Master in Global Challenges for Sustainability

Objectives and competences

Objectives and competences

Objectives

• Research and evaluate complex societal challenges from different stakeholders and intercultural perspectives.
• Assess and integrate different disciplinary and transdisciplinary knowledge and research methodologies.
• Become familiar with the latest technological tools to source, analyse, handle, use and communicate complex bodies of data ethically.
• Learn to communicate and collaborate effectively on complex issues.
• Formulate an advanced understanding of transdisciplinarity and demonstrate expertise in the facilitative, communicative, reflexive and collaborative skills to support its practice.
• Acquire advanced transversal competencies in problem-solving, entrepreneurialism, innovation, digital skills, and a life-long learning disposition.
• Develop creative and critical thinking skills.

Competences

• Critically analyse and apply the concept of sustainability.
• Evaluate and integrate interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary nature of challenges.
• Creatively design and develop solutions using a system-based approach and a range of research methodologies, theoretical frameworks and data analysis tools.
• Effectively collaborate with a transdisciplinary team and external stakeholders to solve complex challenges, demonstrating inclusive and intercultural competencies.
• Communicate effectively and ethically to different types of audiences/stakeholders.
• Apply a scientific approach and critical thinking in analysing and solving challenges.
• Reflect critically on personal learning processes and professional development considering the role of active citizenship participation, in particular within the context of Europe.
• Identify and apply the latest technological/digital tools to solve a sustainability societal challenge.

Access and admission

Applicant profile and access requirements

Recommended applicant profile

The master’s degree is aimed at students with a passion for sustainability and committed to address societal challenges through collaborative team learning in an intercultural environment.

Graduates from all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome to this programme.

Access requirements and conditions

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent recognized as a sufficient qualification for admission to a master’s degree (EQF level 6 or higher)
• C1 or higher English language certification in all four linguistic competences: reading, writing, listening and speaking (check accepted certificates on the master's website). Students with B2 level will be considered in conjunction with other admission criteria, but must attain C1 level before programme enrolment.

Pre-enrolment

Calendar

• First period: from the 15th of January until the 8th of February 2026.
  • Admissions decisions: end February
  • Please note that applying in the first period increases the chances of being accepted at the preferred starting university and the preferred track in the flexible phase (phase 2).
• Second period: from the 9th until the 22nd of February 2026.
  • Admissions decisions: mid-March

Required documentation

Please see the required supporting documents for admission on the Master's website: https://charm-eu.eu/learning/educational-offer/master-programme/.

Selection criteria

Admission to the programme is selective and competitive and the assessment is based on the application documents which the applicant has submitted. Each application is assessed by members of the academic staff of CHARM-EU according to the criteria below:

• Academic Excellence (10 points)
• General Academic Competencies (45 points)
• Personal Competencies (45 points)

Notification

Once the selection process is complete, students receive notification of the admission decision.

Enrolment

The enrolment in the master’s in Global Challenges for Sustainability is online and by academic year. Students enrol in the first instance in the University of Barcelona system, as coordinator and legal representative for CHARM-EU, but they will be enrolled and considered for administrative purposes as full-time students in each of the participating universities.

Welcome

Students have access to student services from all partner universities. Specific support will be available for CHARM-EU students through the Joint Virtual Administrative Office (JVAO) which will help students with any queries.

Course curriculum

Subjects and course plans

Distribution of credits

List of subjects

Teaching staff

The teaching staff of this master's program is integrated by experts in Sustainability, Education, Research, and Innovation from the nine member universities of the CHARM-EU alliance.

Placements

During the Experiential Phase, students have the opportunity to undertake an internship. This Phase is made up by three modules to prepare students for real-world application of their knowledge through internships or projects:

• Module 1: Internship Preparation (5 ECTS).
• Module 2: Internship. The objectives of the internship should be based on the application of students’ sustainability-based expertise to a challenge relevant for the internship organisation (20 ECTS).
• Module 3: Capstone Preparation Module (5 ECTS)

Career opportunities

What can you work on ?

The master’s in Global Challenges for Sustainability is supported by external stakeholders and will enable students to connect with the business and society sector, to create a strong network and be prepared to work with companies and institutions worldwide.

Master’s graduates have skills for a wide range of careers, including but not limited to:

• Consultancy for business, government institutions and NGOs.
• Sustainability management and business transformation.
• Sustainability policy, advocacy, and communications.
• Business innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Social innovation and action.
• Academia and research.

Contact us

https://charm-eu.eu/contact-us/