BACHELOR OF GLOBAL CHALLENGES

• Tackle the world’s most pressing issues. 
  Explore topics such as migration, climate change, social movements, and democracy, and learn how they shape our interconnected world. 
• Think across disciplines. 
  Combine insights from sociology, political science, social anthropology, and environmental studies to understand global challenges from multiple perspectives. 
• Shape your own study path. 
  With a nearly equal balance between core and optional courses, you can tailor your studies to your interests and academic goals. 
• Learn by doing. 
  Gain hands-on experience in research design, data collection, and analysis using both qualitative and quantitative methods. 
• Develop critical and creative skills. 
  Build abilities in problem solving, analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, and project management that will serve you in any future career. 
• Prepare for diverse futures. 
  Graduates pursue careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, research, or continue to master’s programs in top universities around the world. 
• Study in an inspiring environment. 
  Live and learn in Brno – a vibrant, student-friendly city at the heart of Europe, with Prague, Vienna, and Bratislava only a short trip away. 
• Join a dynamic academic community. 
  Become part of Masaryk University’s international network of students and scholars committed to understanding and addressing global issues. 

Here is an invitation from our Vice-dean

Would you like to know more? Get in touch with our students ambassadors – Liliana and Mathani! 

Global Challenges: FAQs

Global Challenges is a relatively new program at the Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University. As our ambassadors Mathani and Liliana get a lot of questions, they decided to put together a list of frequently asked questions and the accompanying answers!

What is global challenges?

Global challenges is an interdisciplinary degree. The three primary disciplines are political science, sociology, and environmental studies, but we also study security and social anthropology.

What degree do you graduate with?

A bachelor’s in sociology (though this may change to be more reflective of the various disciplines).

What is university life at MUNI like?

Getting your degree at Masaryk University is rigorous but extremely rewarding. Every class is designed to engage and prepare you appropriately for your future, and there is no class that is boring. Expect to spend a few hours a week studying (heavily depends on your class load) outside of your classes, but expect to also have time to experience Brno. Brno is a student city, and there is no shortage of what you can do. From student events (hockey games, faculty events, student organizations) to festivals (traditional, cultural, art) to athletic events (races, hiking groups, professional sports), there is something for everyone. We highly recommend checking out World Bridge Initiatives, a student-led humanitarian fundraising group that hosts community events, and Call of the Woods, an expat hiking group that organizes hikes in the Brno area weekly. It’s easier to find events via Facebook groups or through word of mouth.

What courses should I take as a first semester student?

If you are starting in the fall semester, courses such as Academic Skills, Introduction to Global Challenges and the accompanying seminar, and Central Europe: Politics and Society are recommended as good ways to ease into the degree. If you are starting in the spring semester, courses such as Fundamentals in Political Science and Security Studies, Main Issues in Sociology, and Key Concepts in Environmental Studies are recommended. That being said, all the courses listed here are mandatory, and if you are starting in the spring semester, you will still have to take the aforementioned fall semester recommended courses the following semester. Before course registration, always check the updated study plan in the Information System, as it may vary slightly over time.

What is the learning experience like?

Most of our classes are smaller, with class sizes ranging between 10-40 students normally. They’re often interactive and consist of readings done prior to class, discussions, seminars, presentations (group and individual), group projects, field trips, and research papers. Due to the small class size, many professors are able to minutely tailor their classes to more accurately fit the students’ interests and are able to give more personalized feedback.

What are some possible careers after graduation?

If you are pursuing further education, you can study masters programs in any of the main three disciplines. For work, governmental agencies, research institutions, non-governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations are best suited to Global Challenges graduates. However, the skills learned in the program are critical in any occupation you choose.

Are there internship opportunities during studies?

If you can find an internship that suits you and your goals, you can now get 5 credits that go towards your optional (B) courses

Mathani Mudathir Eltahir Hag Eltayeb

Liliana Melody Perez

Student ambassadors of Global Challenges