U21 Programme in Global Issues

What makes the Programme unique?

The U21 Programme in Global Issues offers a unique form of transnational education which combines campus-based and online study options from research-led universities with proven reputations for quality learning. Through standard credit unit transfer and modules designed to promote student collaboration across cultures, the Programme encourages cooperation between member universities creating flexible learning communities for their students on a scale that none of them would be able to achieve independently or through traditional bilateral alliances.

As the professional workforce becomes increasingly mobile, the Programme will equip graduates with knowledge and competencies which will enable them to work and participate as global citizens, creating pathways to exciting careers with overseas or multinational employers.

Preparing graduates to live and work successfully in globalised societies

Globally relevant knowledge and skills are vital attributes for University graduates of the twenty-first century. Employers value sensitivity to different cultures, different language competencies, and an understanding of global issues. The Programme is ideal for students considering future careers with overseas and multinational employers. It will equip graduates with the skills which will enable them to work across cultures and to participate as active global citizens.

Encouraging collaboration and creating global learning communities

Through standard credit unit transfer and modules designed to promote student collaboration across cultures, the Programme encourages cooperation between students of the participating universities to create learning opportunities in the virtual world.

Enabling an innivative e-learning experience

This Programme is at the forefront of the e-learning revolution that is starting to change the ways in which we educate ourselves. Many now believe that e-learning provides an education which is, in some ways, better than that traditionally experienced in campus-based courses. You will be at the forefront of this educational revolution. The online courses will also help you develop some of those e-competencies that are vital for work today, where much communication, discussion, and negotiation takes place via the internet.

Bringing together expertise in teaching and learning across academic disciplines and national borders

The Programme allows undergraduate students to enrich their degree with components taken from other research-led universities with international reputations. The participating universities have a proven performance in offering first-rate online and campus-based education from the top end of the market.

Very positive student feedback

Students in 2005-06 provided feedback on their courses and on the program in general. Students were extremely positive about the value of, and experience on, the programme, and highly recommended it to other students. They felt that it was very good in helping to develop a number of critical skills for today's world. For more details of this feedback, click here for a powerpoint file.

The Certificate

The Certificate in Global Issues is issued by the Universitas 21 consortium of universities. It is a certificate to show that you have successfully carried out a course of studies as described in the regulations of this Programme. You may find this useful to present to potential employers when you are applying for jobs, particularly those in multinational or overseas companies, or those that involve international activities, travel or trade.

Depending on your own university, you may also use this programme as part of, or all of, a formal award issued by your university (for example, several students will take this programme as part of their undergraduate degree). Please consult your own university for details.