasts two years—four semesters—and offers numerous study abroad opportunities that allow students to study at several partner universities during the program. Please note that at least one semester-long study abroad stay at one of the alliance’s universities is required.
The hybrid program is delivered synchronously by teams of faculty members from the nine international institutions. These interdisciplinary teams pool their skills and expertise to provide the best possible experience for students across the nine campuses.
First Semester
A preparatory phase consisting of three required modules: Social Innovation, Sustainability, and Transdisciplinary Research.
Second semester
A flexible phase consisting of several modules, requiring students 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 Lifestyles and Well-Being
Power supply:
- The Connection Between Food, Health, and the Environment
- Food Systems and Their Transformation
- 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
3rd semester
A trial period that offers the opportunity to complete an internship in a professional setting at various types of organizations (private companies, public institutions, nongovernmental organizations, research laboratories, etc.).
4th semester
During this phase, known as Capstone, students work collaboratively with their peers, faculty, and external stakeholders (such as companies or organizations) on a real-world sustainability challenge in Europe or around the world.
A unique educational model
The “Global Challenges for Sustainability” degree program is student-centered, empowering students to take an active role in their own learning. Based on solving authentic, real-world problems, this program offers students the opportunity to collaborate with international peers and civil society actors to address 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 steps needed to make progress.
Who can take this course?
Since the program is interdisciplinary, applicants from all academic backgrounds are welcome. Admission is open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree, regardless of their field of study. Applicants will be required to demonstrate a C1 level of English proficiency at the start of the program in September 2026. Please note that this degree is recognized in France as an institutional degree conferring a master’s degree.
Registration fee?
Free for European students (EU/EFTA) who completed their final year of study in France.
5,000 € for students who are citizens of the European Union.
€24,000 for students from outside Europe.
Important: Students are eligible to apply for mobility grants under the Erasmus+ program.
How do I apply?
Registration is open from January 15 to February 22, 2026. All information about the courses and the online application process is available on the Charm-EU website.
For more information on administrative procedures at the University of Montpellier, please contact .
For more information, an online information session (in English) will be held on January 14 at 6:00 p.m.
