Master of Science in Social Protection
Interdisciplinary executive master’s programme focusing on designing, financing, and implementing social protection systems globally.
Best for:Best for professionals and graduates with a background in economics, political science, or related fields seeking to specialise in social protection policy, governance, and international development.
Overview
This Master of Science programme at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg offers an interdisciplinary and international curriculum for students interested in advancing social protection systems across low-, middle-, and high-income countries. The programme blends on-campus and online learning, with a strong emphasis on comparative analysis, policy instruments, and sustainable financing. Students gain practical experience through mandatory internships and develop expertise in managing social protection reforms. The programme attracts a diverse cohort, fostering intercultural exchange and networking with experts worldwide. Graduates emerge with the skills to design, evaluate, and implement effective social protection policies in various contexts.
What you'll do
- Conduct comparative analysis of social protection systems across low-, middle-, and high-income countries.
- Develop and apply quantitative and qualitative methods for designing and reorganising social protection systems.
- Analyse and propose sustainable financing models for social protection systems.
- Implement and manage social protection reforms through evidence-based interventions.
- Engage in an international cohort, fostering intercultural exchange and networking with experts.
- Complete a mandatory internship of at least three months in a related field.
- Write and defend a Master’s thesis under academic supervision.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in economics, political sciences, sociology, international relations, business administration, health sciences, public policy, law, social sciences, psychology, or a related field with at least 15 ECTS credits in social protection-related subjects.
Degree offered: Master of Science (MSc)
Language: English proficiency at C1 level (IELTS Academic: 7 or equivalent).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in social sciences, economics, or related disciplines.
- At least five months of practical experience in a social protection-related field (including unpaid internships or volunteer work).
- Strong analytical and research skills for policy analysis.
- Ability to conduct comparative policy analysis across diverse contexts.
- Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- No German language skills required.
- Applicants must submit and successfully pass a research proposal on a social protection topic.
- Open to international applicants from all countries.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
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How to apply
Deadline: 31 July (for DAAD scholarship applicants), 15 February (for general/self-funded applicants requiring a visa), 31 May (for German citizens and visa holders)
Applicants for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship must apply via Apollo between 1 June and 31 July of the year before studies begin. General applicants requiring a visa apply via uni-assist from 15 November to 15 February. German citizens and visa holders apply via Apollo from 15 November to 31 May. All applicants must submit a research proposal and proof of English proficiency.
- CV
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of at least five months of practical experience in a related field
- Official English proficiency certificate (IELTS Academic: 7 or equivalent)
- Research proposal on a social protection topic
- Passport-sized photograph
- Proof of health insurance
- Motivation letter
Contact
Allex Semba· Programme Coordinator
https://www.h-brs.de/en/sv/studienangebot/master/social-protection
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