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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Global Studies is designed for graduates who have completed a Bachelor of Global Studies, a Bachelor of Arts, or a 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.

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 and sectors that have an impact on global issues. You will be able to implement creative thinking, innovative problem-solving and skills in collaboration and partnership when addressing real-world stakeholder needs.

Programme Structure

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.

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

If you have questions about requirements for admission into the programme, please contact Student Hubs. If you would like to discuss the programme itself, please reach out to Global Studies PG Adviser.

Potential Careers

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

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

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Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2027 Semester One08 December 202601 March 202728 June 2027
2028 Semester One28 February 202827 June 2028

Other Important Dates

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

Entry Requirements

My highest qualification is from the University of Auckland

Programme Entry Requirements

University of Auckland Qualification

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.

5.0- Grade Point Average

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

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.

Relevant majors include Anthropology, Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Science, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Indigenous Studies, Law, Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology or Sociology.

Other Pathways to Study

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

My highest qualification is from another tertiary institution

English Language Entry Requirements

If you are an international applicant whose first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

If you are a domestic applicant, you will generally be considered proficient in English.

6.5 - IELTS Academic score required

No bands less than - 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

For more information about the requirements and English proficiency tests, please see Postgraduate English language requirements.

Programme Entry Requirements External

Qualification from another tertiary institution

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.

5.0 - Grade Point Equivalent

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further Programme Entry Requirements External

You must have completed an undergraduate degree in Arts or 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.

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information see External transfer of credit.

If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

Other Pathways to Study External

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a relevant major or subject, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or subject

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts or other relevant Postgraduate Certificate from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: Relevant majors or subjects may include: anthropology, development studies, economics, environmental science, gender studies, geography, history, indigenous studies, law, linguistics, philosophy, political science, psychology or sociology.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points in the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

5 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Global Studies Schedule.

6 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 120 points of courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Global Studies cannot continue.

7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

8 a The dissertation is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

9 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for this degree to the Postgraduate Diploma in Global Studies.

Honours

10 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

11 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

12 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule/Programme Rules

Programme Schedules

Complete 180 points comprising:

  • 90 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 30 points from Elective Courses, and
  • 60 points for all Dissertation, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Compulsory Courses

Complete 90 points for ALL of the following:

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Dissertation

Complete 60 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Graduate Profile

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

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