Master’s in Global Challenges for Sustainability
About
Do you want to make a real difference?
You can be a force of positive, sustainable change for the future of our planet.
The Master’s in Global Challenges for Sustainability is a unique international learning opportunity that will help you become a change-maker.
You will work on real-life global challenges with national and international organisations and emerge with essential skills for the 21st century.
The Master’s at a glance
Duration | 2 years |
ECTS | 120 credits |
Language | English |
Capacity | 100 places |
Participant universities | University of Barcelona (Spain), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), Utrecht University (The Netherlands), University of Montpellier (France), Eötvös Loránd University Budapest (Hungary), Åbo Akademi University (Finland), Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (Germany) and University of Bergen (Norway). |
Specializations | Water, Food, Life & Health, Energy & Sustainable cities |
Teaching modality | In-person, delivered in hybrid classrooms |
Start date | 1 September 2026 |
About the Master's
Our Master’s is one-of-a-kind. The world is facing an uncertain future, and people with key skills in sustainability and innovation will be essential in order to address the global challenges ahead. In this course, you will work inside and outside the classroom to address real-world problems and collaborate with civil society, NGOs, institutions, business, industry, policymakers and more to find new solutions.
A First-of-Its-Kind Degree
Accredited simultaneously by multiple European universities under the framework of European University Alliances. With the experience of five cohorts of students, CHARM-EU now benefits from the international reputation and expertise of nine prestigious universities.
Innovative Curriculum
Explore a transdisciplinary, challenge-based programme that addresses the urgent need for a sustainable future through innovative learning methods and real-world applications. This course is tailored for a diverse range of students, welcoming candidates from all academic and professional backgrounds, ensuring an intercultural environment. It is structured to help you acquire new skills while deepening your expertise in a chosen field.
Exceptional International Exposure
Over the course of 4 semesters (2 years), you have the opportunity to study at up to 4 of our partner universities, enhancing your international profile, intercultural competencies, and global skills.
Real-World Professional Experience
During the experiential phase, students have the opportunity to undertake an internship in an organisation, while in the capstone phase, they collaborate with external stakeholders—including international organisations, NGOs, and research centres.
Expert Guidance
Drawing on research methodologies and inclusive teaching practices, CHARM-EU fosters collaboration across the 9 partner universities, between staff and students from diverse backgrounds, to strengthen the links between education, research, and innovation.
Inclusive Environment
Experience a welcoming, equitable learning space that values diversity at every level.
Join us for a transformative educational experience and tackle global challenges!
TEstimonials
“The CHARM-EU Master’s is an innovative programme that allows us to bring our ideas and interests to the forefront of our studies through its flexibility and collaborative nature”
Hazel Byrne
- International Sustainability Senior Professional
Alisia Gahabka
- Bluebook Trainee at the European Environment Agency
“Interculturality is a key value in CHARM.-EU, deeply linked to diversity. Especially in the master’s programme Global challenges in sustainability.”
Yuanfei Huang
- Educationalist from the University of Montpellier
- CHARM-EU & University of Montpellier
“Challenge-based learning is at the heart of the CHARM-EU Master’s. This method fosters teamwork, creativity and innovation by translating knowledge into impactful solutions”.
Ádám Tóth
- Researcher
- CHARM-EU & Utrecht University
“The programme is a great opportunity for anyone looking to broaden the scope of their education and work on the most pressing challenges of our times with an interdisciplinary perspective.“
Nadja Simons
- Local Programme Coordinator & Professor
- CHARM-EU & Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg
“A key aspect of the programme that has enhanced my employability is its focus on preparing students to work in remote, interdisciplinary and intercultural environments. This experience has been invaluable in my current and future roles as we move towards a more globalised world where effective communication and teamwork across borders is essential.”
Itziar Salazar Caballero
- Alumna
- CHARM-EU Master's in Global Challenges for Sustainability
“CHARM-EU’s unique international challenge-based programme brings students from diverse backgrounds together to collaborate across disciplines and engage with stakeholders to create meaningful change”.
Orla Sheils
- Trinity’s Vice-Provost
- CHARM-EU Master's in Global Challenges for Sustainability
Question and answers
Q&A session 2026
Watch the latest online Q&A for the CHARM-EU Master’s in Global Challenges for Sustainability to learn more about the programme structure, application timeline, and what you can expect from the CHARM-EU experience.
Watch our Master’s phases
CHARM-EU has created a series of short videos showcasing the different phases of the master’s programme. Explore the student journey and discover what each phase has to offer!
- Introduction by Professor Sergio Villanueva
- Preparatory Phase by Professor Bianca de Souza Nagasawa
- Energy Track by Professor Johan Werkelin
- Food Track by Professor Patricia Cucchi
- Life & Health Track by Professor Zsófia Kollányi
- Water Track by Professor Jose Francisco García
- Exploratory Phase by Professor Pita Verweij
- Capstone Phase by Professor Tahmer Sharkawi
Q&A ON THE MASTER’S
What are the tuition fees?
You can read about the EU and non-EU tuition fees on our website here: Programme features
What Scholarships and Grants are available?
You can read about scholarships & grants available in the participant countries on our website under CHARM-EU Grants and Scholarships. The CHARM-EU grant is only eligible for applications from EU students.
How do I know what university I start in?
You will be invited to provide a ranking of your preferred Phase 1 and Phase 2 universities as part of your application. Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will be allocated to your first choices, even though we do our best to accommodate student requests.
What is the situation regarding accommodation?
At some partner universities, you have the possibility to apply for student housing, while at others you will have to search independently. To find out more, students should reach out to the local administrator (JVAO) in the relevant university.
When will we hear the outcome of our applications?
Please allow up to one month from the end of the application round. Find more in the Admission Calendar.
Can you tell me more about the course content?
You can read all about the curriculum on our website here: Programme structure. The section also features short introduction videos about each Phase and each track.
Is it possible to follow the master’s course online?
Unfortunately, not, this is a fully in-person master’s course, and in-person attendance is mandatory.
Is mobility mandatory?
Yes, mobility is mandatory for Phase 2.
What are the English language requirements?
You can read about the English language requirements on our website here: Access Requirements. Do not forget to consult the list of acceptable English certificates. While students may apply with a B2 level, a C1 level must be attained before final enrolment in the programme.
If my bachelor’s degree was taken through English do I still need to submit an English language certificate?
No, if you studied through English, you are exempt from this requirement.
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