Why study Global Challenges?

Tackle the planet’s biggest issues

Our planet’s population is almost 8 billion and still growing rapidly, increasing the volume and complexity of critical global problems.

Lives are being blighted by war, environmental harm, inequality, poverty and modern industrial practices. Millions of people are displaced, living as refugees far from home. Many others don’t have access to clean water or healthy, sustainable food. And others are suffering unnecessarily from treatable diseases.

These are some of the most pressing issues facing our planet – and the MSc Global Challenges can give you the platform to find solutions to them.

Study with us on the MSc Global Challenges and learn how you can help create a better world for us all to live in.

Collaborate across areas of expertise

These complex problems need different views and a range of disciplines working together to tackle them effectively. The MSc Global Challenges will give you the skills and knowledge to work with others across a range of areas of expertise to find collective solutions.

Learn from experts leading their fields

The programme is taught by experts on existing and emerging problems, who will help you explore the issues, identify causes, and consider preventative approaches and responses.

Whether you’re preparing for a career tackling global challenges, or already a professional looking to boost your expertise, our staff will equip you with what you need.

Why study online?

Studying online means you can organise your education around your other commitments. You can fit your studies around your job and family, with the flexibility to make it work for your own lifestyle.

You’ll have regular contact with fellow students and staff so you’ll feel part of a supportive learning community. You’ll also be able to access all the tools, resources and support you need to thrive.

Online learning is great for anyone wanting to study on your own terms, and we’ll support you to arrange your studies to fit into your own complex life.

More details about online learning

If you want more information about online learning, including its benefits, how it works and support available, head to our Postgraduate Online Learning web pages.

What’s the application process?

You’ll find the full details you need to apply here.

These cover how this degree programme is a bit different to most of our degrees, as it's made up of three separate postgraduate certificates. And, unlike other degrees, there's no dissertation.

Your study options

The MSc Global Challenges is comprised of three postgraduate certificates:

Global Development Challenges
Global Environment Challenges
Global Health Challenges

You have two main study options:

You can do all three certificates for the full MSc. You can complete these in any order.
OR
You can do the certificates individually as standalone qualifications.

Application links

The MSc Global Challenges has its own page on the University’s degree finder, where you can submit your application. You can also find more programme information, plus details of fees and funding.

Each certificate also has its own page, where you can apply directly for each of these.

Here are the direct links to the programme pages on the degree finder:

What our students say

The programme has been excellent. Despite studying remotely I felt really supported by the tutors, support staff and other students.

Global Health Challenges: An Introduction was probably my favourite (course) as it introduced me to a subject area that I had no experience with at all but which I found fascinating.

But also Displacement and Development, which raised so many interesting questions and explored the link between the two key topics. Both have inspired me to go on to do further study in climate change, health and migration.

Find out more about Jenni's MSc experience.

I was attracted by the MSc’s multidisciplinary approach. The degree is split into three postgraduate certificates, respectively covering global challenges in the areas of development, health, and the environment. Each of these is further split into three courses, some of which are electives to allow for greater specialisation in one of the three areas.

I particularly enjoyed the interaction with fellow students and course organisers in group discussions and group projects. We had some great discussions! I always appreciated when people took time to read what I wrote in discussion and blog posts and provide helpful and encouraging feedback.

Read more about David's study experience.

The MSc Global Challenges has been a very enjoyable course. The subject matter was perfect for my interests, particularly with the addition of elective options – and the interaction that was possible through discussion forums and group work meant that online studying was not a lonely experience.

Of the 10 courses I studied, I would say that the four courses that made up the Global Health Challenges certificate were my favourite.

I also very much enjoyed the Nutrition elective and Roots of African Poverty and Development.

It’s fair to say that Health and Southern Africa are where my main interests lie – so I do feel that my favourite courses were perhaps pre-defined!

Find out more about Amanda's MSc experience.

This programme gave an opportunity to participate in online classes with people from all parts of the world. I enjoyed learning about their ways of life, environment, health and development challenges, and their success stories. Most importantly, I was able to realise our similarities in all this and can now easily relate and emulate what has worked for them to benefit my community.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility under the PGD Environmental challenges was my favourite course.

I also enjoyed studying maternal and child health in a global context under the PGD Health challenges.

Find out more about Constance's experience with the online MSc.