Master's Programme in International Administration and Global Governance
Summary
The Master’s Programme International Administration and Global Governance (IAGG) applies insights from different disciplinary perspectives to issues of international relevance. You will develop the skills and knowledge needed to formulate, analyse, and evaluate policy related to long-term political, economic, and social development in an international environment with students from all over the world. You will be prepared for a qualified professional career in the field of international affairs or further research at the doctoral level.
About
International Administration and Global Governance covers everything from international agreements and norms to development aid and foreign policy. Issues such as trade, development, environmental protection, human rights, security, democratisation, and gender equality are increasingly addressed at regional, transnational, and international levels. The programme examines the intended and unintended effects of action and inaction by international organisations, states, NGOs, and citizen activists.
A wide-ranging and interdisciplinary learning experience
Throughout the programme, you will examine the interrelations among actors in the international arena through different disciplinary lenses. Building on this foundation, the programme explores specific policy issues in the broad areas of security as well as environmental, economic, social, and political development.
• 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?
In analysing such questions, you will develop the skills and abilities needed to understand and contribute to addressing the complex challenges facing the world today.
Two double degree options
You can also study the Master’s Programme in International Administration and Global Governance as a double degree. There are two double degree options available for application. See the links below for more information and instructions on how to apply:
Programme structure and content
During the first semester of the programme, two courses provide in-depth knowledge and skills for understanding and analysing key areas of global governance and politics. The first course examines developments in global and international politics, focusing on the relationships between international organisations and the interactions between state and non-state actors.
The second course offers an in-depth analysis of complex issues such as armed conflict, international conflict resolution, and development aid, and examines how these processes influence poverty reduction and political development. You will gain relevant knowledge and skills needed to work in international and national organisations engaged in these and other areas of global governance.
The second and third semesters allow you to pursue your own interests through elective courses, an optional internship for a full or half semester, or studies abroad. You can choose in-depth electives on topics such as quality of government, corruption, democratisation and democratic backsliding, or environmental politics.
A research methods course in the latter half of the third semester gives you advanced knowledge of social science methods and prepares you for the degree project. Students can choose among three methods courses: one qualitative and two quantitative. One quantitative course requires prior experience, while the other two are open to all. This allows you to tailor your studies and deepen your methodological skills according to your needs and goals.
The fourth semester is devoted entirely to the degree project, where you apply the skills and area expertise you have acquired during the programme and carry out an independent study.
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 information and knowledge on complex issues relevant to the international policy community?
- Do you want to study in an international environment together with students from all over the world?
Then apply for the Master’s Programme in International Administration and Global Governance.
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.
Special instructions for application
For more information about the entrance requirements and selection criteria, follow the link below. Please note that your application should include Statement of Intent. For requirements on the Statement of intent, see the link.
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 programme leads to a Master of Science with a major in International Administration and Global Governance. It provides a strong competitive advantage for those aiming for a qualified professional career focusing on international and global issues. The degree also makes you eligible to apply for doctoral studies, for example in political science.
Facilities
The Department is located in Campus Haga, which lies right in the centre of the city 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 accepted into a double degree programme). We have several exchange agreements with universities in various parts of the world. Start planning your exchange studies early so that you know when to go and when to apply.
More information about exchange opportunities
Internship
An internship prepares you for your future professional life. You gain perspectives, skills, and opportunities to make contacts that will be valuable when it’s time to look for a job. On the Student Portal, you can find all the information about internships and the applicable regulations for studies 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 of the requirements is that the internship offers qualified tasks that involve independent analytical work, allowing you to develop the knowledge and skills you have gained during your studies. Common internship placements include embassies, government agencies, consultancy firms, and international organisations such as the EU and the UN.
