Master’s
Program Overview
Our Master’s programs are designed to engage the most important, pressing questions in the study of global Africa today, across the breadth and depth of the humanities and social sciences. Recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary methodologies, our MA curriculum is clustered around three tracks:
- Museum and Critical Heritage Studies
- Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations
- Afro-Arab Relations
As a two-year, full-time, on-campus interdisciplinary graduate program, our courses explore major cross-cutting thematic fields, including intellectual thought, the Indian Ocean world, the Muslim world, gender studies, feminist futures, and diaspora.
Additionally, all MA students are expected to enroll in three semesters of coursework in a chosen African language, earning a certificate upon completion. Understanding that the most urgent contemporary questions demand trans- and inter-disciplinary collaboration, The Africa Institute has assembled a diverse faculty capable of engaging in, between, and across disciplines to deliver this program effectively.
This program is accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR), U.A.E.
Fall 2027 Admission Key Dates and Deadlines:
- Applications open: Monday, August 3, 2026
- Application deadline: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
*First 40 completed applications receive an AED 365 application fee waiver.
Contact Admissions
For admissions inquiries, email admissions@gsu.ac.ae.
Speak With an Admissions Adviser
For personalized guidance, book an appointment with an admissions adviser.
The program requires a total of 36 credit hours for completion. To be recommended for graduation with an MA in Global African Studies, students must satisfactorily complete formal courses in the following categories:
- 6 credit hours of Common Core required courses
- 18 credit hours of Specialization Core courses from their chosen track
- 6 credit hours of Electives
The curriculum also requires students to achieve a ‘Pass’ grade in elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels of the language courses, as well as in the internship program. Additionally, students must complete 6 credit hours of thesis, submit a written thesis evaluated by an examination committee, and successfully defend their thesis in a viva format
The major components of the MA in Global African Studies program are summarized in the table below:
|
PROGRAM COMPONENT |
CREDIT HOURS |
|
Common Core courses |
6 |
|
Specialization Core courses |
18 |
|
Elective courses |
6 |
|
Language courses |
Pass/Fail |
|
Internship |
Pass/Fail |
|
Thesis (capstone project) |
6 |
|
TOTAL |
36 |
Knowledge
On successful completion of this program, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key historical and theoretical foundations, while critically engaging with the most pressing and current debates in Global African Studies.
- Demonstrate proficiency in interdisciplinary research principles, approaches, and methods, with the ability to generate new, interconnected insights in African and African diaspora studies.
- Critically evaluate intellectual and artistic productions and representations of Africa and its diaspora, moving beyond dominant area studies models.
Skills
On successful completion of this program, the graduate will be able to:
- Develop advanced critical thinking and interdisciplinary research skills by analyzing and synthesizing complex cultural, historical, and political issues of Africa and its multifaceted connections with the world.
- Communicate research findings, whether one’s own or others’, effectively to academic colleagues, peers, and the general public, through both spoken and written means, in-person or digitally.
Competence
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Autonomy and Responsibility: Function autonomously and take responsibility for designing and managing interdisciplinary research projects.
- Self-development: Self-evaluate and take responsibility for critically assessing their own research work as well as that of others.
- Role in Context: Collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds, while demonstrating leadership and effective communication in complex settings.
The Africa Institute (GSU) has developed a set of foundational courses and common experiences. All MA students are required to take the following courses:
-
GAS 601: Theory and Method I (3 credits)
This compulsory seminar is the first of a two-semester program that highlights the study of Africa and its diaspora through diverse academic disciplines. The course is intended to introduce graduate students to the structures and institutions and to the social, political, cultural, and artistic formations that constitute the dynamic worlds of Africa and its diasporas, past and present. The course also introduces students to theories that engage social relations and social change, the economy, the inequalities of culture, and knowledge production. While the course proceeds from Africa and its encounters, its orientation is global.
Topics include themes drawn from the humanities and the social sciences and will be taught by a rotating faculty or guest speaker who will share their unique disciplinary perspective and methodological approach to studying Africa and its diaspora.
