Master
English
Social Sciences
Labour Studies and Social Policy
Master of Arts (M.A.)
About the Program
The "European Master in Labour Studies and Social Policy" is a double degree program jointly offered by the University of Bremen (MA Social Policy) and the Università degli Studi di Milano (MA Global Politics and Society). The program emerged from the successful cooperation between both universities within the Master Européen en Sciences du Travail (MEST) network in the winter semester 2015/2016. Students spend the first year of study in Bremen and the second year in Milan. Upon successful completion, students receive two master's degrees. The program focuses on welfare state institutions and industrial relations, with Bremen emphasizing social policy and Milan focusing more on sociological and business aspects. Both programs place great importance on empirical research methods and qualify students for research-oriented activities in all areas of social policy and industrial relations, such as in international organizations like ILO, Eurofound, or World Bank, in ministries, trade unions, welfare associations, or NGOs. The MEST network includes 14 member universities across the European Union and offers an interdisciplinary program on labor issues in the context of European integration. The program includes mandatory exchanges between network universities, with courses available in national languages at each institution. Specifically, courses in Amsterdam, Bremen, Bucharest, Milan, and Ljubljana are organized in English. Students write a final thesis that includes a comparative dimension, and the network recognizes teaching methods, evaluations, and program equivalence across all member universities.
▶ Show the original English text
The "European Master in Labour Studies and Social Policy" is a double degree program jointly offered by the University of Bremen (MA Social Policy) and the Università degli Studi di Milano (MA Global Politics and Society). The program emerged from the successful cooperation between both universities within the Master Européen en Sciences du Travail (MEST) network in the winter semester 2015/2016. Students spend the first year of study in Bremen and the second year in Milan. Upon successful completion, students receive two master's degrees. The program focuses on welfare state institutions and industrial relations, with Bremen emphasizing social policy and Milan focusing more on sociological and business aspects. Both programs place great importance on empirical research methods and qualify students for research-oriented activities in all areas of social policy and industrial relations, such as in international organizations like ILO, Eurofound, or World Bank, in ministries, trade unions, welfare associations, or NGOs. The MEST network includes 14 member universities across the European Union and offers an interdisciplinary program on labor issues in the context of European integration. The program includes mandatory exchanges between network universities, with courses available in national languages at each institution. Specifically, courses in Amsterdam, Bremen, Bucharest, Milan, and Ljubljana are organized in English. Students write a final thesis that includes a comparative dimension, and the network recognizes teaching methods, evaluations, and program equivalence across all member universities.
General Requirements
Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.
Academic qualification
A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.
Language
English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.
Typical documents
- Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
- Language certificate
- Passport and passport photo
- Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
- Letter of motivation (for many programs)
- Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)
Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?
Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:
Explore all professions →Subjects / Topic Areas
Social Policy
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How do I apply to Labour Studies and Social Policy at Universität Bremen?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Labour Studies and Social Policy at Universität Bremen
Is Labour Studies and Social Policy at Universität Bremen taught in German or English? ▼
This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Labour Studies and Social Policy programme cost? ▼
No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.
What are the admission requirements for Labour Studies and Social Policy at Universität Bremen? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).
When is the application deadline? ▼
Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.
Can I work in Germany while studying Labour Studies and Social Policy? ▼
Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.
How do I apply to Universität Bremen — directly or via uni-assist? ▼
Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.