Master in Global Challenges for Sustainability

As a student on this programme, you will gain:

• In-depth knowledge of sustainability challenges, by engaging with key developments in sustainability science, policy, and practice.
• Specialised expertise in one of the focus areas:
  • Food
  • Water
  • Life and health
  • Energy and sustainable cities
• Interdisciplinary research and analytical skills, by addressing complex global challenges from multiple perspectives, considering diverse stakeholders and cultural contexts.
• Advanced scientific technological skills, by developing proficiency in sourcing, analysing, and communicating complex sustainability data ethically and effectively.
• Creative and critical thinking skills and intercultural competence, by acquiring advanced transversal competencies in problem solving, entrepreneurialism, innovation and digital skills.

Through CHARM-EU’s teaching model, students benefit from:

• Hybrid learning: a blend of in-person and online teaching approaches.
• International mobility: you can study at up to four partner universities, enriching your global perspective.
• Interdisciplinary instruction: courses taught by teachers from various disciplines, encouraging innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
• Real-World Professional Experience: The programme has a strong focus on ‘real-world’ challenges, during the internship and capstone phases (semester 3 and 4). 

You will gain practical experience working together with stakeholders including international organisations, NGOs, research centres, or private companies, to address a sustainability challenge, applying knowledge to a concrete, real-world issue.
 

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for careers in sustainability-focused roles across sectors, including:

• Public administration: working on inter- and trans-disciplinary projects in public administration
• Consulting: advising businesses, government institutions, and NGOs on sustainability strategies.
• Sustainability management and business transformation through corporate social and green responsibility and responsible innovation.
• Policy, advocacy, and communication: shaping sustainability policies and communicating on sustainability challenges.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Research

Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.

• Academic requirement: A completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Language requirement: English proficiency at C1 level (certification required).
• Application period: Opens 15 January
• Application details: You apply for the Master's program directly to CHARM-EU (and not by the Søknadsweb). You will find details on how to apply on the CHARM-EU website

Teaching language: English

1st semester

A preparatory phase composed of 3 compulsory modules: Social Innovation, Sustainability and Transdisciplinary Research.

2nd semester

Choose between 4 themes: Food, Water, Life & Health, Energy & Sustainable Cities. Each theme consists of 3 modules.

3rd semester

An experimental phase that gives the opportunity to do an internship in a professional environment in different types of organizations (private company, public institution, non-governmental organization, research laboratory, etc.). 

4e semester

During this phase called Capstone, students work in collaboration with their peers, academic staff and non-academic actors (e.g. companies or associations) on a concrete sustainability challenge in Europe, or in the world. 

More details on each semester: Programme structure & curriculum - CHARM-EU

The programme offers a truly international experience, bringing together students and universities from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. You will engage in virtual, physical, and blended mobility opportunities. A mandatory semester at one of the partner universities further enriches your learning. Mobility grants are available, notably through the Erasmus+ program.

Graduates holding this degree are eligible to apply for PhD programmes in sustainability and related fields.

Phone: +47 55 58 24 55
Email: CHARM-JVAO@uib.no
Visit: https://www.charm-eu.eu/masters/globalchallenges