In 2024 the School of Global Affairs at Lancaster University launched four new master’s programmes offering students a powerful combination of academic rigour, practical experience and close links with industry partners.
Head of School Dr Derek Hird says: “This is a new approach to postgraduate study.
“We’ve taken four of the primary challenges that face today’s world – climate crisis, AI, global healthcare, and the broader sphere of global affairs – and developed a suite of interconnected courses.
“Their unique structure combines in-depth subject modules with studio-style workshops. Students taking different subjects will work collaboratively on live projects, gain plenty of practical experience and engage with external partners.
“We have a firm focus on careers and on preparing our students to be confident and successful in their professional life. We recognise that our students bring a wealth of experience to the classroom and a truly diverse range of knowledge and experience. They come from all walks of life, and from different countries and fields of work, and will be encouraged to share their experiences and work closely with other students during the course.”
Dr Hird developed the new MA Global Affairs along with colleague Dr Andrew Chubb.
Dr Chubb adds: “In developing these new programmes we explored the style of leadership that is most effective in the modern world in terms of bringing about positive change.
“The collaborative, critical, creative approach that students experience at Lancaster will equip them to have real impact as change-makers in their professional roles.
“Students will work with experts across diverse areas including Russia, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and America. They’ll develop conceptual understanding and practical skills and build up their professional networks.”
The School of Global Affairs draws on the expertise of a multidisciplinary faculty that is ranked number 43 (joint) in the world for Arts and Humanities by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.
The School boasts leading experts across areas such as AI and security, sustainability and the environment, global health, global languages and cultures, politics and international relations.
The School’s academics are active both as researchers and teachers. This means that students benefit from expert academic insights and the very latest research news, and they interact with renowned scholars throughout their course.
Dr Benjamin Dalton teaches the MA in Global Medical and Health Humanities and is keen to stress the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to global problems.
He says: “The arts, humanities and social sciences are vital in developing innovative solutions to the big challenges of our times, including healthcare. To fully understand health challenges across the world and imagine the healthcare futures of tomorrow, we require not only biomedical knowledge but also understanding of the human, cultural, historical, socio-political, and linguistic factors driving diverse experiences of and approaches to health, healthcare, and medicine around the globe.”
AI expert Dr Joseph Lindley points out that universities need to provide training that is fully up-to-date and equips students for today’s world and the world of tomorrow.
He says: “The rapidity of AI’s adoption means there is currently a gap in training to equip future leaders with both practical and technical foundations but also a keen understanding of the humanitarian and planetary implications.
“This is the gap that the MA Artificial Intelligence, Society, and Global Challenges bridges through collaborative studio-based learning and real-world projects.
“Our graduates will be able to manage the challenges posed by AI while ensuring its development serves humanity’s global interests.”
Many academics in the School of Global Affairs carry out important work in the field of sustainability and the environment.
As Professor Deborah Sutton explains: “Lancaster University is located in the North-West of England, an area of stunning yet very diverse landscapes. It’s an area that faces a range of economic, social and environmental challenges.
“Our research involves working with local partners and residents to find solutions to key issues, then exploring how this can translate nationally and internationally.
“If you feel frustrated by the lack of progress on the global environmental crisis, the MA Global Sustainability and Environmental Futures will enable you to bring fresh thinking to tackling the climate emergency. The programme will be valuable for a range of people – both those who already work in fields related to landscape and climate, and those who seek a career in environmental and sustainable futures.”
As a base for your master’s in the UK, there aren’t many campuses as inspiring as Lancaster University.
Students love being so close to nature on the safe, self-contained campus, while at the same time being able to access spacious modern facilities and live in award-winning accommodation.
Regardless of your chosen path, with these unique new master’s programmes you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high-demand career in the public or private sector, in the UK or overseas.