Decades ago, debates about global affairs varied between affirmative action, Thatcherism and Reaganomics, or embarrassing White House scandals. Today, they are geared towards international terrorism, mass migration, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the climate crisis — issues that shaped the 2024 US Presidential campaigns and resonate worldwide.
But if the elections have taught us anything over time, it’s that governing bodies must balance local priorities with international perspectives. Political change within countries like the US and across Europe now has a ripple effect globally, amplifying the need for policies that address shared concerns.
If you aspire to lead at the state, national, or international level, take note of the top universities evolving their approach to global affairs. Their innovative programmes in public administration and public policy are designed to cultivate forward-thinking leaders equipped to navigate and resolve the complex, interconnected challenges of our time.
The School of Global Affairs is making a real impact, as it champions equitable, ethical, and sustainable futures. Source: Lancaster University School of Global Affairs
Lancaster University, School of Global Affairs
The School of Global Affairs at Lancaster University stands out for its place-based approach to research and education. It draws on its unique location in the North-West of England to produce unique and insightful knowledge that can be applied to challenges at local, national and global level.
The School trains future global leaders to tackle the biggest challenges of our time. With a keen eye on top jobs, its students are looking to switch up their career options and are passionate about making a real difference through their work.
The attractive green campus is nestled close to historic Lancaster and the rugged scenery of England’s Lake District. The area offers charisma, warmth and authenticity – that is the North-West of England.
Students work with those who have lived experiences in the area, including marginalised communities. They learn about the unique social, economic, cultural, and environmental challenges of England’s North-West and beyond, and explore how solutions translate nationally and internationally.
The School’s four Master’s programmes address present and future global challenges through the lenses of humanities, social sciences and the arts. All routes include studio-style modules that explore collaboration through live projects with strategic external partners. You’ll gain experience working with stakeholders and the opportunity to develop contacts in your chosen field.
Working with experts on diverse areas including Russia, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and America, the MA Global Affairs develops your critical thinking, collaboration, and creative skills. With its focus on finding workable solutions to the global challenges of the 21st century, the course prepares you to be a transformative leader in your chosen career.
If you’re frustrated by the lack of progress on the global environmental crisis, consider a course focused on finding viable solutions. Through the MA Global Sustainability and Environmental Futures you’ll be equipped to bring fresh thinking to tackling climate catastrophe in roles within an environmental think tank or protection agency.
To explore AI’s rapid escalation and its effects on society, go for the MA Artificial Intelligence, Society, and Global Challenges. This course stands out for its multi-disciplinary approach to the ethics, benefits and challenges of AI, in a field where jobs are plentiful and new roles are constantly emerging.
For the latest innovations and research insights into global healthcare challenges sign up for Global Medical and Health Humanities. You’ll explore inequality in healthcare and discover the latest practical approaches to well-being, illness, and medical provision.
Regardless of your chosen path, with these Master’s you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high-demand career in the public or private sector, in the UK or overseas.
Apply to Lancaster’s School of Global Affairs today.
At the Keough School, every student goes beyond the classroom to gain practical, hands-on experience. Source: Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame
Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame
The Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame is home to a comprehensive, hands-on Master of Global Affairs (MGA). This two-year programme unlocks rigorous professional training, close engagement with policymakers, multi-disciplinary faculty, and a network of students from around the world, as well as extended fieldwork with global partners working to address the world’s pressing challenges. You’ll be part of a global community with scholars, practitioners and change agents whose work responds to the world’s most pressing challenges with hope.
You can explore courses in Geographic Information Systems in Social Science, International Law, and Public Policy and Behaviour Science – they can provide you with the technical skills and critical insights into the complexities of governance and human rights. You’ll have the opportunity to take up the i-Lab practicum, working with notable guest speakers and a diverse cohort of students from around the world to create impactful and effective policies and programmes, forging links between practitioners, policymakers and those they serve.
Indeed, breadth sets this programme apart, unlike qualifications focused on international affairs or public policy — while international relations typically examine interactions between nation-states and international organisations, global affairs at Notre Dame include interactions with multilateral organisations, NGOs, corporations, religious-based organisations, and social movements. This interdisciplinary approach addresses multidimensional problems like poverty, hunger, and war, recognising that solutions require expertise from all sectors of society, including those most affected by these issues.
What does this mean for students? You’ll be in the field, assisting refugees and victims of conflict across the world, like in the Middle East with American Near East Refugee Aid in Lebanon, or helping to promote educational and financial inclusion of those held back by gender norms in Cambodia. The best part? These excursions are fully funded.
This full-time MGA offers three concentrations: International Peace Studies, Sustainable Development, and Governance and Policy. All three pathways are as interdisciplinary as can be, allowing students to specialise by taking elective courses offered by the Keough School and other colleges at the University of Notre Dame. Regardless, you’ll work alongside a talented cohort led by faculty with decades of professional experience.
A school that prepares students to be ethical leaders that make a difference in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Source: IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs
IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs
IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs is where innovative and entrepreneurial leaders are shaped. Situated in the heart of Madrid, Spain, the internationally accredited school is committed to training the next generation of global leaders in governments, international organisations, corporations, and civil society.
What makes an education here unique? The school believes in the power of transformative, hands-on projects and initiatives that make an impact. It offers comprehensive and specialised master’s and dual degrees tailored to fit multiple professional and personal goals. All offer a well-rounded learning experience by combining theory and practice. You will receive a hands-on learning experience while developing a strong sense of purpose to make the world a better place.
Here, practical programmes combine lectures, case studies, workshops, and capstone projects. You’ll be part of a supportive and international community that lasts a lifetime. Strategic partnerships with international organisations like the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration, the European Consortium for Political Research, and the European University of Social Sciences allow students to pursue international experiences worldwide.
In addition to academics, you’ll learn from leading academics and practitioners, enjoying a cutting-edge pedagogic environment. The school invites the world’s preeminent policymakers and business executives, who readily provide professional advice and knowledge for students to launch or further advance their professional careers.
By bringing the world to its campus, IE equips its students to make a global impact. With a focus on both national and international perspectives, it prepares students for today’s interconnected world, fostering interdisciplinary leaders with the vision and skills to drive meaningful change. This explains why graduates go on to take up roles in public service, international corporations, and non-profits, proving that a degree from the university equips you for every possible path.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
