Program structure
Aim, Content and Structure
The master's degree course in Global Political Economy and Development aims to help students develop a critical understanding of the numerous theoretical approaches and practical issues as well as the broad spectrum of institutions, players, and processes in the Global Political Economy. The course also seeks to enable students to apply this knowledge in practice. Throughout their coursework, students will be required to provide inputs such as individual and group presentations, summaries for texts, book reviews and final term papers in each course. In addition, attendance and participation in lectures and seminars are highly emphasized due to the rigorous and discussion-based nature of the programme.
During the two years of the programs, students will be required to complete 120 credits of coursework which includes:
- 4 Master Core Courses/Modules (worth 50 credits in total)
- 3 Masters Special Option Courses (worth 6 credits each)
- 2 – 3 Elective Courses (worth 12 credits in total)
- An 8 Week Internship (worth 10 credits)
- Master’s Thesis and Master Defense (worth 30 credits in total).
The following timetable represents a standard structure for the Master Course:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester Break | Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
MCC I: Introduction to GPED 9 Credits | MCC II: Theories of GPED I 9 Credits | MCC II: Theories of GPED II 6 Credits | Colloquium | |
MCC III: Governance of the World Market 10 Credits | MCC IV: Advanced Research Methods I 9 Credits | MCC IV: Advanced Research Methods II 7 Credits | Master‘s Thesis 27 Credits | |
MSOC or Elective 6 Credits | MSOC or Elective 6 Credits | Internship | MSOC or Elective 6 Credits | Oral Examination 3 Credits |
MSOC or Elective 6Credits | MSOC or Elective 6 Credits | |||
25 Credits | 30 Credits | 10 Credits | 25 Credits | 30 Credits |
The core courses of the program are:
Module | Course | Credits |
MCC I | Introduction to GPED: Foundations of GPED From Colonialism to Globalization | 9 Credits 2 Credits 7 Credits |
MCC III | Governance of the World Market: Institutions and Actors in Trade, Finance and Development | 10 Credits |
MCC II | Theories of GPED: Theories of GPED I Theories of GPED II: Postcolonial Political Economy | 15 Credits 9 Credits 6 Credits |
MCC IV | Research Methods: Research Methods 1: Specialization in Qualitative or Quantitative Methods Research Methods 2: Project-Based Research Seminar | 16 Credits 9 Credits 7 Credits |
Preliminary Suitability Check
The program offers a preliminary check of suitability to students with a degree from outside Germany, to see whether their applications fulfil the program requirements and could be eligible for the program. To request a suitability check, please send the following documents, preferably in one PDF document, to the program coordinators’ email address (magpe[at]uni-kassel[dot]de).
- Copies of BA degree and Transcript of Records
- including grades of prior and/or current studies at a university
- indicating final grade (CGPA) as well as the minimum passing grade and the maximum grade for graduation
- Motivation letter for studying GPED (in English)
- as described above
- Proof of a voluntary or paid practical social-political work (e.g., work certificate, reference letters, etc.)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certificates proving the required command of the English language
- This requirement does not apply if the primary language of a former study was English.