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    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
    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

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    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.
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    Governance study abroad programs

    Governance undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in 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
      August, January
      Show program overview about International Studies: Global and Comparative Governance
    • false

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

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,249 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 20,436 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Public Policy and Governance
    See all bachelor's degrees in governance

    Certificate in governance

    • false

      Collaborative Governance - Cert California State University, Sacramento, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      16,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Collaborative Governance
    • false

      Political and International Governance - Cert University of Regina, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      14,312 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Political and International Governance
    See all undergraduate certificates 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 with Governance Fraud and Risk (12 subjects) - MComm Charles Sturt University, Melbourne, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      24,313 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,936 AUD

      Start date
      November, July, March
      Show program overview about Commerce with Governance Fraud and Risk (12 subjects)
    • false

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

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      24,313 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,936 AUD

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

      Corporate Governance & Leadership - MSc University of Northampton, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,888 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Corporate Governance & Leadership
    • false

      Corporate Governance and Law/Grad.CG - LLM University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      22,391 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Corporate Governance and Law/Grad.CG
    See all master's degrees in governance

    Doctorate in governance

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

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,355 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR

      Start date
      September, June, February
      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.