Inclusion Studies Bielefeld University

The MA Inclusion Studies combines Educational Science, Social Sciences and Sociology, as well as Psychology and Social Work with a clear international perspective on inclusive education. The degree programme offers academic depth and strong practical relevance. Alongside theories of inclusion and methods of empirical social research, inclusion is examined from a comparative perspective as a key challenge facing European societies and education systems, and this is complemented by insights into professional practice within inclusive organisations and fields of activity.

The programme is designed as a multiple degree: Graduates will receive three separate degrees at once.

The programmes takes place across three locations at European partner universities:

• Ostrava in Czechia (first semester, starting with a joint summer school)
• Bielefeld in Germany (second semester)
• Suceava in Romania (third semester)

All students in a year group complete the relevant semester together on site at each location; the Master’s thesis is written in the fourth semester with a free choice of location.

This MA is international and interdisciplinary in nature. At each of the three locations, the Faculty of Educational Sciences provides the core framework. At the partner university in Ostrava, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology within the Faculty of Arts are also involved.

Career prospects

The programme provides foundational skills in project and team leadership, consultancy, and strategic concept development. Graduates of the programme are trained as experts in inclusion, equipped with advanced theoretical, conceptual, and methodological skills as well as international experience.

Possible career paths include:

• EU-level coordinator
• project manager
• consultant
• NGO staff member
• conceptual expert
• researcher
• education policy specialist
• ethics lobbyist

Within the first semester, the foundations cover methodology: 

• Theories and methodologies in the context of inclusion and exclusion 1: The courses "Thinking Inclusion/Exclusion" and "Doing Inclusion" explore the topic through theoretical frameworks and practical applications in labour market integration, health, and gender.
• Inclusion and exclusion in societies 1: "Inclusion in the Context of Social Work" and "Inclusion in Housing and Disadvantaged Neighbourhoods" emphasise social work and housing, focusing on preventing social exclusion through diversity theories and systemic barriers.
• Practices of inclusion 1: The courses "Inclusive Education in Schools and Society" and "Inclusive Education: Ethics, Policy and Research" address social inequalities and supportive classroom strategies while promoting personal growth and critical reflection on pedagogy and policy.

Within the second semester, the focus is on actors, dynamics and comparatistics:

• Theories and methodologies in the context of inclusion and exclusion 2: Systematic and methodological reflections​ within the courses "Structures, Institutions and Actors in Inclusive Education" and "Dynamics of Inclusion and Exclusion"
• Inclusion and exclusion in societies 2: Focusses on (re-)negotiating inclusive education in changing societies within the courses "Inclusion and Exclusion in Childhood and Youth" and "Citizenship Education: Challenges for Inclusive Societies"
• Practices of inclusion​ 2: Contains two courses "Comparative Practices of Inclusive Education in the Educational System" and "Practices of Inclusive Education at the Intersection of Educational Actors, Institutions and Other Support Services"

Within the third semester, a psychological and technical perspective is taken with a strong practical focus:

• Promoting well-being in inclusive contexts​: Looks at the aspects "Emotional Education and Well-being Promotion in Inclusive Contexts", "Promoting Resilience through Education​" and "Positive Psychology and Education"

• Skills and tools for inclusion and interculturality: Contains the "Emotional Education and Well-being Promotion in Inclusive Contexts​" and "Applying Technology into Inclusive Education" as well as elective study contents

Fourth semester: Master's thesis

University of Ostrava (Czech Republic) and 
Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania)

Students have the option of completing a voluntary internship during their studies.

The following documents must be submitted with your application:

• Bachelor's degree certificate (may be submitted later by 15 July)
• Transcript of records from previous studies
• English language proficiency at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) (may be submitted later by 15 July)
• Proof of relevant practical experience in the field of 'Inclusion Studies' (min. 80 hours)
• Any additional evidence demonstrating qualifications as defined in §3 (2) of the study and examination regulations (SPO), see https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/studieninfo-master-inclstudies
• A short application video addressing a former defined topic. The video must be in English. See https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/studieninfo-master-inclstudies

Furthermore, please be sure to read the study and examination regulations, which govern all applicable rules: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/studieninfo-master-inclstudies.

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the University of Ostrava's application system, not via Bielefeld University.

Bielefeld University does not charge tuition fees, every student only has to pay a social fee. The social fee includes the contribution to the semester ticket for free public transport in Germany for the whole semester.

Similar fees are charged by the universities Ostrava and Suceava.

Costs for studying in Germany are relatively high due to the living expenses.

• Rent in a room in student halls of residence or a private student hall, in a room or flat comes to approx. 290 EUR per month.
• The expected costs for student health insurance and other medical fees are about 140 EUR per month.
• Depending on your lifestyle, you might spend about 150 EUR on food each month.
• Altogether, monthly costs for food, clothes, leisure activities, social fees, travel expenses, telephone bills, and the other mentioned expenses add up to approx. 992 EUR.

There are several ways of cutting expenses in Bielefeld. For example, it is possible to rent a room in a student residence for about 250 EUR, and a meal at the student canteen costs only about 3 EUR.

Ostrava: Approx. 600 EUR per month for accommodation and living costs

Suceava: Approx. 500 EUR per month for accommodation and living costs

With your residence permit (stamp in your passport), you will receive a work permit for 120 work days per year. This allows you to work 120 full days (eight hours per day) or 240 half days (up to four hours per day). This condition must be noted expressly in the passport by the authorities.

Career planning is a step-by-step development and clarification process that requires individual strategies. Based on a strengths- and resource-oriented approach, we support you in developing your own career prospects.

Depending on your needs, our Career Service at Bielefeld University will accompany you throughout the entire process or in individual steps.

https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/themen/career-service

Please try to secure accommodation in Bielefeld as early as possible. In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices. Students residences are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations, and shared flats are very common.

Offers of accommodation can be found online by following the links below:

• Studierendenwerk Bielefeld (dormitories)
• WG-gesucht.de (private shared accommodation)

The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.