Social Protection (MSc) Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

The executive Master's programme offers an interdisciplinary and in-depth study of social protection systems.

The Master's programme is designed for an international audience. It invites students from all countries of origin who are interested in advancing the development of social protection systems and participating in an academic, interdisciplinary, and intercultural exchange. The on-campus and online courses offer flexibility without compromising on support and network-building.

We want our graduates to:

• gain deeper insights into the constitutive elements, driving forces, and instruments of social protection systems, covering low-, middle- and high-income countries
• know how to use different methods of analysis for designing and reorganising social protection systems
• have a solid understanding of how to institutionalise and sustainably finance social protection systems
• be comfortable using state-of-the-art management methods to implement interventions effectively and efficiently
• establish a network of national and international experts

Online preparatory courses in economics, statistics and academic writing are offered prior to the start of the programme.

Introductory online courses

• Economics
• Statistics
• Academic writing

First semester (September to February / on campus)

Students spend the first semester in Germany, where they interact with fellow students and professors, and they have a chance to visit social protection institutions in Europe.

• Module 1: Comparative Analysis of Social Protection Systems (8 ECTS)
• Module 2: Economic Foundations (7 ECTS)
• Module 3: Social Protection Policy Instruments (8 ECTS)
• Module 4: Quantitative Methods for Social Protection (7 ECTS)

Second semester (March to August / online)

The second semester will be conducted fully online and instructor-led. There will be some flexibility of combining the second semester with other (professional) engagements.

• Module 5: Social Protection Financing (6 ECTS)
• Module 6: Groups in Focus (electives, students choose) (6 ECTS)
• Module 7: Social Protection Management (6 ECTS)
• Module 8: Social Protection Reforms (reform project, students choose) (8 ECTS)
• Module 9.1: Research Methods (4 ECTS)

Third semester (September to February)

• Students will search for and conduct an internship of at least three months full-time or six months part-time. There is also the option of getting previous work experience of at least eight months, acknowledged and start with the Master's thesis after the second semester.
• Module 10: Studium Generale (5 ECTS, to be completed by the end of the study period)

Fourth semester (March to August)

The last semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis. Monthly colloquium sessions (Module 9.2, 2 ECTS) will allow for progress presentations and provide a platform for asking questions as well as receiving feedback.

Students conduct a mandatory internship. Internship opportunities will be circulated, and contacts can be established through the international teaching staff while students are expected to apply on their own and choose institutions according to their preferred subject areas.

Interested applicants for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship can apply via Apollo from 1 June to 31 July, the year before their studies begin.

General/self-funded applicants requiring a visa can apply via uni-assist from 15 November to 15 February, the year before their studies begin.

German citizens, applicants not requiring a visa, and applicants with a visa can apply via Apollo from 15 November to 31 May.

To be admitted to the degree programme, students are required to provide evidence of:

• having acquired at least a Bachelor's degree from a relevant academic field such as economics, political sciences, sociology, international relations, business administration, health sciences, public policy, law administration, health, education, social science, psychology and international relations/development as well as other subjects, insofar as the contents relating to the subject area of ​​social protection encompass a minimum of 15 credits in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
• at least five months of practical experience in a field related to social protection (unpaid internships and volunteer experience are accepted).
• English proficiency at level C1

Applicants will also have to submit and successfully pass a research proposal on a social protection topic. The layout is provided on the programme website.

www.h-brs.de/en/d5/fees

Many students have a part-time job at the university, at research institutions and NGOs in the region, or they continue their previous employment at reduced hours. Flexibility in working hours is important, as the study programme is a full-time programme with extracurricular offerings.

The programme can support several students per year with the fully-funded Helmut Schmidt Programme scholarship, awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). 

The application process is separate from the regular application. An application is made for the start of studies in the following study year. 

More information:  Application Process for the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship | Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS)

Application guidelines for internships are readily accessible on the online learning platform. Individual job counselling and application training are available on request. The department maintains well-established contacts with local, national, and international organisations, such as NGOs, trade unions, research institutions, and think tanks. Additionally, some alumni regularly share internship opportunities and offer advice to current students.

Student accommodation with the "Studierendenwerk" is available in Sankt Augustin and Bonn upon registration, but this is not administered by the university. Students are advised to apply as early as possible. In addition, it is possible to rent a room or apartment on the private market.