MAScGlobal Sustainable Development

Course overview

In Global Sustainable Development (GSD) we take a critical approach to the dominant discourse of sustainable development. We are committed to understanding as well as challenging existing practice, and want you to join us, as we seek innovative, transformative responses to complex global challenges. Based in the School for Cross-faculty StudiesLink opens in a new window, our academic home is a natural place for future transdisciplinary leaders to flourish.

On this course you will work with Warwick’s GSD DepartmentLink opens in a new window, the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD)Link opens in a new window, and partner departments across the University. Our staff are at the forefront of their fields and share your passion for global sustainable development.

Core modules will support your development as an intellectual leader dedicated to bringing about positive change. They will help to deepen your understanding of the core global challenges we face, and develop your critical and reflective approach, as well as your technical and methodological skills. Your learning will be rooted in critical intellectual enquiry and philosophical understanding, which will support your personal development as a leader of thought and action. In addition, by having a broad range of optional modules and flexible capstone project options, you can tailor the course to your own areas of interest.

In Term Three and the summer, you will have an exciting opportunity to ‘learn by doing’ as you undertake a transdisciplinary capstone project. We will offer you a choice of research, practice, and work-based experiences. Your chosen project will enable you to develop a skillset and expertise most suited to your future career goals.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped to play an authentic, ethically-grounded and reflective role in global citizenship. You will also have a defined understanding of what is necessary to act as a leader of positive change. The route you choose upon graduation will be defined by your own interests and aspirations. Your learning from the course will equip you with what you need for a career in applied research, in policy, business, or in third sector activity.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is ideal for you if:

• You have prior experience of studying GSD
• You are new to this field of study with a first degree and a strong interest in GSD
• You have work and life experience relating to GSD

Skills from this degree

You will learn to:

• Think systemically, recognising connections and interactions between factors, and understand that actions often have many consequences
• Identify and analyse the risk that system complexity can lead to unexpected and novel outcomes, and contribute to the proactive management of this
• Describe complex issues in clear terms and communicate about them effectively and succinctly, both verbally and in writing
• Work naturally and consciously, as part of a community of practice, by learning from others in a culture of respect, mutual understanding and empathy, and managing disagreement and conflict through socially non-violent means, even in the context of formal power hierarchies
• Support and foster intellectual leadership by challenging assumptions, critically analysing information and negotiating alternatives to current practices
• Create new and personal knowledge in GSD both through research and self-managed learning

Warwick welcomes applications with good degrees from respected universities in Jordan.

From Jordan, for Postgraduate Taught courses, we would typically require a 4-year bachelors degree from a recognised institution for entry, with the following equivalencies:

If you need any advice or guidance on the qualifications above, our Middle East and North Africa Team are here to help. Contact them at mena@warwick.ac.uk.

See our Jordan Country Information page for guidance, contacts and upcoming events in your country.

Your career

Studying an MASc in Global Sustainable Development will open careers in the public, private and third sectors in a range of areas and functions including the following:

• Governance – shaping policy and processes at local, national and international level
• Research – academic via Master's by Research or PhD research or for an organisation in the public, private or third sector including think-tanks
• Teaching at all levels: primary, secondary, Higher Education and tertiary
• Project management in any industry – this could be a community or commercial project
• Communications and media relations
• Consultancy – for example in corporate social responsibility
• Advocacy – for example on international relations, humanitarian work for organisations such as the United Nations
• Data and intelligence analyst – for example security, geo- political risk

Professional development support

We have a dedicated Employability and Placement Manager in our department who can offer you careers guidance and provide information about suitable capstone workplace project placements. Additionally, they will be able to provide you with ongoing support throughout the placement process, including advice on applications, interviews, as well as links to employers.

Employability skills

Our course has been designed to ensure you develop the skills, attributes and knowledge that are sought by employers.

These include:

• Critical thinking
• Research
• Project management
• Data analysis
• Commercial acumen
• Creative problem solving
• Communication (verbal and written)
• Independent and collaborative working