The Contemporary Challenges in the Worlds of Work WOCC Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme is a two-year international degree designed for students interested in labour studies, employment, public policy, and the social sciences. The programme examines how global economic, social, environmental, and technological changes are transforming work and employment across different regions. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students develop analytical, research, and policy skills while studying in multiple countries and academic environments.

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, WOCC is delivered by a consortium of six universities in Europe and the Americas. The programme combines international mobility, research-based teaching, fieldwork, and professional experience. Students follow a structured mobility pathway, complete internships or research placements, and graduate with multiple nationally recognised degrees awarded by the partner universities they attend. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in research, international organisations, public administration, trade unions, NGOs, and labour market policy.

Key Details of the WOCC Erasmus Mundus

Feature	Details
Programme Name	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Contemporary Challenges in the Worlds of Work (WOCC)
Duration	2 academic years (120 ECTS)
Degree Type	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (Multiple Degree)
Language of Instruction	English with study pathways including English/French or English/Spanish depending on mobility route
Study Model	Semester 1 at the University of Lille, Semesters 2 and 3 at selected partner universities according to the chosen pathway, Semester 4 at the University of Lille
Scholarship Type	Erasmus Mundus Scholarships and Consortium Scholarships
Academic Focus	Labour Studies, Employment, Public Policy, Sustainability, Social Sciences, Decent Work, Global Labour Transformations

Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information

Item	Detail
Status	Ongoing Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM)
Start Date	01 November 2025
End Date	31 December 2031
Action Type	Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM)

Universities and Countries Involved in WOCC Erasmus Mundus

The programme is jointly delivered by a consortium of six universities.

University	Country
University of Lille (Coordinating Institution)	France
Université Laval	Canada
University of Buenos Aires	Argentina
Université libre de Bruxelles	Belgium
Complutense University of Madrid	Spain
Sapienza University of Rome	Italy

Programme Structure

Year	Location	Academic Components
Semester 1	University of Lille, France	Foundations of labour and employment studies, orientation activities, collective fieldwork
Semester 2	Université Laval or University of Buenos Aires	Pre-specialisation studies and international mobility
Semester 3	Université libre de Bruxelles, Complutense University of Madrid, or Sapienza University of Rome	Advanced specialisation according to the selected academic pathway
Semester 4	University of Lille, France	Master’s thesis, professional or research internship, study trip, and programme completion

Research and Industry Links

The WOCC Erasmus Mundus programme combines academic study with practical engagement in the field of work and employment. Throughout the programme, students participate in research activities, field visits, and an internship or research placement during the final semester. The consortium collaborates with researchers, public institutions, trade unions, employers’ organisations, international organisations, and civil society partners working on labour market issues. This enables students to connect academic knowledge with contemporary policy and workplace challenges while building international professional networks.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Contemporary Challenges in the Worlds of Work Erasmus Mundus must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) comprising at least 180 ECTS before enrolment.
• The degree should be in a relevant discipline such as sociology, economics, political science, law, history, geography, psychology, management, industrial relations, labour studies, or another related social science field.
• Applicants from other academic backgrounds may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant academic or professional experience related to the programme.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with the programme requirements.
• Meet the academic and eligibility requirements published for the relevant admission cycle.
• Show strong motivation for studying labour and employment issues in an international and interdisciplinary environment.

Required Documents

• Completed online application form.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of expected graduation.
• Official academic transcripts.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Motivation letter.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Copy of passport or national identity document.
• Recommendation letters as specified in the application guidelines.
• Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process.

How to Apply – Step-By-Step

• Visit the official WOCC Erasmus Mundus website and access the online application portal.
• Create an applicant account.
• Complete the online application form with your personal and academic information.
• Upload all required supporting documents in the requested format.
• Review your application carefully before submission.
• Submit the application before the published deadline.
• Await the eligibility review and academic evaluation by the consortium.
• If selected, follow the enrolment instructions provided by the coordinating university.

Application Timeline 2026 and 2027 Intake

Stage	Timeline
Applications Open	January 8
Application Deadline	March 22
Eligibility Review	March 22-29
Interviews	March 30 – April 4
Final Results Notification	April
Programme Start	September

Scholarship Benefits for WOCC Erasmus Mundus Applicants

• Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the programme.
• Financial contribution towards living expenses.
• Travel support in accordance with Erasmus Mundus funding rules.
• Installation support where applicable under Erasmus+ regulations.
• Access to international mobility across partner universities.
• Opportunity to study in multiple countries within a single master’s programme.
• Access to research activities, academic events, and the international WOCC network.

Guidance for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate a clear academic interest in labour studies, employment, social policy, or related social science disciplines.
• Explain how the programme aligns with your previous education and long-term career objectives.
• Highlight any research, internships, volunteer work, or professional experience related to work, employment, labour markets, or public policy.
• Write a well-structured motivation letter that reflects your understanding of contemporary labour issues from an international perspective.
• Ensure your curriculum vitae is accurate, concise, and professionally presented.
• Submit complete and high-quality supporting documents before the application deadline.

Alumni Experience

Graduates of the WOCC Erasmus Mundus programme have developed careers in universities, public institutions, international organisations, research centres, non-governmental organisations, and labour market policy bodies. Many alumni continue into doctoral research, while others work in areas including employment policy, industrial relations, social protection, labour market analysis, and international development. The programme’s international mobility and interdisciplinary approach provide graduates with valuable academic, research, and professional experience across different national contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)