The
Global Labour
University
International Masters Programmes for Trade Unionists
Brazil / Germany / India / South Africa / U.S.

Development and Labour Studies

MA in Development and Labour Studies focuses on contemporary themes related to the informal sector and labour. Its main objectives are – (i) providing an interdisciplinary perspective on the contemporary themes and issues on informality and labour drawing from the disciplines of history, economics, sociology and political science, (ii) providing basic theoretical and empirical training to undertake in depth analysis of the structural changes and public policy challenges that confront the labour in the informal sector in the contemporary world. 

The M.A. programme consists of 16 courses which are taught over four semesters. Of these 8 compulsory courses are spread over the first two semesters. These compulsory courses cover broad thematic areas which provide students with an overview of the subject and basic theoretical knowledge of the structural factors that impact on labour processes and the growing informalization. Eight Optional Courses will be offered in the third and the fourth semesters. Out of the eight Optional Courses, students will have to do seven Lecture Courses (up to a maximum of three can be chosen from outside the Centre) and one Seminar Course in the third and fourth semesters. The optional courses will focus on specific themes and problems to allow students to undertake in-depth analysis of recent debates and contemporary areas of research in labour processes and unorganised sector. Seminar Courses will focus on introducing students to original research in various themes of informal sector and labour.

The cooperation within the Global Labour University provides opportunities for students exchange with the partner universities and for close cooperation with national and international labour organisations to undertake research and field studies.  Access to joint online courses and international guest lectures are a key element of cross campus collaboration. 

Students with prior practical work experience with trade unions and other membership based social movements are particularly encouraged to apply.