Global Markets, Local Creativities (GLOCAL) is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) programme taught over 2 years by a consortium of 7 universities. This two-year International Master leverages the complementary and interdisciplinary expertise, resources and networks of seven universities (see below).

The programme examines how local places (clusters, cities and regions) and local actors (entrepreneurs, firms and policymakers) generate local competitiveness under global market conditions, highlights the importance of historical and social context in which economic development, public policy and business strategies take place.

There are 7 study tracks available, and you will take between 8 and 10 core and around 8 optional courses delivered as a mix of lectures and seminars, and you will study at 3 of the GLOCAL partner universities. The programme also includes opportunities for internships and industrial placements.

This programme is ideal for students seeking a career in public policy organisations, multinational corporations, international consultancies, cultural and creative industries, and non-profit organisations. Students will be encouraged to explore interdisciplinary perspectives on processes and experiences of globalisation from a place-based perspective, looking at cities, creative industries, and local cultures of entrepreneurship.

Applicants may apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship which covers tuition fees, travel and living costs throughout the 2 years of study, or may apply as a self-funded student. We are dedicated to equality in all our activities, welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and seek to create a learning environment free of discrimination and unfair treatment. We fully engage with the University of Glasgow’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies.

Learn about the GLOCAL Programme in more detail, including details of the 7 study tracks
Start the application process today

Start date: September 2022
Duration: Two years
Qualification: International Master / Master of Arts / Master of Social Science / Postgraduate Certificate depending on pathway chosen
Credit allocation: 120 ECTS
Degree award: Joint/Multiple degree awards depending on pathway chosen
Study type: Full-time
Funding available: Yes – EMJMD Scholarships are available
Scholarship application deadline: 7th January 2022
Self-funded application deadline (International/non-EU students): 25th July 2022 (for Track D – 7th January 2022)
Self-funded application deadline (Home/EU students): 31st August 2022 (for Track D – 7th January 2022)
Alternative Funding Opportunities: See Other Funding Opportunities page

  • Theoretical Grounding in International Business and Global Economy: Students will receive a robust theoretical grounding in international business and the global economy from a historical perspective, and will also be encouraged to think about global trends from a “local” perspective by thinking about how individuals, firms, cities, regions, and nations remain creative, innovative and competitive in a sustainable way. The programme approaches local competitiveness from an evolutionary development perspective that considers business and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Range of Educational Backgrounds are Accepted: The degree is ideal for students with backgrounds in social science, arts and humanities, business management, and liberal arts, as it stresses a qualitative-historical, holistic analysis of globalisation and localisation processes at the intersection of history, economics, business and cultural studies. The degree stresses the deep importance of time and context for understanding policy or strategy outcomes.
  • Internships and Practical Experience: A variety of internships and consultancy projects from industry, government, and non-profit placements are available to students in many of the partner universities to enhance their learning experience.
  • International Experience and Language Skills Development: Students will have the opportunity to study at a minimum of three of the seven partner universities so as to deepen their cultural intelligence and language skills. Language training in a third language over the four semesters is encouraged.
  • Specialist Masterclasses from Associate Partners: Associate Partners from around the world will provide specialist masterclasses or guest lectures, and make contributions to, or host, the annual summer school that will rotate among our affiliated universities.

GLOCAL Learning Objectives for students:

  • offers an integrated, international and coherent programme comprising the history, theory, institutions and cultures of global capitalism;
  • provides students with a series of perspectives on the globalised economy, including a focus on creative and cultural economies/industries, urban ecosystems that foster entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation, and business cultures;
  • enriches historical understanding and perspectives on the global economy;
  • encourages and supports students, through a variety of teaching and assessment methods, to develop high-level critical, analytical and practical skills, thus enhancing their employability in the global marketplace;
  • develops intercultural communication and cooperation skills within a European and global framework, thus developing heightened levels of cultural sensitivity and active global citizenship;
  • provides students with ongoing professional development and transferable skills (such as team work, communications and public speaking skills, cultural awareness and others), as well as the opportunity to acquire additional languages and key employability skills through work placements;
  • imparts a greater awareness of the European project and EU values;
  • provides students with a greater degree of initiative, confidence, and entrepreneurship.