CIVIS European University Alliance
Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy
Brussels, Belgium
Master degree
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 9,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EU/EES students | EU/EES students: EUR 4500 per year
Key Summary
CIVIS has developed a pioneering Master's programme designed to train the leaders who will tackle the world's most pressing challenges—climate change, energy transitions, and environmental crises. To build a sustainable future, we need innovative thinkers and skilled professionals who can break disciplinary boundaries and work together on transformative solutions. Are you ready to take on this challenge?
As a student of the Master’s Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment, and Energy (TRACEE) you are empowered to become a change-maker. Our hands-on programme equips you with the tools to understand the complex problems of climate, energy, and environmental systems. By following TRACEE, you will enhance your skills to create innovative solutions from the perspectives of natural science, social science and humanities, through what we call a transdisciplinary approach. This programme, co-taught by leading academics from all CIVIS universities, builds on an innovative framework to:
- Integrate natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and law to create holistic solutions.
- Studying at different CIVIS universities, experiencing diverse academic cultures and building international networks.
- Equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle complex global issues and drive real-world impact.
Why choose the Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy Master's Programme?
Tackling the biggest challenges of our time requires a new way of thinking, of bringing together different perspectives. This unique Master's Programme creates more than knowledge: it builds a community of engaged citizens equipped to think beyond their own expertise. It promotes collaboration beyond borders and trains professionals ready to work together for a greater cause.
By following TRACEE, you will:
- Gain insights from a multicultural environment, with peers and educators from across the world.
- Benefit from a network of 11 leading research higher education institutions across Europe that form the CIVIS European University Alliance.
- Choose from nine specialised study tracks, allowing you to focus on areas like climate science, environmental law, or energy systems.
- Apply your knowledge to practical challenges through case studies, collaborative research, and a transdisciplinary thesis and get hands-on experience.
- Be part of the future. Join the inaugural class of this pioneering international programme and make a difference!
Semester 1: Building the Foundations
In your first semester at Stockholm University, you’ll develop foundational skills through the Climate, Energy, and Environment course (30 ECTS), covering:
- Systems Thinking (3 ECTS): Analyse complex problems through an interdisciplinary framework.
- Natural Science Perspective (9 ECTS): Explore climate systems, energy processes, and ecosystem interactions.
- Social Science Perspective (9 ECTS): Delve into the policy, governance, and economic aspects of sustainability.
- Humanities Perspective (6 ECTS): Reflect on the ethical, cultural, and historical dimensions of environmental challenges.
- Transdisciplinary Methods (3 ECTS): Go a step further and engage with innovative research methods involving collaboration and community-driven approaches.
Semesters 2-3: Customising your path
Choose from nine specialised tracks (60 ECTS) offered across the 11 CIVIS member universities:
- Environmental Humanities and Law (Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria, and University of Bucharest, Romania)
- Environmental Social Sciences (University of Glasgow, Scotland, and University of Bucharest, Romania)
- Energy and Matter (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, and Stockholm University, Sweden)
- Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (Stockholm University, Sweden, and University of Tübingen, Germany) - Available in 2026
- Environmental Geoscience (University of Glasgow, Scotland, and Aix-Marseille Université, France)
- Climate Change Science (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, and University of Tübingen, Germany) - Available in 2026
- Environmental Risks and Mitigation (University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy)
- Societal Challenges and Transdisciplinary Hotspots (Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria, and Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium)
- Global Change Biology (Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy, and Aix-Marseille Université, France)
Semester 4: Working on a real-world challenge
Complete your academic journey with a 30 ECTS thesis, working on a real-world challenge at one of the CIVIS partner universities. Students can choose the university within their selected study track that aligns best with their research interests. Successful students will be awarded multiple or joint degrees, depending on the chosen track.
Learning objectives
By the end of the Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy, you will be able to:
- Understand the challenges of climate, energy, and the environment and develop solutions from the perspectives of natural science, social science and humanities.
- Demonstrate advanced transdisciplinary knowledge of climate, energy, and environment.
- Critically analyse global challenges through diverse disciplinary perspectives.
- Apply innovative research methods to address sustainability issues.
- Communicate your findings effectively to academic, professional, and public audiences.
Graduates of the Master's in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy will be experts in the green transition, agents of change prepared for impactful careers, including:
- Policy development in government agencies.
- Research and innovation in climate and energy sectors.
- Consultancy in environmental and sustainability organizations.
- Leadership roles in international NGOs or global businesses.
This programme also provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies in transdisciplinary research fields.
Graduates of TRACEE will be leaders able to sit at the decision-making table of any organisation focused on Climate, Environment and Energy, and will bring to it a unique perspective.
Able to combine state-of-the-art disciplinary knowledge with a systemic perspective and hands-on experience, our graduates will have the tools to of interact with experts from different fields, bringing the depth and understanding needed for creating effective, multidimensional solutions.