Joint degree offered by the University of Kassel and the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR)
All courses are held in English.
For more information about the application procedure and deadlines, please have a look at the programme website: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/labour-policies-and-globalisation-master.
The programme uniquely supports global trade unionists, offering practical engagement beyond regular academic study. Close interaction such as guest lectures, workshops, and field trips incurs costs beyond the semester fee. For this reason, students are charged a one-time contribution of 1,500 EUR, which is typically covered by endorsing trade unions or supporting organisations.
With its research-oriented profile, the programme qualifies students for independent scientific work. The central idea of the programme revolves around the development and communication of practical solutions to the social and labour policy challenges posed by globalisation. This objective is pursued within an international and interdisciplinary framework. The Labour Policies and Globalisation programme provides students with a critical understanding of theoretical approaches as well as key actors and processes in the global political economy. Special emphasis is placed on issues of representation of workers' interests and social movements. By conducting a theory-driven examination of these issues and integrating practice-based elements into the programme, students are enabled to apply their insights to both practical and academic contexts.
The one-year Master's programme starts in the winter semester at the University of Kassel. During the winter semester, the students need to complete the following mandatory modules:
For the joint degree, second semester courses will take place at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. During the summer semester, the students are expected to complete the following modules:
Students are expected to write the Master's thesis during the summer semester.
Forms of teaching and studying include colloquium, workshops, internships, tutorials, excursions, and lectures.
The Master's programme in Labour Policies and Globalisation is part of the Global Labour University (GLU). In this academic network, trade unionists study, research and debate together in a global environment. The GLU is rooted in the partnership of trade unions, universities, the ILO and labour support organisations across the world. By building a network between workers' organisations and the scientific community, it contributes to the analytical and strategic capacities of labour in debating and acting for social justice.
Following the first semester, students will have to complete a six-week internship. The internships are an integrated and compulsory part of the Master's programme. They provide unique insights into the work and activities of the Global Union Federations, international trade unions, labour-related research foundations, German trade unions, or works councils of German-based transnational companies. During the internship, students will be working on specially assigned projects that are part of the global activities of the host organisations. At the end of the internship they will have to write a report on their activities.
The programme provides substantial help in finding appropriate internship opportunities.
The programme uniquely supports global trade unionists, offering practical engagement beyond regular academic study. Close interaction such as guest lectures, workshops, and field trips incurs costs beyond the semester fee. For this reason, students are charged a one-time contribution of 1,500 EUR, which is typically covered by endorsing trade unions or supporting organisations.
Semester fees range from 300 EUR to 350 EUR.
In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Kassel, it is recommended that students budget around 750 to 900 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.
A limited number of scholarships is available to students from the Global South with a strong trade union background.
Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship should inform the programme coordinator at glu.germany@uni-kassel.de during the application period.
Exceptions to the eligibility criteria are decided by the Audit Committee.
Knowledge of English language – equivalent to level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF)
For more information about the application procedure and deadlines, please have a look at the programme website: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/labour-policies-and-globalisation-master.
BA degree earned outside Germany: https://goto.uni-kassel.de/go/foreigncertificate
Students can apply for various part-time jobs or work as student assistants on campus. Please have a look at www.uni-kassel.de. Some departments also provide positions as tutors or working students.
International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose between staying at a student residence hall ("Wohnheim") or private accommodation. There are about 1,000 rooms available in the student residencies around the campus. Please have a look at https://www.studierendenwerk-kassel.de/en/wohnen/. Rent for a room varies between 200 and 350 EUR per month depending on the location and facilities. Students can choose single apartments with en-suite facilities or a shared flat with fellow students. Private furnished or unfurnished accommodation in Kassel is also available and can be found in the local paper, on flyers on campus, or on the Internet (e.g. social media).
Both partner universities have coordination offices that provide students with administrative support throughout their studies. In addition, international students can benefit from comprehensive information provided by the universities on a range of topics, including guidance on preparing for arrival in Germany, assistance with visa matters, and support for students with children.
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