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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 180 points

You must have completed a Bachelor of Global Studies with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 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 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

OR

You must have completed a Bachelors degree and passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (or other relevant Postgraduate Certificate) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

In exceptional circumstances, these requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean Academic, or nominee, if it is determined that you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience. 

Relevant majors include Anthropology, Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Science, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Indigenous Studies, Law, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology or 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 option
    Taught 180 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0.

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,663.20 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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

90 points

  • GLOBAL 700 Themes in Global Studies
  • GLOBAL 701 Contemporary Issues in Global Studies
  • GLOBAL 702 Global Studies Research Design


30 points from


60 points

  • GLOBAL 793 Dissertation
     
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

Further study options

See all study options

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

Watch Programme Director Jamie Gillen and student Imogene Woodmass discuss the Master of Global Studies

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?

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+64 9 373 7513