MA Globalisation, Business and Sustainable Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Why is it so difficult to solve global problems such as climate change? Is globalisation leading to increasing inequality and poverty, or does the expansion of international trade provide new opportunities for developing countries? Does globalisation call for a radical overhaul of existing international, national and local institutions?
If these are the sort of questions that fascinate you, our MA Globalisation, Business and Sustainable Development programme is for you. On this dynamic Master’s course we’ll provide you with the tools to critically analyse the process of globalisation and its impact on international development.
The process of globalisation is central to understanding our contemporary world, and the nature of globalisation and its implications for international development are hotly debated. On this course, you’ll explore key development concepts through the lens of sustainability, considering environmental, financial, and social outcomes. You’ll consider the resistance to globalisation and how this has played out in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Here at UEA, our renowned MA adopts a unique interdisciplinary approach. Your studies will integrate different disciplinary perspectives to analyse the economic, political, social, and environmental dimensions of globalisation. Our academics are world-class lecturers in their field. Contemporary debates, along with their implications for global development, are actively discussed to help you develop your own unique perspective.
Upon graduation, you’ll have gained comprehensive knowledge in the field of globalisation, business, and sustainable development. You’ll be well equipped to pursue a vibrant career in this rewarding area.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll explore the way in which global production is organised and the roles played by the state, business and civil society and the relations between them. You’ll focus on key business factors and look in depth at issues of resource extraction in developing countries. Various aspects of corporate social responsibility including relations with local communities and workers, as well as the impacts on the environment and human rights, are discussed.
You’ll study globalisation which refers to the increasingly interconnected nature of social life on our planet. It’s been described as 'the most important change in human history'. You’ll critically examine a number of key debates about globalisation: about what is driving the process, and what impact it’s having – for example, on economic development, poverty and inequality, conflict, and the environment.
Your taught studies will help you to prepare for your dissertation or work placement. You’ll have the flexibility to choose your own dissertation topic (subject to approval), which will give you the opportunity to focus on an area of globalisation, business and sustainable development that interests you. Alternatively, you can choose a suitable work placement (subject to approval) and write an analytical report.
A range of optional seminars and workshops are also offered during your Master’s programme. Sessions to support learning – in particular essay and dissertation writing – occur throughout the year. Development practice training is also provided.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Teaching methods include mainly lectures and seminars. Your lectures go beyond the customary ‘chalk-and-talk’ approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representation of empirical evidence in international development (e.g. through statistical programs). Other examples include the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts.
Through seminar group work and presentations, you’ll also be able to develop transferable skills such as articulating an argument both orally and in writing and presenting academic information in a clear and cogent manner.
Independent study
You’ll read suggested academic articles and books, submitting assignments as specified for each module. Your independent study will give you the chance to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments and concentrate on the areas that interest you most.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays, exams and an optional dissertation. Further assessment methods will differ depending on the optional modules you choose.
You’ll also receive oral feedback on your arguments and ideas during seminars, which helps you develop skills in articulating an argument orally.
You’ll also be encouraged to prepare essay plans or outlines in advance of essay deadlines, and to discuss these with the relevant lecturer during their office hours or via email. In addition, you’ll typically receive oral and/or written feedback on an initial coursework assignment well in advance of your deadline for the main coursework.
Finally, the dissertation or analytical work experience report enables you to develop specific research skills such as conducting research using primary and secondary data, researching specific topics and questions, thinking critically, and linking theoretical concepts to practical issues.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Social Science
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (with minimum 6.0 in Writing & Speaking and 5.5 in Listening & Reading)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £10,850
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International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
Previous graduates from the School of Global Development have gone on to work for the British High Commission in Ghana, British Civil Service, CARE International, European Union, Overseas Development Institute, Oxfam, Save the Children International, UNITAR in Japan, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF and WaterAid.
Upon completing your MA, you can pursue a variety of potential careers both in and beyond global development.
Depending on your degree outcome, you'll also be well qualified to enter a PhD programme with a view to continuing to an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- International governmental and non-governmental organisations
- Local governments
- Charities
- Private sector
Discover more on our Careers webpages.