The Global Citizenship Joint Master’s Degree Programme is a one-year international joint master’s programme jointly established by National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), Taiwan, and SOAS University of London, United Kingdom. The programme aims to guide students in critically examining the meanings, transformations, and practices of citizenship in the contemporary world from a global perspective. Responding to the rapid developments of globalization and the profound political, social, and cultural changes they entail, the programme places particular emphasis on key issues such as transnational migration, social (in)equality, multicultural coexistence, and global sustainability, equipping students with both theoretical depth and practical capacity to analyse complex global challenges.

The curriculum is structured around the core themes of equality, citizenship, and social transformation, supporting students in developing an integrated theoretical framework for understanding global inequality and sustainable development. Moving beyond traditional, nation-state-centred and anthropocentric conceptions of citizenship, the programme encourages students to rethink citizenship, identity, rights, responsibilities, and political participation from a global scale. Within this framework, students engage in in-depth discussions of the theories and practices surrounding transnational migration, multiculturalism, identity politics, and human–nonhuman coexistence and sustainability, while gaining insight into the diverse ways global citizenship is practiced across different social contexts.

In response to the complexity and uncertainty characterising contemporary globalization, the programme places strong emphasis on problem-oriented and research-oriented learning. Through case studies, comparative analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches, faculty members guide students in analysing concrete social issues and in designing innovative and feasible strategies for social transformation. This training not only cultivates rigorous academic research skills, but also strengthens students’ ability to apply theory to practical settings, providing a solid foundation for future careers in the public sector, non-governmental organisations, international organisations, or for further doctoral study.

The programme is jointly designed and taught by NSYSU and SOAS University of London, with students undertaking coursework in both Kaohsiung and London. This transnational learning experience allows students to immerse themselves in two globally significant cities, each shaped by distinct social, cultural, and historical traditions. Through studying and living in different national contexts, students are able to compare how citizenship, cultural difference, and social justice are understood and practiced across societies. Under the joint supervision of faculty from Taiwan and the United Kingdom, students further develop cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and critical reflexive skills. This immersive international educational experience fosters professional competencies grounded in respect for diversity, dialogue, and global cooperation.

The programme admits both domestic and international students. In recognition of the unequal distribution of higher education resources between the Global North and Global South, NSYSU offers six full tuition scholarships and up to twelve partial tuition scholarships to help reduce students’ financial burden and enhance the accessibility of international education for students worldwide. All applicants who are admitted to the programme are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, review procedures, and final decisions will be announced after the publication of the admission results.