3 of the best universities to study a master’s in global affairs

The contemporary world demands leaders who are well-versed in global affairs. 

It’s not enough to only have a singular perspective of world views. We need to have and master a range of them to navigate an increasingly borderless world. This can be nurtured in many ways, starting first, foremost and most effectively, with a quality, global education. 

Leaving home, crossing a national border, and enrolling in a top-ranked Global Affairs programme is the first step in the right direction. A diverse student body, active faculty, and access to study or work experiences with international organisations will further pave the path to a future career in global affairs. And if the university is near or within a bustling metropolitan city, more opportunities await.

With this in mind, check out three universities that prepare you for international success with a career in global affairs.

City, University of London’s School of Policy & Global Affairs

Located in central London, one of the world’s greatest financial and political centres, City, University of London’s School of Policy & Global Affairs (SPGA) is a fitting launchpad for anyone seeking to advance their career in a rapidly changing world.

The school is home to three departments: Economics; International Politics; Sociology and Criminology. Programmes are led and directly informed by the research of faculty experts and academics. 86% of research submitted by City academics was rated as world-leading (4*) and internationally excellent (3*) quality in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. REF is a system for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

SPGA’s curricula is influenced by the school’s location, industry connections, and diversity — all of which enrich perspectives and engage students with the key challenges and debates shaping policy formation today. Upon graduation, they earn distinctive and marketable degrees from a university with a track record for student employability. City, University of London is ranked #3 in the UK for social mobility by the Higher Education Policy Institute 2023 and #5 in London for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2024.

The wide range of master’s courses offered by the departments of Economics and International Politics allow students to focus their studies on areas of specific interests whether that is business, health, development economics or diplomacy, foreign policy and human rights. The Criminology and Criminal Justice MSc course provides students with an opportunity to pursue an established field of learning or specialise in a subject area that relates to their background or career ambitions.

Whatever your motivations for considering a postgraduate degree, following your course you can go forward with greater confidence. Discover more opportunities at the School of Policy & Global Affairs.

The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs

The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs builds leaders for the world. Situated in the heart of Washington, D.C., students and faculty have unparalleled opportunities to engage with international leaders who visit the campus regularly. 

The school offers 10 master’s programmes and has 15 international exchange programme partners. Here, master’s students prepare for meaningful careers in international affairs through rigorous coursework and professional training. Exposure to expertise in world regions and important contemporary issues such as war, rising levels of resource consumption, the expansion of the global economy, and more are the centrepieces of their education. Graduates become leading experts in business, security, diplomacy, public service, development, conflict resolution, public health, and other fields. 

The master’s programmes are interdisciplinary and flexible. Specialisations, dual-degree and joint-degree options are available, as well as accelerated programmes designed specifically for mid-career professionals. A Global Capstone project is a signature project for graduate students from seven master’s programmes, where over 300 students in 17 different thematic sections collaborate with client organisations to identify policy solutions to current global challenges.

IE University has over 6,000 students from 130 different countries, setting the stage for a truly global education in Segovia, Spain. 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. Their comprehensive and specialised master’s and dual degrees allow students to find a programme that best fits their professional and personal goals. By focusing on education on national and global levels, students are prepared for an interconnected world that demands interdisciplinary leaders with a transformative mindset. 

The practical programmes combine lectures, case studies, workshops, and capstone projects. Strategic partnerships with international organisations like the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (IE is the first Spanish school to join the group), the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration, the European Consortium for Political Research, and the European University of Social Sciences provide students with the opportunity to pursue international experiences worldwide. 

By bringing the world to their campus, IE sends its students out ready to change the world. Graduates take up roles in public service, international corporations, and nonprofits, 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