Master of Science in Global Studies
Why Pursue a Master of Science in Global Studies?
Global Studies constitutes a timely extension of International Relations at the start of the second decade of the 21st century. Symbolically, this new masters degree commenced during the year of the 5th Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. An interdisciplinary programme, the MSc in Global Studies captures and reflects an approach that combines the interrelated factors of the contemporary international system. The Institute’s programmes are unique and distinct in that they advance issues pertinent to the Caribbean and offer new insights, often times challenging mainstream thinking on many issues. The M.Sc. programme provides an advanced academic context for students to understand and seek a career in International Relations or delve further into academia. It explores the dynamics of an increasingly interdependent world and its complex and multidimensional issues and seeks to explain the world in which we live and operate.
As an interdisciplinary, the Master of Science in Global Studies programme captures and reflects some of the most dynamic, complex and interrelated contemporary factors impacting the International arena. Some of these areas of impact include:
- Changes in the structures of global interactions towards extensive, comprehensive yet uneven globalizations.
- Proliferation of state and non-state actors, formal and informal, legal and illegal, in global affairs.
- Multiplication of global issues to include brands, certifications, regulations, civil societies and social movements, coalitions, codes of conduct, cultural industries, diasporas, illicit narcotics trade, transnational organized crime, environment and sustainable development, climate change, energy, gender, health, multinational corporations, religions, international trade, economics and more.
- Development, definition and recognition of new interdisciplinary fields through university programmes and named professorships; professional associations, conferences and networks; academic journals and book series; and websites.
- Recognition of global studies graduates through job definitions and internship opportunities.
- Importance of the Caribbean's regional university — The UWI — offering such a programme in, for and about the region
Which careers can International Relations lead to?
The teaching and training in International Relations will equip students for employment in various fields, and a Masters of Science in Global Studies will open graduates to employment opportunities in the civil service or a career as an analyst or policy advisor for the numerous organisations that require IR expertise. Graduates seeking jobs with NGOs and other entities will soon realize that the MSc in Global Studies may give them an advantage over the competition for highly sought out positions. MSc Graduates may also use their expertise to build a career in business, journalism, politics or activism. In any profession, an employer will value an International Relations graduate's research and analytical skills.
The Master in Global Studies also qualifies its graduates for life in academia
Among other areas, our International Relations graduates can obtain positions as:
- Consulate Representative
- Foreign Affairs Analyst
- Humanitarian Relief Worker
- International Lawyer
- International Relations Officer
- International Relations Professor
- Interpreter/Translator
- Language Instructor
- Trade Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Researcher
COURSE OF STUDY
The course of study comprises of:
- Seven examinable courses,
- A research paper approved by the Institute’s Director and,
- An enabling course
The MSc in Global Studies programme is offered in a blended modality that consists of a combination of online courses (a course which has been intentionally designed so that all instruction takes place using technology and there are no requirements for face-to-face class meetings) and blended courses (a course which has been designed to intentionally replace some of the face teaching and learning which takes place in a physical space with teaching and learning in the online environment) as defined by Policy on Quality Assurance of Online and Blended Courses and Programmes at the UWI.1
footnote 1: https://uwi.edu/obus/sites/obus/files/Policy... (PDF)
Core:
Elective:
- 2 from this MSC Degree stream related IIR courses (see table below), and
- any other relevant postgraduate course, worth 4 credits from the IIR or another department of the UWI, following IIR approval.
Required:
- English Writing Workshop (6 hours)
- Library seminars on referencing (2 -3-hour seminars)
- A minimum of any 3 of the following: Diplomatic Dialogues, Public Lectures, Forums and other Seminars offered by the IIR (2 hours each).
- Professional Development Workshop
Foreign Language Component
Students are required to have an adequate knowledge of a second language. Where a student fails to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in a foreign language, he/she is required to read for Levels 1A&B of any language offered at the CLL. Possession of a suitable qualification in one of the recognized foreign languages (as demonstrated for example by a degree or major) or satisfactory performance in the oral language proficiency assessment administered at the CLL will be sufficient grounds for exemption from the language component
Admissions Requirements
To be admitted to the M.Sc. programme in Global Studies an applicant must possess either:
- A minimum of a Lower Second Class honours degree or GPA of 2.7 in International Relations or in a related discipline;
- A minimum of a Lower Second Class honours degree or GPA of 2.7 in any discipline with a minor in International Relations (IR) with a grade B+ average or higher in the IR Courses;
- A first degree in any discipline and the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations with a grade B average or higher; or
- Equivalent qualifications from approved professional bodies.
Applications for admission should be made online at http://sta.uwi.edu/admissions/postgrad/ to the School for Graduate Studies and Research at St. Augustine. Late applicants are asked to consult the UWI Graduate Admissions webpage for information. It should be noted that the possession of the aforementioned entry requirements does not automatically entitle candidates to admission. The Admissions Committee may request an interview with applicants. Please review the UWI School for Graduate Studies and Research Entry Requirements listed on the Postgraduate Admissions page of the UWI St. Augustine Campus for general entry requirements for study at this campus.
