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 1Semester 2Semester BreakSemester 3Semester 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
10 Credits

MSOC or Elective
6 Credits		Oral Examination
3 Credits
 MSOC or Elective
6Credits		 MSOC or Elective
6 Credits		 
25 Credits30 Credits10 Credits25 Credits30 Credits

 

The co­re cour­ses of the pro­gram are:

ModuleCourseCredits
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

Following topics are covered in the program:

  • Labour in the Global Economy,
  • Politics of Money, Debt and Finance,
  • Issues of Post-Colonial Political Economy,
  • Gender and Race in Globalisation,
  • Global Governance and Development Cooperation,
  • Global Political Ecology, Sustainability and Environmental Politics,
  • European Integration and Migration Policy,
  • Urbanization and Agrarian Studies,
  • Postcolonial, Decolonial and Postdevelopment Theory,
  • State, Civil Society and Social Struggles.

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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.
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