The Master of Arts in Global Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate program focusing on macro-level global transformations.
The curriculum is structured around three core pillars:
Exploring major intellectual traditions and values of humanity, including human rights, democracy, governance, justice, and peace.
Examining globalization, sustainable development (SDGs), climate change, inequality, and technological transformation.
Analyzing cultural, religious, and social diversity while designing development strategies that connect local contexts to global systems.
80% Online
20% Onsite
Bilingual instruction (Thai–English)
Completion within 2 years
Total credit requirement: Minimum of 36 credits
World Perspective and Philosophical Criticism
Concepts and Theories of World Development
Philosophy and Creative Thinking
Ethics of Global Development
Research Methodology in Global Studies
Non-credit required course:
Buddhist Philosophy and Meditation Practice
Philosophy Cluster
Epistemology and Aesthetics
Area-Based Development Philosophy
Global Studies Cluster
Geo-Strategy for Global Development
Community and Global Society
Innovation & Future Studies Cluster
Global Innovation
Futurology
Note:
English proficiency test fees are not included
English preparatory courses (MCU 003–004) may be required if the test is not passed
Student status maintenance fees apply if study exceeds 2 years
Applications are now open
Q: What is Global Studies?
A: Global Studies is an interdisciplinary field that helps you understand how global forces—politics, economics, culture, technology, and the environment—interact and shape real-world change. You will learn to connect local realities to global systems and develop evidence-based perspectives on complex issues.
Q: How is this different from International Relations (IR)?
A: While IR often centers on states and diplomacy, Global Studies looks at broader cross-border dynamics—such as migration, digital governance, climate risks, inequality, and cultural flows—where multiple actors (communities, NGOs, markets, platforms) matter alongside governments.
Q: How long does the program take to complete?
A: The program is designed to be completed within two years, with a structure that supports steady progress even for working professionals.
Q: Is the program fully online?
A: The program uses a Hybrid format—about 80% online and 20% onsite—so you can learn flexibly while still benefiting from selected in-person academic activities.
Q: What language is used in teaching and learning?
A: Instruction is bilingual (Thai–English).
Q: Is a thesis required?
A: Yes. A thesis is required. Students will conduct graduate-level research and produce a thesis that demonstrates analytical rigor and academic writing in Global Studies.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline are welcome. The program values diverse academic backgrounds because Global Studies is built on interdisciplinary learning.
Q: Do I need an English proficiency score?
A: English proficiency is required according to graduate-level standards. If you need support, the university provides pathways to help you meet the requirement.
Q: What happens if I do not meet the English requirement?
A: Students who do not pass the English requirement may take MCU 003–004 to strengthen academic English skills and prepare for graduate-level study.
Q: How much is the tuition for the full program?
A: Total tuition is 75,000 THB (flat rate) for the program, with some additional costs not included (e.g., English testing, language courses if required).
Q: Can I pay tuition in installments?
A: Yes. Tuition can be paid by semester over the two-year period, which helps make planning easier.
Q: What are the strengths of this program?
A: Students develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and global analysis skills, supported by strong foundations in human philosophy, development studies, and future-oriented perspectives.
Q: Is Buddhist philosophy part of the curriculum?
A: Yes. The program includes a required non-credit component in Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice, offering an ethical and reflective lens that complements global analysis.
Q: Do I need a Buddhist or religious background to study here?
A: Not at all. The program welcomes students of all backgrounds. The focus is academic and reflective, not doctrinal.
Q: What career paths can this degree support?
A: Graduates are prepared for roles such as policy and planning analyst, researcher, lecturer, development practitioner, and program coordinator in government, education, NGOs, and private organizations working across cultures and sectors.
Q: Can I study while working full-time?
A: Yes. The online-majority format is designed for working learners, while still keeping meaningful academic engagement through onsite components.
Q: Are international students welcome?
A: Yes. The Graduate School welcomes students from different countries, and the bilingual environment supports cross-cultural learning.
Q: Does the program connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
A: Yes. SDGs are integrated as a practical framework for understanding contemporary global challenges and designing responsible development approaches.
Q: Who is this program best suited for?
A: This program is ideal for people who want to understand global change, work across cultures, and develop the ability to analyze complex problems beyond one single discipline.
Q: What makes MCU’s Global Studies program distinctive?
A: Our distinctive strength is the integration of global development, human philosophy, and Buddhist ethics, helping students think globally while maintaining ethical clarity and grounded engagement with society.