Global Challenges for Sustainability (Charm EU)

Course Overview

The CHARM-EU Masters in Global Challenges for Sustainability offers a unique international learning opportunity. CHARM-EU students will have the chance to address the pressing need for sustainability in a transdisciplinary and challenge-based environment. This international programme will employ innovative pedagogical approaches and mechanisms to engage staff and students of diverse backgrounds and disciplines to facilitate, foster and enhance the links between education, research and innovation. Furthermore, active engagement with CHARM-EU’s extended network of academic experts and extra-academic actors(i.e. business, community and society). increases the potential development and employability of our graduates.



The Masters degree is accredited* and jointly awarded by the five CHARM-EU partner universities: University of Barcelona, Trinity College Dublin, Utrecht University, Eötvös Loránd University, and University of Montpellier. Extension of the Masters from 90 to 120 ECTS is subject to final approval in January 2025



Is This Course For Me?

This programme is aimed at graduates from diverse relevant backgrounds who intend to work in sustainable policy and communication roles, social innovation and action either within existing companies (intrapreneurship) or via generation of new enterprises (entrepreneurship), and academic research in this area.



Course Structure

Delivered full-time over 24 months*, this 120-ECTS Master’s degree is comprised of a 30 ECTS preparatory phase containing modules on sustainability, social innovation and transdisciplinary research; a 30 ECTS flexible phase with transdisciplinary modules related to water, food, life & health and energy & sustainable cities; a 30 ECTS experiential phase (including the possibility of an internship) and a 30 ECTS capstone phase.

Course Content

Phase 1 is a preparatory phase with three compulsory modules: Sustainability, Social Innovation, Transdisciplinary Research (30 ECTS).



Phase 2 is a flexible phase with three modules in one theme, selected from four thematic pathways of which students chose one (30 ECTS):



The Food pathway includes the following modules: The Food-Health-Environment Nexus; Food Systems and their Transformations; and Socially Just and Sustainable Food Systems.



The Water pathway includes the following modules: Extremes in the Water Cycle and their Complex Consequences; Adaptation Measures and Strategies in Water Management; Resilient Cities: Water in Urban Environments.



The Life and Health pathway includes the following modules: Health Systems and Policies; Health Challenges; and Healthy Lives and Wellbeing.



The Energy & Sustainable Cities pathway includes the following modules: Emerging Technologies & Smart Cities; Sustainable Urban Planning, Resource Management & Resilience; and Policy, Climate Change & the Future of Sustainable Cities.



Phase 3 is the experiential phase, which includes the option of an internship during which students work in organisations aligned with their specialisation and interest (30 ECTS).



Phase 4 is the capstone phase. During this phase, students work collaboratively with their peers, academic staff, and external stakeholders on an authentic sustainability challenge which is based on the student’s original disciplinary field (30 ECTS).



The modules consist of lectures, seminars and workshops. These sessions will also be paired with self-study work, assignment preparation and project work, individually and in teams.



*Extension of the Masters from 90 to 120 ECTS is subject to final approval in January 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent. In the case of students with a French Licence, they will need an additional 30 ECTS for admission.



English language certification at C1 level is necessary for admission. Students with B2 level will be considered in conjunction with other admission criteria but must attain C1 level before programme registration.



Applicants must complete the relevant forms and upload the required documents on the University of Barcelona admission portal.



You can find the required documents on the Charm EU website at: www.charmeu.eu/masters/globalchallenges/documents



English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet B and B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page.

Closing Date 20th March 2025

24 months full-time.

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates have pursued sustainable policy and communication roles, entrepreneurship, sustainability specialist and consultancy roles within a wide range of companies, as well as further academic research.