The course will explore the relationship between theory and methods in addition to introducing students to the mixed-method approach to research. There is a long tradition of debate in the history and philosophy of the social sciences and humanities about the relationship between theory and methods, between explanation and interpretation, and over the techniques used to generate conceptually informed observations. These controversies have influenced and shaped the way that research is designed and which particular analytical strategies are adopted. The course will therefore afford students a wide exposure to the works and research programs of different scholars working within the field of African studies and with scholars in critical theory of the social sciences and the humanities.
-
GAS 602: Theory and Method II (3 credits)
This course is a continuation of Theory and Method I. This compulsory seminar is the second of a two-semester program that highlights the study of Africa and its diaspora through diverse academic disciplines. The course is intended to introduce graduate students to the structures and institutions and to the social, political, cultural, and artistic formations that constitute the dynamic worlds of Africa and its diaspora, past and present.
The course also introduces students to theories that engage social relations and social change, the economy, the inequalities of culture, and knowledge production. While the course proceeds from Africa and its encounters, its orientation is global.
Topics include themes drawn from the humanities and the social sciences and will be taught by a rotating faculty or guest speaker who will share their unique disciplinary perspective and methodological approach to studying Africa and its diaspora.
The course will explore the relationship between theory and methods in addition to introducing students to the mixed-method approach to research. There is a long tradition of debate in the history and philosophy of the social sciences and humanities about the relationship between theory and methods, between explanation and interpretation, and over the techniques used to generate conceptually informed observations.
These controversies have influenced and shaped the way that research is designed and which particular analytical strategies are adopted. The course will therefore afford students a wide exposure to the works and research programs of different scholars working within the specified field and with scholars in critical theory of the social sciences and the humanities.
In addition to the Common Core courses, graduate students of the program are required to take 6 courses (18 credit hours) of Specialization Core courses that are dedicated to each concentration/program area. The list of Specialization Core courses for each concentration/program area are:
1. Museum and Critical Heritage Studies
Program Description
Museum and Critical Heritage Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the contemporary theory and practice of museum and heritage studies. It provides practical training across a broad range of institutions and organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, both in Africa, the Arab world, and internationally.
Leveraging the strategic location in Sharjah, one of the cultural centers of the Gulf and home to thriving cultural institutions, the program’s curriculum focuses on various aspects of museum history and theory, histories and politics of exhibition practice, collection management, museum management, and heritage management. It also covers conservation, preservation, and heritage policy, professional practice and organizations.
The program emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach, engaging with scholars, community leaders, artists, activists, legislators, museums, heritage managers, NGOs, and international organizations (e.g., UNESCO, World Bank), as well as governments.
Specialization Core Courses (18 Credit Hours)
Museum and Critical Heritage Studies
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
|
GAS 611 |
Who Owns the Past? Politics and Heritage in Africa |
3 |
|
GAS 612 |
History and Theory of Museums |
3 |
|
GAS 613 |
Decolonizing Heritage |
3 |
|
GAS 614 |
Museum Collections Management and the Politics of Exhibitions |
3 |
|
GAS 615 |
Ethics, Archaeology and Heritage |
3 |
|
GAS 616 |
Museum Management and Heritage as a Career |
3 |
2. Afro-Arab Relations
Program Description
The courses in this program area offer a critical assessment of the historical socio-cultural relations between Africa and the Arab world. It addresses their diverse historical connections and overlapping histories of solidarity and cooperation, such as the common struggles against colonialism and the emancipatory philosophies and movements that Africa and the Arab world shared. Departing from the disciplinary methods of political science that divide African studies, which evolved from the legacies of European colonialism, and Middle Eastern studies, which grew out of European Orientalism, the program area explores the entangled association of Africa and the Arab world through the interdisciplinary engagement of diverse courses that cover a wide range of themes, such as shared non-state ideologies, the interconnectedness of cultural dynamics, and the international and regional transformations in the twentieth century, among others.
