Middlesex University

Global Governance and Sustainable Development MA

Overview
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 contexts 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 as recently as 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.

Why study MA Global Governance and Sustainable Development at Middlesex University?
With the rise of sustainable development as a major issue of the international policy agenda it is essential that global intergovernmental, as well as governmental agencies, have access to professionals that hold the necessary analytical skills to address these challenging governance issues in varying contexts. This master's degree aims to provide you with those skills and enhance your knowledge with respect to global governance approaches and instruments focused on environmental sustainability and social justice required to 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 European policy specialist Dr Meri Juntti are experts in their respective fields who use their impressive research portfolios to inform their teaching.

You will have a number of opportunities to gain work experience through three different work placement modules offered as options through the programme. One of these enables you to apply to undertake an Erasmus-funded internship in an international organisation based in another European country.

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.

Course highlights

• You may be eligible for related internship and work-based learning opportunities which gives you the chance to intern at institutions such as the United Nations, Global Union Federations and NGOs.
• Learn from experts in the field of global governance and sustainable development
• Gain practical experience on an Erasmus-funded internship.