MA Global Governance And Sustainable Development

A topic of global importance since the late 1980’s, ‘sustainable development’ refers to “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Report, 1987). It encompasses responsible utilisation of environmental resources and the establishment of social and economic relations which enable that. Sustainable development is at the heart of global policies such as Agenda 21, which emerged from the UN Earth Summit in 1992 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals enshrined in a UN resolution since 2015.

Quality of governance is increasingly recognised as central to sustainable development, which requires achieving just and legitimate outcomes in major global socio-economic and environmental issues such as poverty, climate change, food security and biodiversity loss.

As sustainable development now constitutes a significant global policy goal,intergovernmental, and governmental agencies, as well as private sector companies urgently need professionals that possess the kind of knowledge and skills required to ensure that it is enacted in practice. This master’s degree aims to provide you with the analytical skills and enhance your knowledge with respect to global governance issues, approaches and instruments so that you can become such a professional.

You will explore various approaches to how intergovernmental and national strategies, policies and projects pertaining to these global governance issues are formulated, implemented and evaluated. The critical case study approach used in teaching will enable you to develop the skills required for working in the private sector or with global and national public or third sector agencies leading and managing change in a global environment.

Our staff, including renowned development and gender expert Professor Sarah Bradshaw and environmental policy specialist Dr Meri Juntti are experts in their respective fields who use their impressive research portfolios to inform their teaching.

You will have an opportunity to apply to gain work experience through two different work placement modules offered as options through the programme. One short term-time placement option undertaken in any London based work place and another longer option that may replace the research dissertation and can be taken over the summer period, in any organisation in the UK or abroad. Both placements are secured by the student, with support from our Careers Services and staff.

Our international mix of students exposes you to a range of different cultural and national viewpoints, offering valuable insights and a genuine basis for informed discussion.