Master's Program in International Administration and Global Governance
Summary
The program applies insights from different disciplinary perspectives to global policy challenges. You will develop the advanced knowledge and analytical skills needed to formulate, analyze, and evaluate policy in international organizations and public administration with an international orientation. Studying in an international environment alongside students from around the world, you will prepare for advanced professional roles in international affairs. The degree also qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies.
About
The program prepares you for professional roles requiring advanced analysis of international affairs. You study how international organizations function and are governed, how global issues are managed through the interplay between states, international organizations, and civil society, and how international policies and processes affect decision-making and actors at both local and global levels. Our graduates work, for example, as diplomats, researchers, political advisors, consultants, project managers, policy officers, analysts, and case officers.
The program spans issues ranging from international agreements and norms to development aid and foreign policy. Issues such as trade, development, environmental protection, human rights, security, democratization, and gender equality are increasingly addressed at regional, transnational, and international levels. The program examines the intended and unintended effects of action and inaction by international organizations, states, NGOs, and citizen activists.
The program addresses questions such as:
- Why do some societal issues make it onto the international policy agenda, while other, equally compelling issues do not?
- How can we understand why the same policy approach in development cooperation may have highly divergent impacts in different national settings?
Programme structure and content
In the first semester, you are introduced to key issues in international administration and global governance and also take a course in research design and policy evaluation. The semester concludes with an elective methods course, where you can choose between advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.
In the second semester, you deepen your knowledge of global governance and international politics. The first course examines how international cooperation functions and changes. You study which actors hold power and influence in international politics, and how states, international organizations, and other actors interact around global issues. The semester's second course covers armed conflict, international conflict management, and development aid. Among other things, you study how conflict and aid affect poverty, societal development, and political change, and you gain tools for analyzing complex international issues.
The third semester offers considerable flexibility. You can take advanced seminar courses closely linked to research conducted at the Department of Political Science, including courses in international and comparative politics. You can also pursue further specialization in research methods. Seminar courses often focus on specific themes, which may vary from year to year. Examples of themes that may be offered include democratization or environmental issues from an international perspective. You can also complete an internship for a full or half semester, or study abroad as an exchange student.
The fourth semester is dedicated entirely to the master’s thesis. You use the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the program to plan and carry out an independent study.
Courses in the program
Here you can see which courses are included in the program: Program overview Master's Program in International Administration and Global Governance
Study abroad for a year and earn two degrees
This program offers the opportunity to earn two degrees by combining one year of study at the University of Gothenburg with either one year at the University of Konstanz in Germany or one year at Fudan University in Shanghai, China:
Who should apply?
- Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of the international system and processes of change?
- Are you intrigued by how policies are made, the ideas and interests behind them, and who is affected by them?
- Do you want to develop the skills to find, evaluate, integrate, and generate knowledge on complex issues relevant to international policy.
Whether you are aiming for a career in international organizations, diplomacy, public administration, or research, the program's mix of required and elective courses lets you shape your own path.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Eligible for the programme is the one who has:
- A Bachelor's degree of 180 credits or equivalent.
- At least 60 credits in social science discipline(s), or equivalent.
- English proficiency, equivalent of English 6 or English level 2, or equivalent.
Any other entry requirements are documented in the respective course syllabus.
Students admitted to the double degree program via the University of Konstanz fulfil the requirement for proficiency in English at the University of Gothenburg after completing the first year in Konstanz.
Special instructions for application
For more information about the entry requirements and selection criteria, follow the link below. Please note that your application must include a Statement of Intent. For requirements for this document, see the link below.
More information about Special instructions for application
Selection
The selection is based on an overall assessment of the following:
Average grades from the bachelor’s degree.
Completed courses in relevant subject areas (at least 60 credits in Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Global Studies, or Development Studies is a merit)
Statement of intent (the relevance of academic and professional qualifications to the program). Please use the template provided.
Statement of intent shall be uploaded on www.universityadmissions.se, no later than February 2 (if you apply in the first admission round) and May 2 (if you apply in the second admission round).
After graduation
The program leads to a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in International Administration and Global Governance. The degree provides a strong foundation for highly qualified professional roles focusing on international and global issues. It also qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies, for example in political science.
Facilities
You will study at Campus Haga, right in the center of Gothenburg.
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
During your studies, you have the opportunity to spend one semester abroad (or an entire year if you are admitted to a double degree track). We have several exchange agreements with universities in various parts of the world. Start planning your exchange studies early so that you are aware of application deadlines and when you can go.
More information about exchange opportunities
Internship
An internship prepares you for your future career. You gain perspectives, skills, and contacts that will be valuable when it's time to look for a job. On the Student Portal, you can find detailed information about internships and the rules that apply to internship placements at the Department of Political Science.
You are responsible for finding and applying for an internship yourself, but it must be approved by the Department of Political Science. One requirement is that the internship involves substantive tasks requiring independent analytical work, so you can put into practice the knowledge and skills you have gained during your studies. Common internship placements include embassies, government agencies, consultancy firms, and international organizations such as the EU and the UN.
