On this programme, you’ll delve into the UN Sustainable Development Goals to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. And there’s nowhere better to do it than in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. You’ll be trained in Carbon Literacy to get a professional understanding of Climate Change theory and put it into practice in industry masterclasses, activities and group projects.
What's Included?
Employability Visits
Carbon Literacy
Accommodation
Travel
Support
Activities
Employability Resources
Alumni Network
About Pagoda Projects
Pagoda Projects is a leading provider of global opportunities for universities in the UK and overseas. As part of Gradcore, we’re playing a leading role in transforming career journeys with the Unseen Group.
Programme Details
Eligibility
This programme is open to all students; however, your university may have specific eligibility requirements in order for you to potentially receive the funding that you may be able apply for to cover some costs of this programme.
Funding
You will be invoiced a ‘Programme Fee’. This fee is to cover the cost of your accommodation, and the Pagoda team’s support and resources throughout your programme.
In some cases universities has confirmed a specific amount of funding to cover part or all of these fees – please get in touch and we will confirm if this is the case.
Otherwise, you may be able to apply through your university for other potential funding mechanisms (e.g. Turing Funding, Travel Grants, NCP Funding) that help cover some of the cost of Pagoda’s Programme Fee as well as potentially your flights and insurance.
Please reach out to us or your university’s global mobility team for more information.
You will also be charged a refundable deposit which is refunded upon completion of the programme.
Programme Fee does not cover:
- Daily Living Costs
- Visa Costs
Programme Dates
4th July 2026 – 17th July 2026
Application Process
- Register Interest: Fill in the form at the bottom of this page. Once submitted, our friendly team will be in touch to answer any questions you may have.
- Application Form: Once you understand the programme details, complete the full application form.
- University Application: If required, we will direct you to apply to your university as well so they can confirm your eligibility.
- Agreement & Onboarding: If awarded a place we will ask you to confirm programme dates and location. If you’re happy to proceed, just sign our agreement and pay the refundable deposit to secure your place. Following this, our team will be in touch for onboarding and will support you through the necessary pre-departure steps.
Pre-Departure
Pagoda will host a virtual pre-departure event where participants will have the chance to have their questions answered. A recording of the event will be provided to those unable to attend.
Orientation & Support
A Pagoda team member will greet you at London St Pancras and accompany you on bother transfers to/from Brussels to your hostel accommodation. You’ll be provided with a welcome pack and detailed orientation to help you feel settled in your new country. Throughout the programme you will check-in with the Pagoda team, who will also provide 24/7 emergency on-site assistance if required.
Carbon Literacy Training
Carbon Literacy is “an awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.” More than 1,700 organisations across the UK and internationally have empowered their teams with Carbon Literacy Training including the NHS, the BBC, and Manchester City Council.
On this programme, you’ll complete 12 hours of Carbon Literacy Training and submit a pledge to gain certification from the Carbon Literacy Project. This is widely recognised as a personal and professional commitment to tackling climate change.
Group Project
In groups of 2-6, you’ll work collaboratively on a enquiry based learning project that will give you the opportunity to put all the theory you’ll learn into practice.
You’ll identify a company to research and narrow down which SDGs it is or could, be acting upon in its ESG policies. You’ll discuss any shortcomings and recommendations and present your findings to your peers at the end of the programme.
The projects are aimed to build your transferable skills that can be applied across any role that you may go on to do in the future and grow your understanding of how sustainability and SDGs are approached in a commercial setting.
Industry Activities & Workshop
Throughout the programme, you’ll participate in a range of workshops and visits, providing opportunities to grow your network, broaden you understanding of sustainability and put the theory into practice.
Example Activities:
- Interactive Climate Fresk workshop on understanding of the cause-and-effect relationships between climate change-induced issues.
- Interactive Climate Simulation Game where you take on the role of different international stakeholders at a UN Climate Summit with the goal of decreasing the global earth temperature to the Paris Agreement Target
- Visit to EU Parliament, Hemicycle and Parlamentarium
- Visit & tour of BIGH Aquaponics Farm
- Upcycling Workshop
- European Environmental Bureau
Transport
According to the International Energy Alliance’s (IEA) 2020 Tracking Transport Report, ships, planes and road vehicles make up almost three-quarters of global transport emissions. Urban and high-speed trains are one of the most sustainable, long-distance transport methods.
Eurostar’s high-speed trains are the most carbon-efficient option when travelling between London and neighbouring European cities. On average, travelling on the Eurostar emits 10 times less carbon per passenger compared to a short-haul flight to the same destination.
Accommodation
Reflecting the programme’s core ethos of low-carbon living, the group will stay in high-quality hostels. This supports and demonstrates sustainable and environmental practices. The hostel will be situated in, or close to, the city centre with excellent public transport links.
Tourism & Free Time
Organised guided tours and visits to local attractions will welcome you to your city. All entrance fees are covered as part of the programme and the group will be fully supported and supervised throughout the activity by a friendly member of the Pagoda staff.
Participants will have their evenings free throughout the programme to explore the city and bond with their fellow teammates. A Digital Welcome Pack of the city’s (arguably) best sustainable attractions, shops and restaurants will also be provided.
Portal
The Portal is a digital hub for our student community where you will be able to locate key programme information, forms and documentation.
You’ll also be able to access a variety of different employability resources which will set you on your way as you head into your career.
Programme Testimonials
Programme Testimonials
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