Program Overview

The challenges facing today’s world are profoundly international. From the migrant crisis to global warming, contemporary challenges require graduates who bring a global perspective and broad skills to the workplace. Our BA Global Studies is designed for just this purpose – you study topics from a range of subjects so that you can develop a wide understanding of complex global issues.

Based within our Interdisciplinary Studies Centre (ISC), you have the option to choose from a variety of subjects including history, politics, philosophy, sociology, and more. You study both topics that have an international focus, and those that focus on particular regions and countries.

A core part of the course are modules from history and politics which explore international relations and global history, plus you choose from additional topics in areas including:

• Art, architecture and their geographical contexts
• International banking
• World technologies
• Modern languages
• Migration

This is an amazing place to study a course like this one. Since its foundation Essex has had a distinctly international character. Our departments include academics specialising in many diverse regions of the world, so you experience the very best of the University’s expertise in global issues.

Globalisation is seen by many as the defining issue of our age, and we live in a world which is connected as never before. This is your opportunity to understand it, and to help shape it. Don’t wait for change. Make it happen.

Study abroad

The five-year version of our degree allows you to spend your fourth year studying abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the four year course.

If you choose the five-year option, the fourth year of your course will be spent at one of our partner universities throughout the world, where you will follow modules related to your course at Essex. We have partners in countries all around the world, so you have the chance to study in a truly global context.

You’ll get to experience life in another country, and you do not have to study a language in order to study abroad. Studying abroad also improves your employability and it demonstrates you are a very capable person with the ability to adapt to new situations and environments.

If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university