MGlobalSt - Master of Global Studies

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

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.

The programme is a 180-point taught Masters, which takes 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.

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.

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

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

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

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Hear from academics and students to discover what it's like to study Global Studies at the University of Auckland.

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.

University of Auckland 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.

Taught (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

You must have completed a Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

You must have completed a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study and 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)

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

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.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

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 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

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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.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	08 December 2025	02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2027 Semester One		01 March 2027

1 - 2

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.