Master of Global Studies

Master of Global Studies

POSTGRADUATE

Make a global impact in international development, security, humanitarian emergencies and sustainability.​

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$27,840 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$36,480 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This future-focused degree gives you flexibility to design your studies in order to pursue emerging and cross-sector job opportunities, including in international development, security, crises and disaster management and sustainability.

By engaging with organisations and communities, thought leaders and students from diverse backgrounds, Master of Global Studies graduates will emerge with advanced knowledge and skills to lead teams, communities and inform strategic decision-making across a diverse range of industries.

The Master of Global Studies degree is oriented towards emerging and future challenges by teaching core skills across analysis and critical thinking, communication, leadership, ethical engagement and research so as to respond to the needs of communities and organisations in meeting broader global objectives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity undertake key courses as part of your general degree while building unique combinations of specialisations to elevate your expertise and advance your career.

Our specialist streams

Crisis Management and Disaster Response

Acquire an understanding of the ways in which organisations prepare for and respond to major humanitarian crises, such as conflicts, natural disasters and pandemics.

Development

Build professional capabilities essential to designing, implementing and evaluating international development projects to help communities, cities and countries adapt to changing environments.

Security

Develop detailed knowledge of key contemporary security challenges and the tools to be able to assess risk and propose effective responses to a range of threats.

Urban Sustainability

Develop appropriate technological and community-based responses to issues such as infrastructure development, informal settlements, environmental degradation and the rural-urban interface.

Woman in a bright skirt carrying wood and two small children outside

Accelerate your global studies career

Learn from staff with extensive networks who work around the world, where conflict, sustainability, humanitarian crises and security are core elements of people's everyday lives. 

Why choose the Master of Global Studies at RMIT?

Personalised curriculum

Design your own study, choosing from four specialist streams to craft the career you want.

Industry-focused

Collaborate with industry through internships, work projects, guest lectures and industry experts.

Global opportunities

Gain an international perspective with global internships, study tours, exchanges and more.

Several students laying bricks and building a mud house outdoors

Industry projects and study tours

Apply your skills to industry-relevant projects and study tours that are designed to help you gain insight into global challenges and the dynamics of change around the world.

Four people sitting behind a large desk with microphones and speakers

United Nations Security Council Simulation

Master of Global Studies and Master of Translating students recently had the opportunity to role play a simulated UN Security Council meeting, allowing them to experience what it might be like to work in this setting and actively apply their skills collaboratively in real time.

Details

You will develop analytical, communication and management skills that will enable you to work with a wide range of organisations.

You will be able to interpret issues, confidently lead others and provide informed insights into future directions of policy and practice on a variety of levels in public and private spheres. 

You also get to enjoy the flexibility of blended learning. You can undertake this degree through face-to-face classes at our Melbourne City campus or through a mix of online and on-campus learning, depending on the elective subjects you choose. You will have the opportunity to undertake short on-campus intensives, as well as overseas study tours.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

This degree has industry links that come in the form of guest lectures, advice, internships and course material delivery.

Strong connections exist with a range of agencies and organisations, including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Red Cross, Care Australia, Oxfam, World Vision, RedR, and Australian Volunteers International.

As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry through:

  • simulated professional projects
  • research projects addressing real issues faced by an organisation or community
  • feedback from practicing professionals on individual and group work.
  • exposure to related RMIT research centres
  • optional industry placement.

There are many opportunities for working across borders and across cultures in this degree.

You will be able to undertake an internship with an international organisation overseas or in Australia, while being mentored by both the host organisation and RMIT lecturers. You will be able to join study tours run by RMIT and short in-country programs offered by our international partners, as well as online industry projects.

You will also have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of our many exchange partner universities.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Core first-year subjects provide a conceptual foundation in key features of the contemporary global system, focusing on governance, development, security, and sustainability.

As part of your studies, you will complete one or two of the following specialist streams:

Development

Build professional capabilities essential to designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating international development projects, which help communities, cities and countries adapt to complex and changing environments. This specialisation draws on RMIT’s extensive and longstanding linkages with development organisations in Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

Urban Sustainability

An analytical and critical approach to problem-solving will prepare you to develop appropriate technological and community-based responses to issues such as infrastructure development, informal settlements, environmental degradation, and the rural-urban interface. This stream equips you with knowledge and skills required for policy development, planning and program management roles with national and local governments, international development agencies, commercial consultancies, and nongovernment organisations.

Security

You will develop detailed knowledge of key contemporary security challenges and the tools to be able to assess risk and propose effective responses to a range of threats. Compared with traditional international relations degrees that focus on the role of nation states in international affairs, this stream prepares you to engage with threats to the security of individuals, communities, organisations, and states through an interdisciplinary approach that considers the impact of technology, social change, political conflict, transnational crime, and environmental change.

Crisis Management and Disaster Response

You will acquire an understanding of the ways in which organisations prepare for and respond to major humanitarian crises, such as conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics. You will develop skills in risk assessment, preparedness planning, project management, and reconstruction that will prepare you for roles in governments, international organisations, and humanitarian agencies.

Capstone Research Project and Additional Information

In addition, a broad set of optional subjects drawn from across the university allows you the flexibility to develop your knowledge and technical skills in ways that suit your interests and career aspirations. You can choose from internationally-oriented subjects including media and communications, engineering, architecture, public policy, leadership and management, economics, project management, criminology, and languages.

The capstone research project enables you to synthesise and integrate your knowledge, connect theory and practice, and demonstrate your holistic achievement of the course learning outcomes. This individually negotiated project provides you with the research skill base for engagement in further learning in a research degree, or in life-long learning pursuits, allowing you to confidently contribute to an industry that is constantly evolving.

You will have the opportunity to undertake capstone research projects aligned with the work of RMIT’s research centres, including the Centre for Urban Research, the Social Equity Research Centre, the Australian APEC Study Centre, the Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre, the Centre for International Development and the European Union Centre of Excellence.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Global Studies
Program code: MC283

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Global Studies
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
MC283
107042A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
MC283
CRICOS
107042A
Master of Global Studies
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC283
107042A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC283
CRICOS
107042A

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates will be qualified for a wide range of government, business and non-government organisations in roles that require analytical, communication and management skills, including: 

  • Policy Analyst, Advisor or Officer
  • Program or Project Manager
  • Policy and Planning Manager
  • Research and Development Manager or Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst, Advisor or Officer.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have: 

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), 

OR

  • at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in international development, urban or disaster management, or related policy fields.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement that demonstrates your academic foundation for master's study. This may include details on how your professional experiences relates to the program, demonstration of critical thinking in personal and/or professional practice, and communication and problem-solving skills.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have: 

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), 

OR

  • at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in international development, urban or disaster management, or related policy fields.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application:

  • a CV
  • a personal statement that demonstrates your academic foundation for master’s study. This may include details on how your professional experiences relate to the program, demonstration of critical thinking in personal and/or professional practice, and communication and problem-solving skills.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in international studies, international relations, politics/political science, sociology, urban planning, geography, social work, international development, security studies, history, or anthropology, you will be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration

Bachelor Degree (AQF level 7)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semester full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

2024 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$27,840 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$36,480.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$73,920.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.