Master of Global Studies

Programme Overview

The Master of Global Studies (MGlobalSt) is designed for graduates looking to engage deeply with pressing contemporary global issues. The curriculum is built on a transdisciplinary framework that enables students to tackle complex challenges such as international development, climate change, and geopolitical shifts. The programme fosters creative thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and innovative problem-solving, exploring core concepts like globalization/anti-globalization, inequality, transnationalism, global labor markets, gender equity, public health, human rights, social change, and Indigenous sovereignty.

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The structure of the degree is delivered as a 180-point taught framework split into three key pillars to ensure a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical inquiry:

1. Core Theoretical Foundations: Establishes advanced transdisciplinary perspectives on global systems and contemporary problems.
2. Tailored Electives: Allows students to choose papers across a wide variety of fields, disciplines, and sectors to match their specific professional interests.
3. Research Implementation: Culminates in an independent research dissertation where students analyze a critical global issue under expert guidance.

What You'll Study

The degree requires the completion of 180 postgraduate-level points. The curriculum framework is structured as follows:

• Compulsory Core Courses (90 points): Students take three core papers establishing baseline high-level research and conceptual skills:
  • Themes in Global Studies (GLOBAL 700) – 30 points
  • Contemporary Issues in Global Studies (GLOBAL 701) – 30 points
  • Global Studies Research Design (GLOBAL 702) – 30 points (featuring non-Western, Māori, and Pacific research methodologies).
• Elective Options (30 points): Tailored course selections from approved subjects including Development Praxis, Gender and Development, Global Sustainability, or Digital Futures.
• Research Component (60 points): A mandatory research-driven Global Studies Dissertation (GLOBAL 793) focusing on a chosen real-world global problem or case study.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Transdisciplinary Breadth: Move beyond the boundaries of a single academic department by integrating insights from politics, economics, environmental science, law, and sociology.
• Indigenous Perspectives: Unique curriculum integration of Māori, Pacific, and indigenous knowledge frameworks to address practical regional and global challenges.
• Real-World Impact: Equips you with practical collaboration and partnership skills directly geared toward addressing real-world stakeholder needs and driving social change.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums: A completed Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized institution with a Grade Point Average/Equivalent (GPA/GPE) of 5.0 or higher across 60 points above Stage II.
• Relevant Major Restrictions: Prerequisite degrees must be in a relevant major. Approved disciplines include: Anthropology, Communication, Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Science, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Indigenous Studies, Law, Linguistics, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, or Sociology.
• Selection Process: Admission is highly competitive. Each application is assessed individually by the Faculty of Arts, and meeting the minimum academic entry score does not guarantee an automatic offer of a place.
• Language Requirement: Reiteration of English language competency via an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all individual bands 6.0+) or a PTE Academic score of 58 (all communicative skills 50+). Alternative postgraduate entry pathways include the completion of a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Studies (PGDipGlobalSt).