MA Globalisation and Multinational Corporations

Duration: One calendar year (full time). Two or three years (part-time).

Overview

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Peter Muchlinski

Convenor

Stephanie Blankenburg

Convenor

Minimum Entry Requirements: Normally a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent). Other relevant experience, including good qualifications in a less relevant subject area may be considered.

Start of programme: September intake only

Mode of Attendance: Full Time or Part Time

Who is this programme for?:

The MA Globalisation and Multinational Corporations (GMC) programme is designed for those engaged in or aspiring to professional careers in the public, corporate or not-for-profit sectors related to the political and economic management and regulation of multinational corporations.

The interdisciplinary programme specifically addresses the requirements of those seeking a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the role and dynamics of large corporations in the global economy and international affairs.

It aims to prepare students for roles, such as advisors, managers, researchers or project professionals with multinational corporations, government departments, regulatory agencies, international organisations (such as the OECD or WTO) industry bodies, NGOs, trade unions and advocacy organisations.

The programme has a multi-disciplinary structure and draws on the teaching and research strengths of CISD and of the SOAS departments of International Politics, Law, Economics and area studies (especially of Asia, Africa and the Middle East) as well as a wide range of languages. In addition to the two core courses of Multinational enterprises and Global public policy and project management students choose a third course to meet their specific professional needs and personal interests.

We welcome applications from academically strong individuals from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds. However is not necessary to have a first degree in a discipline directly related to globalisation and multinational corporations.

Each application is assessed on its individual merits and entry requirements may be modified in light of relevant professional experience and where the applicant can demonstrate a sustained practical interest in the international field.

Email: cisd@soas.ac.uk

Phone: 020 7898 4840

Structure

Students take taught courses to the value of 3 full units plus 10,000 word dissertation

One unit and two half units from A (compulsory)
One unit (or two half units) from B or C
Dissertation (compulsory) on a topic related to the programme’s core themes

A). Globalisation and Multinational Corporations Courses

B). Additional courses available from the Centre

C). Electives

Please note that acceptance onto an elective course is subject to availability of places, timetabling and the approval of the convenor of that course.

Suggested electives for Globalisation and Multinational Corporations students
Full Unit courses (1.0)

China and International Politics (15PPOC018)
Chinese Commercial Law (15PLAC106)
Comparative Politics of the Middle East (15PPOC026)
Economic Development of South East Asia (15PECC004)
Economic Dynamics of the Asia-Pacific Region (15PECC334)
Economic Problems and Policies in Modern China (15PECC035)
Government and Politics in Africa (15PPOC205)
Government and Politics of Modern South Asia (15PPOC003)
Government and Politics of Modern South East Asia (15PPOC247)
International Politics of East Asia (15PPOC251)
Modern Chinese Law and Human Rights (15PLAC139)
State and Society in the Chinese Political Process (15PPOC012)
Taiwan's Politics and Cross-Strait Relations (15PPOC252)
Theory, Policy and Practice of Development (15PDSC001)
World War II, Cold War and the ‘War on Terror’: The United States and South East Asia (15PHIC059)

Half Unit courses (0.5)

Corporate Finance (15PFMC070)
Corporate Governance (15PFMC069)
Cross Cultural Management (15PFMC076)
Finance in the Global Market (15PFMC057)
Financial Law (15PFMC058)
International History of the Contemporary World (15PHIH021)
International Human Resource Management (15PFMC078)
International Management (15PFMC072)
International Marketing (15PFMC080)
International Political Communication (15PMSH009)
Islamic Banking and Finance (15PFMC074)
Economic Development of Modern Taiwan (15PECH002)
Japanese Modernity 1 (15PHIH013)
Japanese Modernity 2 (15PHIH014)
Legal Aspects of Corporate Finance (15PFMC059)
Legal Aspects of International Finance (15PFMC060)
Management in China 1: domestic perspectives (15PFMC067)
Management in China 2: international perspectives (15PFMC068)
Management in Japan 1: economic development and business environment (15PFMC018)
Management in Japan 2: current Issues in Japanese business and management (15PFMC077)
Power in World Politics (15PHIH021)
Regulation of International Capital Markets (15PFMC061)
Research Methods in Management (15PFMC062)
Risk Management (15PFMC071)
Topics in the Chinese Economy (15PFMC075)
Transnational News Environment: Production, Representation and Use (15PMSH006)

Although all GMC core courses run every year, we cannot guarantee that all elective courses offered during the pre-registration period will be available for each academic session.

Programme Specification

Programme Specification 2012/2013 (pdf; 47kb)

Teaching & Learning

The programme may be taken in one year (full-time) or in two or three years part-time with the schedule designed to allow participation by those in full-time employment. Participants may choose a combination of courses to meet their professional needs and personal interests. The programme is convened on a multi-disciplinary basis, and teaching is through lectures, seminars and workshops conducted by SOAS faculty and visiting specialists.

Lectures for GMC courses usually take place in the evening (18.00-20.00) and associated seminars/tutorials are repeated in hourly slots starting as early as 14.00 for some courses, with the latest taking place at 20.00. Students sign up for seminar/tutorial groups at the start of term and stay in the same group throughout the academic year. There is a minimum of two and a half hours formal teaching a week (lecture and seminar) for each GMC course taken. Practical exercises may take place at weekends.

There is a week long study tour to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. This involves lectures from a variety of organisations such as the World Trade Organisation, the United Nations Development Programme and the International Labour Organisation. Please note that the structure of this week is subject to change. There is no additional cost for the trip. In addition there are also visits to major corporations such as Credit Suisse and Shell International.

All GMC students have the opportunity to take part in basic and advanced Media Training with the specific aim of developing their presentation and journalistic interviewing skills. The training is given by BBC News 24/BBC World presenter Deborah Mackenzie and former BBC producer Simon Crutchley.

The programme also runs a number of additional lectures given by guest speakers and external practitioners. They are available as podcasts on the CISD website

How to apply

Scholarships

For further information visit the Scholarships section

A Student's Perspective

I have been looking for a qualification that would enhance my employability in the private sector for some time and I believe I found it in the Globalisation and Multinational Corporations programme.

Alessandra Awolowo

SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy