If you’re looking for an international master’s degree focused on climate change, sustainability, and social justice, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s on Climate Change and Diversity: Sustainable Territorial Development (CCD-STeDe) offers a powerful opportunity. This prestigious program equips students with the skills and global perspective needed to address today’s environmental and territorial challenges.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know in one clear guide. From partner countries and universities to diplomas, language requirements, and scholarships, this overview explains the program step by step. As a result, you can quickly understand whether CCD-STeDe is the right choice for you.
What Is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in CCD-STeDe?
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master CCD-STeDe is a two-year master’s program (120 ECTS) that prepares future professionals for careers in sustainable territorial development. Above all, the program directly responds to global climate change and growing environmental emergencies.
Instead of focusing only on theory, the program combines strong academic foundations with practical, real-world learning. Because of this, students gain valuable skills to support just transitions, build climate resilience, and encourage inclusive development across different regions.
Study Across 5 Countries and 3 Continents
One of the strongest advantages of CCD-STeDe is its truly global structure. Students study across five countries, gaining firsthand experience in different environmental, social, and political contexts.
The partner universities include:
- University of Padua – Italy (Programme Coordinator)
- Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar – Ecuador
- Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo – Burkina Faso
- Universidade da Madeira – Portugal
- University of Johannesburg – South Africa
Because of this international model, students build cross-cultural competence while expanding their professional networks worldwide.
Degrees and Diplomas, You Can Earn
At the end of the program, students receive either:
- A double degree (Paths 1, 2, or 3), or
- A joint degree (Path 4), awarded by the University of Padua and the University of Johannesburg
This internationally recognized qualification significantly boosts employability in global institutions, NGOs, research centers, and public administrations.
Language Requirements: 4 Languages, Global Access
To ensure academic success, applicants must demonstrate B2 proficiency in two of the program’s languages.
- English (mandatory for all students)
- One additional language based on the chosen path:
- Spanish
- French
- Portuguese
This multilingual structure strengthens communication skills and prepares students for international careers.
Program Objectives Aligned with EU Climate Priorities
In line with the Erasmus+ Work Programme and the European Union’s vision for carbon-neutral societies, CCD-STeDe promotes environmental and climate justice through clear objectives.
Specifically, the program aims to:
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First, strengthen knowledge and professional skills in sustainable territorial development.
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At the same time, improve career prospects for young professionals worldwide.
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In addition, build strong and lasting networks between academic and professional institutions.
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Furthermore, encourage open dialogue among universities, governments, and civil society organizations.
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Finally, respond directly to labor market needs linked to the just transition and long-term sustainability.
Because of this mission, graduates do not simply earn a degree. Instead, they become active change-makers in climate governance and territorial planning.
Academic Paths and Study Locations
To meet diverse academic and professional goals, students can specialize through several academic paths. Each path, in turn, is hosted in a distinct global location, offering regional expertise and hands-on learning.
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Climate Change, Sustainability, and Development – Quito, Ecuador
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Regional and Local Studies – Madeira, Portugal
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Territorial Management – Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Environmental Management – Johannesburg, South Africa
Across all paths, the curriculum focuses on real-world challenges. As a result, learning stays practical, applied, and directly relevant to today’s environmental and territorial issues.
Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
From the 2023/2024 to 2026/2027 academic years, CCD-STeDe supports 80 talented students worldwide through Erasmus Mundus scholarships.
In addition, the program offers:
- Partial funding
- Tuition fee waivers
- Self-funded study options
Importantly, CCD-STeDe actively welcomes students with special needs, providing personalized tools and inclusive learning support.
New MOOC: Climate Change and Adaptation on Ecosystems and Societies
The Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence has launched a new fully online MOOC focused on climate adaptation. This course strengthens both academic knowledge and professional expertise.
Second International Conference on Climate Actions and Just Transition
This international conference brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss climate action and just transition. Sessions take place in English, with live interpretation in Spanish.
Partner Universities and Professional Networks
CCD-STeDe collaborates with a wide network of academic and professional partners, ensuring strong links between education, research, and the job market.
The program also runs on verified green hosting, supporting the transition to a fossil-free internet.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master CCD-STeDe stands out for its global reach, interdisciplinary approach, and strong commitment to climate justice. By combining academic excellence with international mobility and real-world impact, the program prepares students to lead sustainable change where it matters most.
If you want to study climate change beyond textbooks and make a real difference, CCD-STeDe is a program worth pursuing.
