Master’s Programme in Global Challenges for Sustainability (Joint Degree)
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 be a change-maker.
This transdisciplianry, challenge-based programme addresses the urgent need for a sustainable future through innovative learning methods and real-world applications.
The programme requires a bachelor’s or recognised equivalent undergraduate degree, but it 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 through a chosen field.
Exceptional International Exposure and Real-World Professional Experience
This is a two-year joint degree* delivered jointly by nine universities belonging to the CHARM-EU university alliance: University of Barcelona (Spain), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), Utrecht University (Netherlands), Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (Hungary), University of Montpellier (France), University of Würzburg (Germany) , Ruhr-West University of Applied Sciences (Germany), University of Bergen (Norway) and Åbo Akademi University (Finland).
The first semester aims to provide all students with a shared foundation (regardless of location or modality) in key skills and knowledge required for the challenges ahead of them, focusing on transversal skill development to prepare students for transdisciplinary learning in the following phases. The second semester offers thematic pathways to choose from: Food, Water, Life and Health, or Energy and Sustainable Cities. During the third semester, you will have the opportunity to undertake an internship, while in the fourth semester you will collaborate in teams with external stakeholders (including international organizations, NGOs, and research centres) and investigate and evaluate a complex societal challenge from a variety of intercultural and transdisciplinary perspectives. This practical engagement fosters career networks, enhances professional development, and significantly boosts employability in the field of sustainability.
The degree offers diverse opportunities for physical and virtual mobility building up your international profile, intercultural competence, and global skills. Over the course of 4 semesters (2 years), you have the opportunity to study at up to 4 of our partner universities. You will start your first semester in Budapest, Dublin or Utrecht. Mobility is compulsory during the second semester, and optional during the third and fourth semester. Your location during the second semester depends on which track you choose to specialze in and during the third and fourth semester.
*The Master’s Programme in Global Challenges for Sustainability has been offered since 2021 as a 90 ECTS programme, the 2025 edition of the programme is an enhanced 120 ECTS version including the new specialization track Energy and Sustainable Cities, and a 20 ECTS internship.