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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate taught

Global Futures

MSc

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
1 Years
Campus
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

From international conflict, the climate crisis and Artificial Intelligence, to gender, ethnic, health and income inequity, we live in an age of complex and multifaceted challenges which require solutions at global, national and local levels. Our MSc Global Futures programme takes a multidisciplinary and explicitly foresight-based approach to equip graduates to tackle global social challenges in careers across private, public, voluntary and academic organisations in the UK or internationally.

You’ll develop advanced expertise in your chosen specialisms, understand the role of different organisations and sectors in contributing to solving social issues, and develop in-demand practical and professional skills required to effect positive change – including policy evaluation, education for sustainability approaches, project management and data literacy.

The programme caters both for new graduates seeking to develop expertise to effect positive change on global challenges, and professionals pursuing specialisms or a new direction in their careers. You’ll be part of our close-knit postgraduate community, learning from academic experts with research experience across the UK, Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, North America, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and networking with accomplished professional guest lecturers from a range of sectors.

Study style

The course is block taught two days a week from our attractive Francis Close Hall campus in Cheltenham (currently Tuesdays and Wednesdays). You’ll benefit from opportunities to put theory into practice through working on live social impact projects and all your assessment will be coursework – allowing you to demonstrate your strengths to future employers. You can also participate in an overseas fieldtrip, providing valuable international experience and exposure and the chance to study global challenges in an unfamiliar locality. Recent trip destinations from our school include South Africa, to focus on inequality and the legacy of apartheid, Geneva, to explore the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the Netherlands, to study the workings of the International Criminal Court.

You can choose to undertake a traditional academic dissertation, providing excellent preparation for research roles and PhD programmes, or undertake an extended project commissioned by an external partner organisation, gaining a competitive edge of professional experience and networking with potential employers. You’ll also benefit from bespoke career coaching and a dedicated personal tutor throughout your programme ensuring you graduate ready for the next step in your journey.

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Entry requirements

    • At least a 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in any discipline.

    • EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

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Students usually support themselves through a postgraduate loan, private savings, family support or sponsorship from an employer. For advice and guidance on your funding options, contact the Money Advice team at [email protected] or call 01242 714535.

UoG graduates receive 15% off postgraduate tuition fees. Terms apply.

Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Total fee
Fee (international)
Total fee
Sep 2025 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham TBC TBC
Sep 2026 Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham TBC TBC

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UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers

Discover our promises

Careers

The Global Futures MSc at the UoG offers graduates a robust foundation for impactful careers in a range of sectors, drawing on our strong connections with initiatives like the UN SDG:Learn. Students find fulfilling opportunities in policy and research roles across governmental and non-governmental organisations, including work in charities and think tanks. Additionally, the analytical skills honed during the course are highly valued in civil service and private sector positions. For those inspired by academic pursuits, this MSc also provides an excellent stepping stone into further postgraduate research, with potential pathways leading to research and teaching roles in higher education.

Push your possible with a master’s degree

Increase your pay potential, specialise in a subject you love, or pursue your passion and switch careers.

UoG alumni can benefit from a postgraduate scholarship discount of 15% off tuition fees.

Discover the benefits of studying a master’s degree.

Female student in lab coat looking at lab sample.

Develop through authentic assessments

Assessment is exclusively coursework and focuses on output styles used by organisations tackling global social challenges – such as manifestos and technical reports. Your assignments will improve understanding of global challenges and their potential solutions, and, in many cases, have immediate relevance and links to live projects and campaigns.

Underpinned by applied research expertise

Benefit from the applied research expertise of our multidisciplinary teaching team in areas including colonialism, gender equity, global health, labour exploitation, migration, post-conflict reconstruction, poverty, restorative justice, sanitation, secularism, security, sustainability and urbanisation.

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