MA Global Affairs and Politics

This unique Masters degree blends history, politics and journalism, to help you gain a better understanding of the biggest global issues of our time, such as climate change, gender equality and racism. It’s for curious and ambitious graduates from any field, who want to help find imaginative new solutions to these problems.

Why study this course?

• New for September 2022, this Masters is for people who want to understand world affairs from all angles, and develop the skills and vision required to find solutions to complex problems
• We’re looking for students with a diverse range of skills and experience who are ready to engage in lively debates and are open to new perspectives. Scientists, artists, accountants, historians, marketers — graduates of any discipline (or non-graduates with valuable experience) are welcome
• You will develop strong skills in research, data analysis and communication, and become an adept critical thinker and problem-solver. These skills are essential if you want to progress on to a research degree and they’re also valuable for a range of roles in politics, campaigning, think-tanks, NGOs, civil or diplomatic services
• We’ll make sure you have an exceptional student experience, with more contact hours than most universities and staff that go the extra mile to support you.

The climate crisis, biodiversity and habitat loss, the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise of populism, threats to free speech and democracy around the world, ageing populations: these are just some of the challenges we face in the 2020s.

At the same time there are many areas of opportunity. New and sustainable technologies promise a future with clean energy and zero-emissions vehicles, while social media enables people to work together to challenge prevailing orthodoxies, prejudices and governments. There is youth activism and widespread movements for racial and societal justice.

If you want to really understand what drives global challenges such as these, and play a role in designing solutions to them, this Masters degree is for you. It’s unique because it covers such a wide range of subjects — particularly history and international relations, politics, journalism and communication studies.

Whether you want to step up the career ladder, change paths or pursue your passion for a subject you love, you can transform your world with postgraduate study at the University of Derby.

Located in the heart of England, Derby has great transport links with the rest of the UK. This central position means that the city has a long-standing reputation for innovation and industry. We have strong connections with a range of regional employers to support your studies through applied learning, guest lectures and other opportunities.

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