Specialization Core Courses (18 Credit Hours)
Afro-Arab Relations
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
|
GAS 621 |
Introduction to Afro-Arab Relations: From Ancient to Ottoman Era |
3 |
|
GAS 622 |
Comparative Slavery: Transatlantic and Indian Ocean Trades |
3 |
|
GAS 623 |
Comparative Apartheid/Settler Colonialism: The Case of Palestine and South Africa |
3 |
|
GAS 624 |
Casablanca Group and the Monrovia Group: The Formation of the OAU |
3 |
|
GAS 633 |
Africa in the World, Past and Present |
3 |
|
GAS 636 |
State, International Society and Empire |
3 |
3. Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations
Program Description
This program provides in-depth knowledge of Africa’s historical significance, global role, and international interactions. It places a special emphasis on Africa’s connections with the Middle East and its position within the broader Indian Ocean world. The program explores themes such as economic structures, political governance, migration history, and the evolution of African diplomatic relations, highlighting the importance of understanding Africa’s global engagement.
By examining historical contexts, contemporary challenges, and emerging trends, students will gain a comprehensive view of Africa’s role in the evolving global landscape. The program aims to dissemble narratives that suggest an absence of the African voice in international relations, offering an opportunity to develop a critical and nuanced understanding of the ideas, debates, and theories shaping the study of Africa’s international relations. Topics of interest include the intellectual currents influencing historic positions on global matters such as Pan-Africanism and Pan-Arabism.
Specialization Core Courses (18 Credit Hours)
Diplomacy and Africa’s International Relations
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| GAS 631 | Diplomacy Studies | 3 |
| GAS 632 | Advanced International Relations Theory | 3 |
| GAS 633 | Africa in the World, Past and Present | 3 |
| GAS 634 | The Political Economy of Africa | 3 |
| GAS 635 | International Finance and Global Economic Governance | 3 |
| GAS 636 | State, International Society and Empire | 3 |
Beyond the Common and Specialization Cores, MA students take at least two elective courses (6 credit hours) from the list below or, as relevant, from the courses listed in the Specialization Common Cores of the other two areas, as approved by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).
|
Course Code |
Course Title |
Credit Hours |
|
GAS 641 |
Foreign Policy Analysis |
3 |
|
GAS 642 |
Social and Political Thought in Africa |
3 |
|
GAS 643 |
Government and Politics of Africa |
3 |
|
GAS 644 |
The State in Africa: An In-Depth Exploration |
3 |
To ensure coherence and a clear academic path forward, all Elective Courses must be chosen in consultation with the advisor and approved by the DGS. Efforts must be made to ensure coherence and a clear plan to justify every course selected so that each curricular step builds toward an integrated whole.
Students are required to select and complete one of the four African language courses, each of which comprises elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels spanning three semesters, and are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.
Amharic
- AMH 100: Amharic Elementary Level
- AMH 200: Amharic Intermediate Level
- AMH 300: Amharic Advanced Level
Arabic
- ARL 100: Arabic Elementary Level
- ARL 200: Arabic Intermediate Level
- ARL 300: Arabic Advanced Level
Hausa
- HAU 100: Hausa Elementary Level
- HAU 200: Hausa Intermediate Level
- HAU 300: Hausa Advanced Level
Kiswahili
- KSW 100: Kiswahili Elementary Level
- KSW 200: Kiswahili Intermediate Level
- KSW 300: Kiswahili Advanced Level
The admission requirements for applicants to a master’s degree program are specified with regard to academic qualifications, CGPA, and English language proficiency.
Key Admission Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0, or its equivalent, from an independently accredited university.
- The university must be recognized by both the UAE Ministry of Education’s Higher Education Affairs Division and Global Studies University.
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and graduation certificates for their bachelor’s degree, both attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. If the bachelor’s degree certificate or transcript is not in English, a legal translation is required.
Academic Document Attestation Process
Please ensure that the academic documents complete the following attestation process:
- Issuing University Authentication
The degree certificate and official transcript must first be authenticated by the university that issued the qualification. The documents should bear the official university seal, stamp, or other verification confirming their authenticity. - Ministry or Department of Education Attestation
Following university authentication, the documents must be attested by the Ministry or Department of Education, or the relevant higher education authority, in the country where the qualification was awarded. - Ministry or Department of Foreign Affairs Attestation
Once the education authority has completed its attestation, the documents must be attested by the Ministry or Department of Foreign Affairs in the same country. - UAE Embassy or Consulate Attestation
Before traveling to the UAE, the documents must be attested by the Embassy or Consulate of the United Arab Emirates in the country where the qualification was awarded.
