Department of Anthropology and Sociology

MA Global Citizenship (Joint Degree with National Sun Yat-sen University)

You are viewing: Key information

Key information

Duration

1 year

Start of programme

August

Attendance mode

Full time

Location

National Sun Yat-sen University/SOAS University of London

Fees

£13,000 (equiv. NTD 533,000)

Course code

PGTF0364

Entry requirements

SOAS and NSYSU will consider a 2:2 or above bachelors (honours) degree or international equivalent. This equates to a 65–70% or GPA 2.6/4.0–2.8/4.0 (Taiwan 2:2 equivalent), or its equivalent, from the previous level of education.

Both parties will accept an IELTS Academic/for UKVI/Online of 6.5 (6.0 in all subscores) or equivalent from one of the acceptable English language tests listed on the English language requirements page.

Course overview

The Joint MA in Global Citizenship is an intensive one-year programme that explores the concept of citizenship in a global context.

It is built around key themes of equality, citizenship, and social change, helping students develop a framework for global equality and sustainable development.

The programme challenges traditional nation-state-based notions of citizenship, encouraging students to reimagine citizenship from a transnational perspective. It places strong emphasis on issues such as transnational migration, multiculturalism, and theoretical approaches to the sustainable development of both human and non-human species. Addressing the complexities of contemporary globalisation, students will learn to design innovative strategies for social transformation using problem-oriented methods, including case studies and comparative research.

Through study in two dynamic global cities—London and Kaohsiung—students will experience diverse socio-cultural traditions and perspectives. This mobility fosters critical analysis of cultural norms, values, and practices, equipping graduates with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across cultures, and to promote mutual respect and global cooperation.

Why SOAS?

SOAS is ranked 6th in the UK and 18th worldwide for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2025).
The Department of Anthropology was 2nd among anthropology departments in the UK in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF).
SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.
SOAS is home to one of the UK’s five National Research Libraries, specialising in the rich collections of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

Why National Sun Yat-sen University?

NSYSU is an emerging research university in Asia, with Social Sciences ranked among the top 1% globally (Essential Science Indicators).
NSYSU is a hub of professional training in Taiwan, attracting talent from both public and private sectors.
NSYSU has a strong international outlook with student exchange agreements at 324 universities worldwide.
NSYSU is one of the few universities in the world to feature its very own on-campus beach.

Accommodation in Kaohsiung

For the semester spent at NSYSU, students should follow the Guidelines for International Students and book accommodation through NSYSU’ Campus Housing Service Division Webpage.

Accommodation in London

For the semester spent at SOAS, students should book accommodation through SOAS’ partner agencies.

Travel requirements

This programme includes mandatory study periods in both Taiwan and the UK. To participate, students must obtain the appropriate visa or travel authorisation before the start date of the semester abroad.

We recommend that you check the visa eligibility requirements for both countries (UK/Taiwan) before applying to the programme. SOAS and NSYSU cannot accept any responsibility and/or liability if a student is unable to undertake the mandatory mobility study element of the programme due to visa refusal or delays.

Taiwan requirements

Before travelling to Taiwan for semester 1, you may need to apply for a visa before the start of the semester. Once international students obtain an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) and become eligible for National Health Insurance (NHI), enrolment and payment are mandatory.

Applicants with any questions regarding visas should contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UK requirements

Before travelling to the UK for semester 2, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa or travel authorisation (if applicable) before the start of the semester.

Please see SOAS visas and immigration for more information on applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa.

Application deadlines

For non-Taiwanese applicants: applications open between 15 January and 5 May 2026. Applications outside this window cannot be considered.

For Taiwanese applicants: applications open between 27 February and 26 April 2026. Applications outside this window cannot be considered.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome after application windows have closed and by early June.

Application requirements

bachelors degree certificate
study plan in english
CV and autobiography in English
recommendation letter

Structure

Coming soon.

Teaching and learning

This programme is designed to prepare students to become global citizens, equipping them to thrive in the interconnected world of the 21st century by integrating perspectives from both Europe and Asia. Developed collaboratively by SOAS and NSYSU, the programme combines joint planning, teaching, and supervision to deliver an innovative, international, and interdisciplinary curriculum.

Students will benefit from instruction by leading social science scholars from both institutions and study on two world-class campuses in London and Kaohsiung. This dual-campus experience offers exposure to diverse theoretical approaches and cultural contexts, deepening students’ understanding of global knowledge and multiculturalism.

Graduates will be empowered to pursue careers across the public, private, and third sectors, equipped with the skills and insights needed to navigate and influence a rapidly changing global landscape.

Learning outcomes

Students will be expected to grasp key debates in citizenship.
Students will develop their ability to reflect in a critical and informed manner on current global issues around global citizenship with reference to specific case studies drawn from different places around the world.
Students will learn to become precise and cautious in their assessment of evidence and their encounters with knowledge and will develop finely-honed critical skills in reassessing evidence for themselves, across all modules.
Students will develop presentation skills as part of seminar and dissertation work, across all modules.  
Students will develop their ability to construct critical evaluations of the applicability of academic frameworks to ‘real-world’ problems, including in their own research project in their dissertation.

Fees and funding

Total fees for the year are £13,000, equivalent to NTD 533,000 (calculated at an exchange rate of £1 to NTD 41). Students will pay 50% of the total programme fee at the start of each semester, directly to the university at which they are located for that semester.

Funding from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education for this programme will provide six full tuition scholarships and up to 12 partial tuition scholarships. All applicants are eligible to apply. Further details will be shared when programme offers are released.

Additional fees

There is an application fee of approximately £31, or NTD 1,300.

There is a continuation fee of approximately £100, or NTD 4,100 for students who need to extend their study into the next academic year.

Employment

Graduates of this programme will gain a nuanced knowledge and understanding of the complex socio-economic and cultural issues of our time and be equipped with a portfolio of widely transferrable skills which are valued in professional and management careers.

Recent department of anthropology and sociology graduates have been hired by: