Program structure
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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).
Exemplary study plan
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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 |
The preliminary check is only available between November 1 and January 31. During this time, our attention is focused on students who have just been admitted; we are unable to respond to any previous inquiries, which must be resubmitted after November 1.
The preliminary check is only available between November 1 and January 31. During this time, our focus is on students who have just been admitted; we are unable to respond to any previous inquiries, which must be resubmitted after November 1.
To request a suitability check (from November 1 to January 31), please send the following documents—preferably in a single PDF file—to the program coordinators’ email address (magpe[at]uni-kassel[dot]de).
- Copies of your bachelor’s degree and official transcript
- including grades from prior and/or current university studies
- showing the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) as well as the minimum passing grade and the maximum grade required for graduation
- A minimum cumulative grade: according to the German grading system , this should be 2.5
- Motivation letter for studying GPED (in English) including the following aspects:
- A description of your socio-political engagement.
- A description of one specific problem in the global political economy.
- The connection between your previous qualifications, professional goals, and our study program
- Proof of voluntary or paid practical experience in social-political work (e.g., work certificate, letters of recommendation, etc.)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- English language proficiency equivalent to Level C1 (e.g., IELTS Band 7–8, iBT Total 95+) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF).
- Here is the link for information on language certificates: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/sprachnachweise-fuer-eine-fremdsprache.html
This requirement does not apply if English is your primary language.