The University of Warwick has today (13 April 2015) announced it will be offering students a new double degree in global politics in association with the University of Waterloo, Canada.

The degree programme will combine Waterloo’s Master of Arts in Global Governance (MAGG) programme, based at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, with the choice of one of ten Masters programmes offered by the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sir Nigel Thrift said:

“Warwick prides itself on being a globally connected university which provides many opportunities for staff and students to work with their peers around the globe. This Double Masters degree programme with the University of Waterloo is another wonderful opportunity for students both at Warwick and Waterloo to add a further global perspective to their studies and research.”

Students taking the double degree will spend a year at the University of Waterloo and a year at the University of Warwick, completing the requirements for each of their degree programmes with the thesis component supervised jointly by staff at both institutions. On completing the two year course of study, students will receive degrees from both Warwick and Waterloo.

“This is a wonderful partnership for the University of Waterloo,” said Feridun Hamdullapur, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, “not only do Waterloo students now have an opportunity to study at a world-class university, but we see the double degree between MAGG and PAIS as the first piece in what we hope will be a robust and dynamic research alliance between two of the world’s leading innovation institutions.”

Options for degree courses in PAIS at Warwick include: International Relations, International Security, International Political Economy, Public Policy, Political and Legal Theory, International Development, United States Foreign Policy, and International Politics and East Asia.

Professor Chris Hughes, Chair of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Warwick and Head of Department in PAIS: “Offering a world-class education means ensuring that our students have the chance to tap into quality teaching and learning with our partners around the globe. Working with schools like the Balsillie School of International Affairs enables not just our students, but our staff also to widen the scope of their research. A Double Masters degree such as this will provide students with a unique education, the opportunity to study in two very different but equally innovative institutions and to maximise their exposure to a range of academic opinions.”

Jackie Smith, Director of Administration in PAIS, Philosophy and Sociology at Warwick states: “We see this as an important step in a deepening of the relationship with Waterloo that began with undergraduate exchange. We are now working on the development of further links including research cooperation with the Basillie School and cooperation with other departments.”

Dr Trevor McCrisken of the Department for Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick said: “This partnership offers a great opportunity for students to enhance their Masters study. In PAIS we are always looking for means to expand the scope of our students learning, to provide them with exciting and innovative learning experiences and this double degree offers them a wonderful means of expanding their research, receiving additional qualification and receiving a unique education from two very strong, research-based institutions.”

Note to Editors:

Picture caption: Back row (L-R) Dr Nello Angerilli, Associate Vice President of the University of Waterloo; Dr Trevor McCrisken, PAIS Director of International Programmes and Associate Professor; Ms Jackie Smith, Director of Administration for PAIS, Philosophy and Sociology; Prof Chris Hughes, PAIS Head of Department and Chair of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and front row (L-R) Prof Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo; and Professor Sir Nigel Thrift, Vice-Chancellor, University of Warwick.

Contact: Trevor McCrisken - tel: +44 (0)7703 740 812 – email: trevor.mccrisken@warwick.ac.uk.

Issued by Lee Page, Communications Manager, Press and Policy Office, The University of Warwick. Tel: +44 (0)2476 574 255, Mob: +44 (0)7920 531 221. Email: l.page@warwick.ac.uk.

Contacts:

Dr Trevor McCrisken

+44 (0)7703 740 812

trevor.mccrisken@warwick.ac.uk

Lee Page, Communications Manager

+44 (0)2476 574 255

+44 (0)7920 531 221

l.page@warwick.ac.uk