Constructing an internationally collaborative Master of the SDGs

The vision is simple: to produce a postgraduate qualification that prepares students for work internationally in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)–focussed world of the next decade. The SDGs are rapidly coming to be used to guide and structure domestic and international policies and development frameworks. There is rapidly increasing demand for qualified people who understand not just the content and context of the SDG Agenda (and how to measure and monitor progress towards them), but also are willing and able to work in ways that are true to the globalised, collaborative and inclusive aspirations of them.

Massey University in New Zealand is embarking on a journey to deliver an international postgraduate qualification in the SDGs. This presentation will set out the rationale and aspirations, the ways we are trying to think innovatively around delivery, and outline the pragmatics of the qualification. A simple structure is being developed for an 18month, applied and connected degree structure that allows for a common core understanding of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda alongside both a high degree of specialisation, and a practical, applied element. Graduates will be well-placed to lead work globally across the broad range of SDGs themes through the development of workplace related skills and a dedicated, supervised practicum placement. Some of the constraints – institutional, New Zealand tertiary sector, and international – will be discussed, as well as ways we are seeking to overcome these issues.

As an introduction to this new programme, this presentation seeks to generate comment, guidance and possible collaborations in this space.