Please note: The attestation process may vary from one country to another. Applicants are advised to verify the applicable requirements and procedures with the relevant authorities in the country where their qualification was issued.
Upon arrival in the UAE, students must present their original attested academic documents for verification by the University.
- If the bachelor’s degree was obtained outside the UAE, applicants must submit a Certificate of Recognition for their degree from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This confirms that the foreign qualification is recognized in the UAE. Further information is available on the Ministry’s Certificate Equivalency Information page.
- Valid passport copy
- Emirates ID and visa, if applicable
- One passport-sized photograph with a white background
- Valid English language proficiency score: IELTS 6.5 or iBT TOEFL 91
- CV/résumé
- Two recommendation letters, issued within one month prior to the application submission date
- Statement of Interest: A personal statement of 1,000 to 1,500 words covering the following two sections:
Section I: Personal Journey, Motivation, and Aspirations
- An introduction outlining the applicant’s background and interests
- The applicant’s motivation for pursuing a graduate program in their area of interest
- Accomplishments and skills that demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the program, including relevant volunteer work, professional experience, and personal or academic achievements
- An explanation of how these experiences align with the applicant’s intended area of study
Section II: Research Interests and Program Track
- A detailed explanation of the applicant’s specific research interests within Global African Studies
- The reasons for their interest in this area
- An overview of how previous academic and professional experience, if applicable, has prepared the applicant to pursue research in this field
- A discussion of the potential impact the applicant hopes to achieve through their research and how it aligns with their future career objectives
- A brief proposal outlining the research project the applicant intends to pursue during the program
- The applicant’s reasons for choosing one of the program’s three tracks
- Writing Sample: One published journal article, book chapter, essay, or thesis chapter. The writing sample should be equivalent in length to a standard academic journal article.
- A No Objection Certificate from the authority responsible for national service, applicable only to male Emirati students
- Application fee of AED 365 (non-refundable)
Important Admission Information
- Students who have been dismissed from another academic institution for academic integrity violations, as recorded on their official transcripts, will not be accepted at GSU.
- Admission interviews will be conducted in person or online via Zoom for shortlisted applicants. Applicants who meet the graduate program’s admission standards will be interviewed by the Student Recruitment Committee, comprising faculty members and Academic Affairs staff. Faculty specialization in areas related to the applicant’s academic interests will be taken into consideration.
- Admission offers are valid for one academic year only. Applicants who do not enroll within this period must reapply.
- Applications that remain incomplete after the deadline will be rejected. Applicants may reapply once all required documents are available.
Applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the standardized tests: a valid English proficiency level of an IELTS score of 6.5 or an iBT TOEFL (internet-based test) score of 91.
Subject to review and approval, the English test score requirement may be waived for an applicant who is:
- A native English speaker who has completed their bachelor’s/master’s qualification in an English-medium institution.
- A graduate from an English-medium institution who can provide evidence of
acquiring a minimum overall academic IELTS score of 6.5 or a minimum TOEFL score of 91 iBT (or equivalent) at the time of admission to the completed bachelor’s/master’s degree program. - Even if an applicant is eligible for an exemption, they must provide proof of
fulfilling the English language requirements by uploading the relevant document with their application.
Meeting the specified English language proficiency requirement ensures that applicants have the language skills necessary to succeed in an English-language academic environment.
Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements of the master’s program to which they are applying, as they can vary by program. Ensuring that all documents and qualifications meet the specifications is crucial for a successful application.
For Fall 2027 admission to the MA and Ph.D. programs:
Applications open: Monday, August 3, 2026
Application deadline: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
To access student manuals and academic resources, please click here.
Explore the work and interests of MA students across disciplines and areas of study. View profiles.
