Politics and Governance of Global Challenges (Master's)

The programe analyses the historical development of the transnational system that addresses global challenges. Students develop knowledge of global challenges from a political and governance perspective, including working towards potential fair and sustainiable solutions to the complex problems facing the world today. 

Project-based learning is at the core of the programme and connects conceptual and analytical knowledge with the development of students ability to understand real-world problems.  

The programme was awarded the 2025 Study Quality Award, and project-based learning was one of the elements emphasized in the awarding of the prize.

As a master's student at the Department of Government, you will be part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary academic community where curiosity, collaboration and community are at the core.  

You gain access to our dedicated master’s workspace, an important meeting place for academic discussions, exchange of ideas and social breaks. The second year you receive your own desk, providing a strong framework for in-depth thesis work and close interaction with the department.

We have an active master’s committee that organizes academic and social activities throughout the year, and enables student participation in key departmental processes. Students are also connected to the research community through research groups, discussions and events. Each year students organize GOV-day, a research-oriented event that provides experience in project management, academic communication and network-building. 

The programme provides competences relevant for a wide range of careers, in the public and private sector, for national and international NGO work, and for academic careers. In particular, the programme provides relevant education for those seeking a career working with the major challenges of our time, such as climate change, migration, inequality, health, food safety and more.

Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pay tuition fees. Some applicants may be exempted from this rule.

In order to apply for the Master’s programme in Politics and Governance of Global Challenges you need a Bachelor’s degree of 3-4 years’ duration. The degree must include at least 80 ECTS in political science or a related (sub-)discipline, including 10 ECTS in qualitative and quantitative social science methods. 

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA: 1 December
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA: 1 March
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway: 15 April

Teaching language: English

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn. Most students conduct some form of fieldwork for their Master’s project.  

First semester

GOV351 –  Understanding Global Challenges: Theoretical Foundations (10 ECTS) 
GOV352 – Researching Global Challenges (10 ECTS) 
GOV353 – Qualitative Methods (10 ECTS)

Second semester

GOV321 – Quantitative Methods (10 ECTS) 
GOV355 – Conceptualizing Global Challenges (10 ECTS) 
Elective courses from the Department of Government (10 ECTS)

A supervisor is appointed for your Master’s project.

Third semester

GOV371 – Internship (30 ECTS) or 
GOV372 –  Writing an academic article (10 ECTS) and courses across UiB study programmes (20 ECTS) or 
Mobility/Study Abroad (30 ECTS) 

Fourth semester

GOV380 – Master's Thesis in Politics and Governance of Global Challenges (30 ECTS)

It is possible to study abroad during the programme. We recommend exchange in the third semester, which is specifically designed to allow for student choice and exchange.

See exchange agreements

With an Master’s in Politics and Governance of Global Challenges you will qualify for PhD training.

If you have any questions related to the master’s programme, you can contact us in the following ways:

Study plan for Master's programme in Politics and Governance of Global Challenges