Cookie policy

By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to allow us to collect information on and off Studee as outlined in our cookie policy.

Home

      Change currency

      Current currency

      United States Dollar

      Most popular

      Exchange rates updated in last 24 hours.

      Study governance abroad

      An in-depth guide to studying governance as an international student.

      Find governance programs

      Explore governance programs abroad

      See other programs in governance

      Governance degrees abroad

      Governance programs focus on the operations and interactions of governments and international organizations around the world. It’s a multidisciplinary subject that mixes politics, international relations, and diplomacy with economics, public policy, and sociology.

      You’ll study theories and concepts of governance and will be challenged to apply them to real-world scenarios. You’ll also critically examine the challenges faced by public sectors today, and evaluate how issues like global trade, migration, climate change, and terrorism are being managed.

      The value of studying governance abroad can’t be underestimated. Seeing the different interests, trends, and difficulties of governments across the globe will provide you with an international perspective that’s vital for success in today’s interrelated world.

      Governance program structure

      It’s possible to study governance at the bachelor’s level, but it’s normally only offered as part of a combined program. Typical combinations include governance with economics, public policy, legal order, and diplomacy. Bachelor’s courses last a minimum of three years, or four years if you complete a sandwich year.

      You can major in governance as part of your four-year US undergraduate degree, but this is only offered at a handful of universities. You’ll take liberal arts courses for the first two years of your program, before focusing on governance-specific modules for the remaining half.

      Studying governance as a master’s degree is by far the most popular and widely available option. To enroll, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, but the specific requirements will vary between institutions. You can study full-time over one year or part-time over two.

      After finishing your Master’s you might consider pursuing a research-based MPhil or PhD. These usually require between four and seven years of extra study.

      Your class schedule will mainly consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and group workshops. You’ll be assessed through a range of written and practical assessments including exams, essays, and presentations, and debates.

      Each university will offer a different range of elective modules depending on its cultural context and the research interests of its faculty. However, this list gives you an idea of the core units delivered at most institutions:

      • Theories of governance
      • Governance and public-policy making
      • Fundamentals of governance - diplomacy, negotiation, and lobbying
      • Research methods for governance studies
      • Globalization and global governance
      • Comparative politics and governance
      • Concepts and controversies in international governance

      Alternative political science degrees

      Best countries to study governance

      Best universities to study governance

      See all universities offering governance programs

      How to study governance abroad

      1. University & program search

        Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

      2. Application guidance

        We'll get you to the right place to start your application

      3. Visa & travel advice

        Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

      Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
      Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

      Start your search Get free advice

      Governance study abroad programs

      Governance undergraduate programs

      Bachelor's in governance

      • false

        Public Policy and Governance - BA St. Francis Xavier University, Canada

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        15,608 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 19,768 CAD

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Public Policy and Governance
      • false

        International Studies: Global and Comparative Governance - BA American University, USA

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        50,542 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 50,542 USD

        Start date
        January, August
        Show program overview about International Studies: Global and Comparative Governance
      See all bachelor's degrees in governance

      Governance graduate programs

      Master's in governance

      • false

        American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance) - MSc Arizona State University, USA

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        2 years
        Annual tuition fee
        24,318 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 24,318 USD

        Start date
        August
        Show program overview about American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance)
      • false

        Commerce (16 subjects) with Governance Fraud and Risk - MComm Charles Sturt University, Melbourne, Australia

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        18 months
        Annual tuition fee
        24,759 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 31,936 AUD

        Start date
        March, July, November
        Show program overview about Commerce (16 subjects) with Governance Fraud and Risk
      • false

        International Relations: Major in Mediterranean Governance - Master's (with placement) Luiss Guido Carli, Italy

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        27 months
        Annual tuition fee
        14,934 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 12,300 EUR

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about International Relations: Major in Mediterranean Governance
      • false

        Environmental Policy and Governance - LLM University of Stirling, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        21,807 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 15,950 GBP

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Environmental Policy and Governance
      • false

        Corporate Governance with Graduate ICSA - MSc London South Bank University, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        18,840 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Corporate Governance with Graduate ICSA
      See all master's degrees in governance

      Doctorate in governance

      • false

        Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus

        Program type
        Doctorate
        Duration
        3 years
        Annual tuition fee
        5,464 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance
      See all doctorates in governance

      Future governance careers

      As a governance graduate, you’ll be set for a fast-paced and fascinating career. Your knowledge and skills will be transferable across an array of sectors, including government ministries, global agencies, international aid charities, and NGOs.

      Here are some of the roles you’d be best prepared for:

      • Policy advisor
      • Government research officer
      • Politician
      • Diplomatic service officer
      • Public affairs consultant
      • Foreign service officer
      • Political risk analyst
      • International aid/development worker

      Most universities have a careers office that can help you find relevant work experience and polish your interview skills. It’s worth dropping by to have a chat about your ambitions and to see how they could support you.