Global Futures: Development, Sustainability and Social Justice (MA)
An interdisciplinary Master’s programme exploring global challenges through anthropology, geography, and social sciences.
Best for:Best for students passionate about interdisciplinary social sciences, with an interest in global inequality, sustainability, and policy analysis.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at Universität Zürich integrates social anthropology, geography, and related disciplines to analyse contemporary global challenges. Students examine the interconnected drivers of inequality, conflict, and ecological transformation while assessing policy impacts and sustainable pathways. The curriculum combines qualitative methods, quantitative approaches, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to equip graduates for careers in academia, humanitarian work, or development sectors. Fieldwork and partnerships with Global South universities enhance practical engagement with real-world issues.
What you'll do
- Conduct interdisciplinary research on global challenges, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis to study local-global dynamics.
- Engage with humanitarian and development organizations through fieldwork and partnerships.
- Collaborate with universities in the Global South to address region-specific challenges.
- Develop critical perspectives on policy interventions and their societal impacts.
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and field research to deepen understanding of sustainability and social justice.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Geography, or a related field (e.g. Sociology, Area Studies, or Humanities).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Social Sciences
Language: English (proficient academic English required for programme instruction and research).
Instruction: English
- Proficiency in qualitative research methods (e.g. ethnography, case studies).
- Basic quantitative skills (statistics, data analysis).
- Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Fluency in academic writing and research communication.
- No nationality restrictions; open to international applicants.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior work experience required, but relevant internships or research are advantageous.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Applicants must submit an online application through the Universität Zürich’s degree portal. Required documents include a Bachelor’s degree certificate, transcripts, a CV, a letter of motivation, and proof of English proficiency (if applicable). Some programmes may require additional materials like a research proposal or letters of recommendation.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Transcripts of academic records
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of English proficiency (if not from an English-taught undergraduate programme)
- Optional: Research proposal or letters of recommendation (varies by programme)
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.