Global Studies MA

• Completion of a six-semester BA programme in history or cultural studies, a six-semester BA programme in social sciences or economics, or a degree recognised as equivalent by law or by the competent state authority where a minimum of 15% of the courses were directly relevant to the global studies field;
• knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or UNIcert®-Stufe II of the AKS, to be proven by one of the internationally recognised tests; this excludes native speakers and students who obtained their previous degree from an English-speaking higher education institution;
• certificates proving knowledge of a second modern foreign language at A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The faculty will check whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as proof that the candidate meets the relevant admission requirements.

This international course is offered in cooperation with six European and nine non-European partner universities as part of the Erasmus Mundus Global Studies Consortium. In addition to Leipzig University, these are Ghent University (Belgium), London School of Economics and Political Science (Great Britain), Roskilde University (Denmark), the University of Wroclaw (Poland), the University of Vienna (Austria) and Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), Dalhousie University (Canada), Fudan University (China), Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), Macquarie University (Australia), the University of Otago (New Zealand), the University of California, Santa Barbara (US), Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the University of Yaoundé I (Cameroon). In conceptual terms, the programme stands out from comparable degree programmes above all due to its understanding of the historical path dependence of the position and strategies of individual world regions in global networking, as well as its self-reflective and comparative approach to analysing the relationships between the Global North and the Global South. A further strength of the programme is its combination of courses on the increasing networking of markets, production chains, political organisations and constructs, societies and cultures, as well as the growing role of global mobility.

Depending on the combination of study locations, graduates of the programme are awarded a Master of Arts in Global Studies in the form of a double degree. The degree course is an interdisciplinary and international course of study. On the basis of findings, theories and methods from the fields of history, cultural studies, the humanities and social sciences, the programme aims to enable students to engage responsibly and on an academic level with globalisation, and its accompanying processes in the countries of the Global North and South, and to work independently in this field.

Students should also develop their scholarly skills in such a way that, after successfully completing the degree programme, they either qualify for postgraduate studies or make the transition to a professional field, for which the degree programme also provides practically relevant key qualifications.

The master’s programme in Global Studies combines analyses of transnational processes and organisations in business, politics and culture with a broad spectrum of studies on major regions in the world.

The programme is divided into four sections. In the first semester, students take three systematic introductory modules: “Global History”, “International Studies” and “Methods for the Study of Globalization”. In the second and third semesters, students choose two of the four interdisciplinary, regionally focused modules available. In the fourth semester, students take two systematic modules: “World Orders under the Global Condition” and “Cultural Transfers under the Global Condition”. There are also accompanying colloquia (in the second and fourth semesters), a winter school in the first and a summer school in the second semester, which are dedicated to the presentation of new research trends and the preparation of master’s theses. There is also a research internship (in the third semester), which is intended to apply the scholarly working techniques learned so far. During the first or second year of study, students are required to spend two semesters studying abroad at one of the European partner universities. In addition, students can spend one semester at one of the non-European partner universities of the Erasmus Mundus Global Studies Consortium. The programme modules build on each other and must be completed one after the other.

The international mix of the students as well as the academics teaching the programme, combined with the fact that most courses are taught in English, means that graduates will have already prepared for a career in an international environment during their studies. Depending on the combination with professional qualifications from undergraduate study, graduates may begin careers in intergovernmental and supranational authorities, non-governmental organisations, development cooperation, the field of intercultural mediation, but also business and management. A one-year period of study at one of the partner universities abroad is a mandatory part of the study programme. The research internship (third semester) serves to apply students’ newly acquired scientific working techniques. In addition, students have the opportunity to complete internships or, after consultation with a supervisor, fieldwork during the lecture-free period. This is a way to establish professional and personal links to the occupational field.

One of the two years of study is spent at one of the four partner universities (London, Roskilde, Vienna and Wroclaw).

Course start: winter semester
Admission restriction (NCU): yes
Application period: 2 May–31 May
Application portal: AlmaWeb

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply here.

Options in the winter semester: 3rd semester – without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply here.

Only for the Global Studies: A European Perspective programme:
Two semesters of study at foreign partner universities

Only for the Global Studies: Peace and Security in Africa programme:
One semester of study at a foreign partner university

Compulsory curriculum in English

Only for the Global Studies: A European Perspective programme:
Award of a double degree with international partner universities (depending on the partner universities attended)

Only for the Global Studies: Peace and Security in Africa programme:
Award of a double degree with an international partner university