Master’s in Global Challenges for Sustainability – 2026

TEACHING & LEARNING

The CHARM-EU educational experience

CHARM-EU is part of the pioneering European Universities Initiative, aimed at shaping the universities of the future. Our Master’s programme is founded on ten core educational principles that define the CHARM-EU learning experience. We are committed to delivering an outstanding and inclusive educational journey, designed to provide you with the best possible learning experience and personal and professional development. By means of innovative teaching methods, a transdisciplinary and skills-based curriculum and a challenge-driven, student-led approach, we aim to prepare you well for your future career in sustainability.

How will I learn?

Our curriculum comprises a mixture of lectures and workshops, meet-the-expert sessions, and tutorials during which you will learn about methodologies, discuss research, and acquire new skills. These teaching units are complemented by individual and group work, often spanning locations, and during which time you can put into practice the acquired knowledge. Interdisciplinary projects and collaborative work are key features of the Master’s programme, culminating in the final Capstone project in which you will tackle a real-life challenge set by a stakeholder.

Will there be any field work?

In Phases 1 and 2, module coordinators may choose to integrate some short field trips into their curriculum.

In Phase 2, all students of a cohort participate in a 2-week-long, Erasmus+ funded field trip hosted by one of the partner universities. This mobility, called a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), involves conducting on-site project work in small teams, in collaboration with local stakeholders, on a local sustainability challenge.

Additional applied learning experiences are available during the internship (Phase 3) and, of course, during the final Capstone project.

DIGITAL LEARNING TOOLS

CHARM-EU uses ‘technology-enhanced learning’ for a more interactive study experience.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Our Virtual Learning Environment consists of two core platforms which support your learning journey and allow the creation of a virtual learning community with students across all partner universities.

Moodle: All teaching materials and module information will be published in Moodle.
eJournal: The eJournal platform holds all the assignments per module. It is also used to review and evaluate your progress, as well as to provide and receive feedback. You build your E-portfolio for programmatic assessment at the end of each phase.

In addition, you will use various communication tools for in-class activities, collaboration tasks and teamwork.

Hybrid classrooms

Each CHARM-EU location has one or more hybrid classrooms. These hybrid classrooms are equipped with screens, cameras and microphones, allowing students in the different locations to follow the same class in real time and engage with each other during pedagogical activities and discussions. Hybrid classrooms are equipped with screens, cameras and microphones.

Student equipment

Students (and teachers) should bring their own devices to the classroom, including headphones with a microphone, and a personal computer with an integrated camera and HDMI or USB-C output. Student devices should have a minimum of 8GB of RAM, in addition to the minimum requirements for Microsoft Teams.

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK

In CHARM-EU, we are using an innovative approach to assessment. The main goal is to support you in your learning process. Therefore, we prioritise feedback and use a mix of different assessment methods. We are moving away from a traditional approach in which the assessment of a single module is a pass or fail decision, and which places high importance on the grade. Instead, this pass/fail decision takes place at the end of each Phase. The assessments you receive during the phase inform you of your development across the learning outcomes and provide you with information on areas of improvement.

Phase 1&2: CHARM-EU educational experience – Phase 1&2 (120 ECTS).

What are the Programme Learning outcomes?

The Master’s programme comprises several Programme Learning Outcomes (PLOs), which form the foundation of all module assessments. These PLOs define the competencies you are expected to achieve by the end of the programme. Each PLO is linked to the Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs), ensuring that every module contributes to these overarching goals.

Throughout the Master’s programme, you will work on advancing yourself according to these PLOs, and your progress will be evaluated based on them, empowering you to grow and succeed.

How will you be assessed?

Throughout each Phase, your work, the assessments and feedback combined form your E-Portfolio.

During the modules

All assessment activities within a module provide information on your performance and feedback on possible improvements. Assessment activities can include: knowledge tests, presentations, essays, and role plays, among others. You cannot pass or fail the module assignments; rather the feedback is intended to help you in your learning. These assessments are done by teachers, peers and other stakeholders.

Your mentor

With your mentor, you will discuss the feedback and assessments you receive during the Phase. Your mentor will critically review your learning progress and provide mentor advice on your development in the E-Portfolio towards the end of the Phase.

Phase decisions

At the end of each Phase, your E-Portfolio is assessed by a group of examiners known as the Portfolio Assessment Committee (PAC). This is the holistic evaluation of the combination of all module assessments and advice from your mentor. This results in a Phase level assessment per PLO domain, including meaningful feedback & feedforward and a Phase grade (scale of 0-100). This is a pass/fail decision.

More detailed information can be found in the Academic Rules and Regulations – Assessment, progression and graduation here.

SUPPORT AND SERVICES

As a student in the Master’s, you are enrolled in all CHARM-EU partner institutions and thus have access to student services at the nine universities.

Joint Virtual Administrative Office

The Joint Virtual Administrative Office (JVAO) is the administrative office of the Master’s programme and the point of contact for any queries relating to administrative and practical issues. The office is composed of one or more JVAO officers located in each of the universities of the CHARM-EU Alliance and who closely collaborate with each other. Do not hesitate to reach out to them!

Accommodation

Accommodation options differ by location and the general accommodation situation in each of the cities. In some locations, you will be able to apply for student housing through the university, while in others, private accommodation is the standard choice. The Joint Virtual Administrative Office provides you with detailed guidance on housing and the application process in advance of each semester.

Student Services

As a Master’s student, you benefit from a vast network of student services as part of your enrolment at the 9 CHARM-EU partner universities. While some services will be more relevant to you if you are spending a Phase on a particular campus, some services may readily be consulted from a distance, like libraries or career resources, no matter where you are.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office

The CHARM-EU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office (DEI) is committed to fostering and safeguarding inclusivity within CHARM-EU. For the Master’s programme, the DEI Office serves as an expert advisory group, collaborating with organisational units, student services, and teaching staff to promote an inclusive learning experience. It is also responsible for reviewing and assessing requests for learning accommodations and other learning needs.

Counselling Service

While each partner university offers its own local counselling services that students can access when needed, the ELTE Counselling Centre serves as the designated support service for the Master’s programme. Their team of experienced psychologists provides online counselling in English for all students facing personal or study/work-related challenges.

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