- Duration
- Full-time: 18 months
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught options available
Programme overview
The Master of Global Studies is designed for graduates who have completed either a Bachelor of Global Studies, or a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in a relevant major.
During the programme you will engage with contemporary global issues such as human rights, environmental sustainability, global business, Māori, Pacific and Indigenous issues, and cultural industries.
Some of the key concepts you can explore include globalisation and anti-globalisation, inequality, transnationalism, global labour market, gender equity, environmental sustainability, public health, human rights, social change, and Indigenous sovereignty.
You will develop the ability to work practically in different fields, disciplines or sectors that have an impact on global issues. You will be able to bring creative thinking, innovative problem-solving and skills in collaboration and partnership to address real-world stakeholder needs.
You may also want to explore the 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in Global Studies* as an entry qualification, which will be available in 2022.
*The Postgraduate Diploma is currently subject to final regulatory approval.
Programme structure
The programme is a 180-point taught Masters, taking three semesters of full-time study to complete. The course structure usually comprises:
- Three core courses covering key themes, contemporary issues, and research design (90 points)
- Elective courses (30 points)
- Dissertation (60 points)
The programme allows students to tailor their individual study pathway within a flexible and robust curriculum framework, encompassing courses in a wide variety of fields, disciplines and sectors. Explore the Courses tab for more information about programme requirements and courses you can take.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 180 points
You must have completed a Bachelor of Global Studies with a GPA of 5 or higher in 45 points above Stage II
OR
You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in a relevant major with a GPA of 5 or higher in 45 points above Stage II.
Relevant majors include Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Environmental Science, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Psychology and Sociology.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0.
Further programme requirements
Taught 180 points
You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in a relevant major from a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0.
Relevant majors include Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Environmental Science, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, Psychology and Sociology.
How much does a Master of Global Studies cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$52,842*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,598.40 for full-time study (180 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
90 points
- GLOBAL 700 Themes in Global Studies
- GLOBAL 701 Contemporary Issues in Global Studies
- GLOBAL 702 Global Studies Research Design
30 points from
- ANTHRO 727 Ethnographies of Music-Making
- ANTHRO 728 Topic in Ethnomusicology
- ANTHRO 732 Reading Medical Ethnography
- ANTHRO 733 Research in Popular Music Culture
- ANTHRO 738 Anthropology and World Religions
- ARTHIST 703 Cross-Cultural Encounters and Creativity
- COMMS 700 Digital Futures
- COMMS 702 Communication Excess and Avoidance
- COMMS 704 Special Topic: Communication and Culture
- COMPLIT 705 Reading Across Cultures
- COMPLIT 709 Reading Across Cultures
- DANCE 722 Dance Therapy, Theory and Practice I
- DESIGN 705 Design Futures
- DEVELOP 701 Development Praxis
- DEVELOP 702 Gender and Development
- DEVELOP 709 Theories of International Development
- DEVELOP 710 Development Policies and Institutions
- DEVELOP 713 Ethics and Governance in International Development
- DEVELOP 716 Global Health and Development
- DEVELOP 717 Humanitarian Interventions
- ENVMGT 742 Social Dimensions of Global Environmental Change
- ENVMGT 744 Resource Management
- ENVMGT 746 Collaborative Environmental Management
- ENVSCI 738 Water and Society
- GENDER 700 Critical Theories and Methods in Gender Studies
- GEOG 715 Development and New Regional Geographies
- GEOG 725 People, Participation and Development
- GLMI 701 Competing Internationally
- GLMI 702 International Management
- GLMI 703 Global Strategy
- GLMI 704 Challenges of Globalisation
- GLMI 709 Creating Global Ventures
- GLOBAL 704 Special Topic
- GLOBAL 705 Special Topic
- GLOBAL 706 Directed Study
- GLOBAL 707 Directed Study
- HISTORY 716 Topics in the History of War and Peace
- INDIGEN 700 Indigenous Theories
- INDIGEN 711 Indigenous Environmental Politics
- LAWPUBL 749 Special Topic: Indigenous Persons: Law and Policy
- LAWPUBL 752 Special Topic: Contemporary Issues in International Law
- LAWPUBL 753 Special Topic: International and Comparative Health Law
- LAWENVIR 710 International Environmental Law
- LAWCOMM 779 Special Topic: Regulation of International Trade
- MĀORI 732 Rangatiratanga
- MĀORI 743 Torangapu / Issues in Maori Politics and Policy
- MEDIA 715 Visualising Difference
- MUS 749 Topic in World Music
- PACIFIC 700 The Pacific: Interdisciplinary Studies
- PACIFIC 715 The Global Pacific
- POLITICS 706 International Relations in Asia
- POLITICS 724 Identity and the Politics of Multiculturalism
- POLITICS 740 Revolutions, Ideas and Media
- POLITICS 750 International Relations and Human Rights
- POLITICS 776 Media & Politics in an Age of Globalisation
- SOCIOL 700 Advanced Problems in Sociological Theory
- SOCIOL 748 Critical Theory and Social Change
- URBPLAN 705 Sustainable Infrastructure Planning
- URBPLAN 712 Sustainable Urbanism
60 points
- GLOBAL 793 Dissertation
Where could this programme take you?
You will be prepared for leadership positions in foreign affairs and diplomacy, public and private sector international organisations, NGOs and non-profits, human services, international media, think tanks and research institutes. Research-oriented pathways are also available through a PhD in subjects such as Geography, Politics and International Relations, or Public Policy.
Jobs related to this programme
- Business and international trade consultant
- Creative industry innovator
- Diplomat; intelligence officer
- Journalist or foreign correspondent
- Human rights advocate; cross-cultural mediator
- International or immigration officer
- Policy analyst or researcher
- Social change entrepreneur
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Experience the University
Introducing the Master of Global Studies
Hear from academics and students to discover what it's like to study Global Studies at the University of Auckland.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513