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Study governance abroad
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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
Best countries to study governance
How to study governance abroad
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Governance study abroad programs
Governance undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in governance
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International Governance and Policy - BA (Hons) Keele University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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18,737 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 GBP
- Start date
- September
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International Studies: Global and Comparative Governance - BA American University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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50,542 USD
Fee in university's local currency 50,542 USD
- Start date
- January, May
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Marine and Antarctic Science: Marine and Antarctic Governance - BSc University of Tasmania, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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24,310 USD
Fee in university's local currency 37,950 AUD
- Start date
- February
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Public Policy and Governance - BA St. Francis Xavier University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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14,777 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,436 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Certificate in governance
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Collaborative Governance - Cert California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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16,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD
- Start date
- May, November
Governance graduate programs
Master's in governance
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American Indian Studies (Tribal Leadership and Governance) - MSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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25,200 USD
Fee in university's local currency 25,200 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Corporate Governance and Law/Grad.CG - LLM University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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18,179 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Corporate Governance with Graduate ICSA - MSc London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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15,368 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Financial Analysis and Business Development: Governance and Commercial Law - MA Hanken School of Economics, Finland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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12,258 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,500 EUR
- Start date
- August
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Global Governance Law - MICL University of Helsinki, Finland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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14,711 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR
- Start date
- August
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
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4,413 USD
Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR
- Start date
- February, June, September
Certificate in governance
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Collaborative Governance - GradCert Portland State University, USA
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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18,117 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,117 USD
- Start date
- January, March, September
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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.
