Sustainability and Postcolonial Studies. Gender, Nature and History University of Kassel

Programme profile

The two-year Master's programme in "Sustainability and Postcolonial Studies. Gender, Nature and History" focuses on the ideas, discourses and practices surrounding "sustainability", which refers to the protection of our world's resources in order to ensure a liveable planet for future generations. In doing so, it sheds light on postcolonial perspectives and global inequalities. Students will explore the historical and societal origins and negotiations of current sustainability concepts, strategies and practices. By jointly examining assumptions and universalisms relating to sustainability, the programme aims to contribute to constructive debates on the future-oriented development of sustainability concepts, strategies and practices.

Our profile is unique within the German higher education sector: we combine sustainability with postcolonial perspectives, emphasising the dimensions of gender, nature and history from historical and contemporary analytical perspective.

• Critical-analytical understanding of sustainability: The programme encourages critical engagement with assumptions and universalisms about sustainability and critically reflects on previous implementations of sustainability.
• Dialogue-based study: During the programme, students work together to develop creative potential for the necessary reflection and constructive further development of sustainability concepts and practices.
• Postcolonial perspectives: The global context of the emergence and implementation of sustainability is reflected upon, and dialogue with lesser-known ideas and strategies for sustainability from the Global South is facilitated.
• Thematic focus on gender, nature and history: Joint exploration of the historical origins and societal negotiations of key aspects of sustainability while focussing on questions of power, inequality and marginalisation

Career prospects

The programme qualifies graduates for roles in national and international organisations, research institutes, public administration, development agencies, political education, consulting and corporate environments.

Graduates will have the competence to critically examine sustainability concepts and practices from a social science perspective and to understand their global, historical and (post-)colonial dimensions. Graduates also have an awareness of gender and power-critical perspectives and of the diversity of understandings of sustainability worldwide, as well as conceptual and consulting skills in the development, evaluation and implementation of innovative sustainability strategies in private and public organisations.

Programme structure

• First semester: Two introductory modules on critical sustainability and postcolonial studies provide the theoretical basis for subsequent studies. Students are also introduced to academic standards and writing, preparing them for term papers and their final thesis.
• Second and third semesters: Three subject-specific modules enable students to tailor a personalised study programme from a wide range of courses offered by the disciplines of history, sociology and political science. The project module introduces various research methods and enables students to conduct their own research project on a chosen topic.
• Fourth semester: Writing of the Master’s degree dissertation

Teaching in small groups enables intensive discussion, individual feedback and close supervision.

Modules offered

• Critical Sustainability
• Postcolonial Studies
• Gender and Intersectionality
• Nature, Culture and Economies in Past and Present Societies
• Socio-Ecological Transformations: Conflicts, Movements and (Un-)Learning
• Master's Degree Module
• Academic Standards and Writing

A variety of courses with different content focuses are offered within the modules, from which students can design their own study programme by selecting those courses that suit their interests.

Students do not complete an internship, but they gain practical experience in the project module in which students plan and implement their own empirical project on a topic of their choice, working independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

• Students explore complex questions relating to sustainability and reflect upon, present and critically discuss the results jointly.
• The aim is to develop practical skills for the constructive further development of sustainability concepts and practices.

For winter semester: Applications with German certificates are accepted from 1 June to 1 September and with foreign certificates from 1 March to 15 July.

Candidates can be admitted to programme with

1. a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree in sustainability studies, social sciences, cultural studies or humanities or a first state examination for teaching history or politics and economics with a study period of at least six semesters and 180 credits or
2. an equivalent foreign degree in the above mentioned fields with a study period of at least six semesters and 180 credits,
3. and adequate knowledge of the English language (C1 level CEFR, details below).

The examination board will admit the students following the above mentioned admission requirements. All decisions will be made based on the written application documents. The examination board can admit students provisionally and request further documents.

The semester contribution (391.27 EUR for the 2026 summer semester) includes the "Deutschlandticket", which allows you to use all regional trains and local transport throughout Germany free of charge! You will also receive discounts on meals in the canteens and much more.

To cover their personal expenses while studying in Kassel or Witzenhausen, students are advised to budget between 950 and 1,100 EUR per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, books and other miscellaneous expenses.

Students can apply for various part-time jobs, including positions as a student assistant or tutor on campus. The University of Kassel's Career Service can help you find a part-time job.

Application for Erasmus+ funding for a semester abroad is possible.

The Career Service of University of Kassel offers individual support to facilitate a successful transition from academic to the professional world. Especially for international students aiming for a career in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, reviewing application documents, networking with alumni and individual counselling. Learn more about the Career Service.

You can find useful information on accommodation, how to find a place to live, and the private housing market in Kassel and on the Witzenhausen campus on the University of Kassel website. More on accommodation in Kassel and Witzenhausen.
International students enrolled at the University of Kassel can choose to stay in a private accommodation or in a student hall of residence ("Wohnheim"). Around the campuses, there are about 1,000 rooms available in the student halls. Further information can be found at the Website of Studierendenwerk Kassel. Rent for a room varies from 260 to 545 EUR per month, depending on location and facilities. Students can choose between single apartments with en-suite facilities and shared flats with fellow students.