The Master of Labour Studies is a 2-year postgraduate-level course that helps candidates in learning about the core concepts of social justice, examining the complex dynamics of labour, work, and employment. The candidates who have completed an undergraduate degree in the field of Economics, Social Science, Political Science, or Law are eligible to enroll in this course.
Admissions to the Master in Labor Studies are based on the TISS and CUET (PG) entrance exams. To enroll in this course, interested candidates need to appear for the entrance examination and undergo personal interviews and group discussions. The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) are some of the top institutes that offer the Master in Labour Studies course.
Students are also required to complete internships or projects, research methods, and dissertation writing to contribute original insights to the field. Master of Labour Studies graduates can apply for roles, such as Policy Analysts, working in various sectors, including Government Agencies, Unions, and Multinational Corporations, developing policies affecting workers' rights, pay structures, and working conditions, as well as Labour Consultants and Employment Lawyers.
- Master of Labour Studies Course Highlights
- What is a Masters in Labour Studies?
- Master of Labour Studies Eligibility
- Master of Labour Studies Admission Process
- Master of Labour Studies Top Colleges
- Master of Labour Studies Entrance Exams
- Master of Labour Studies Syllabus
- Masters of Labour Studies Course Comparison
- Master of Labour Studies: Scope
- Master of Labour Studies: Job Opportunities
- Master of Labour Studies FAQs
Master of Labour Studies Course Highlights
Below are the course highlights for the Master in Labor Studies:
Parameters | Details |
Name of the course | Masters in Labour Studies |
Course Level | Masters |
Duration | 2 Years |
Course Fees | The amount ranges from INR 40,000 to INR 2 Lakhs |
Eligibility | To be eligible to apply for the Master of Labour Studies program, candidates need to complete their undergraduate degree in political science. Also, the candidates are required to score a minimum academic score of 50-60% and have work experience in labour-related fields. |
Admission Process | MLS programs typically require a competitive entrance examination, personal interviews, group discussions, and a Statement of Purpose or letters of recommendation. |
Salary (Fresher) | INR 4 LPA to INR 7 LPA. |
Roles Offered | Labour Welfare Officer, Labour Relations Manager, and Industrial Relations Specialist. |
What is a Masters in Labour Studies?
The Master of Labour Studies program offers a broad, dynamic perspective on social justice, labour, work, and employment from a social, economic, and political standpoint, preparing graduates across various sectors.
- Master in Labor Studies is a 2-year full-time PG course focusing on Human Resource Development and Industrial Relations.
- The course aims to enhance capabilities in membership-based organizations and informal economy sectors.
- The selection criteria include an online entrance test like TISSNET and CUET-PG, a group discussion, and a personal interview.
- After successfully completing the program, candidates can work as Labour Welfare Officers, Labour Relations Managers, or Industrial Relations Specialists.
Master of Labour Studies Eligibility
The candidates are required to know the eligibility criteria of the course before deciding whether to enroll in the course:
- Candidates are required to have a Bachelor's Degree from any domain with at least 50% aggregate marks in Social Sciences, Political Science, Economics, Law, Sociology, and Business Administration.
- Some universities accept admissions to the courses through entrance examinations like TISSNET, DUET, etc.
- In addition to this, some of the institutions accept candidates with work experience.
- Many universities require a Statement of Purpose explaining reasons for MLS, career goals, and program alignment.
- Some institutions may request Letters of Recommendation from professors or professionals to assess a candidate's academic and professional abilities.
Master of Labour Studies Admission Process
The candidates are required to follow a simple admission process to apply for the course. Generally, the admissions to the Master of Labour Studies are entirely based on merit. Also, some colleges may conduct entrance exams, PI rounds, and group discussions. However, the candidates must apply according to the respective college's rules and regulations.
The admission process for TISS, Mumbai, is as follows:
Step 1: The candidates are required to apply for the CUET-- PG examination and are required to appear for the examination.
Step 2: Once the scorecard and result of the examination are out, the candidates are required to visit the official website of the TISS.
Step 3: Now, the candidates are required to apply for the program they want to apply for.
Step 4: The college will release the merit list of the selected candidates, and they will be called for further processing.
Selection Procedure:
- The selection process involves merit screening based on CUET PG scores or CAT scores for specific programs.
- The panel assesses candidates' motivation, interest, preparedness, and subject knowledge via an Online Personal Interview (OPI).
- The final selection process will have a weightage for the CUET PG scores and the OPI.
- Admission remains provisional until the degree certificate and final mark/grade sheet are submitted.
Master of Labour Studies Top Colleges
The table below shows a list of top colleges offering a Master of Labour Studies:
Colleges / Universities | Annual Fees | NIRF Rankings 2024 |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) | INR 68,000/- | Secured the 98th rank overall and 58th among universities. |
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Total tuition: INR 432
Annual fees: INR 216 | Achieved the 10th position in the "Overall" category and the 2nd position among universities in the NIRF 2024 rankings. |
Late Narayan Meghaji Lokhande, Maharashtra Institute of Labour Studies | INR 6000 | |
Regional Labour Institute, Nagpur | INR 12,000 |
Master of Labour Studies Entrance Exams
The entrance examinations for programs across the country are listed below for those seeking admission:
Entrance examinations | Course Offered | Exam Dates | Registration Fees |
TISS CUET PG | MA (Labour Studies and Practices) | March 13, 2025 - April 8, 2025 | INR 1000/- |
Maharashtra Institute of Labour Studies (MILS) | Master in Labour Studies | June 2025 | INR 700/- |
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | MA (Development and Labour Studies) | The admission process will be conducted through the CUET (PG) 2025 exam i.e March 13, 2025 - April 8, 2025. | General: INR 1400
OBC-NCL, EWS: INR 1200
SC, ST, Transgender: INR 1100
PwD: INR 100 |
Master of Labour Studies Syllabus
The table displays the common syllabus for the MA in Development and Labour Studies is as follows:
First Semester | Second Semester |
Development: Concepts And Approaches | Indian Economic Development: Selected Issues |
Theoretical and Historical Perspectives on Labour | Production Conditions and Labour in Rural India |
Informal Sector: An Introduction | Urbanization, Migration, And Labour |
Research Methods in Social Sciences | State, Globalisation and Labour |
Third Semester | Fourth Semester |
Four Optional Courses | Four Optional Courses |
Masters of Labour Studies Course Comparison
A comparison of PGDLL and MLS courses based on a few criteria is provided below to assist the individual in selecting the appropriate course for them.
Parameters | Masters in Labour Studies (MLS) | Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Laws (PGDLL) |
Duration | 2 Years | 1 Year |
Course Focus | The degree program combines theory and practice in Human Resource Development and Industrial Relations to develop skilled experts in various areas. | The course will delve into the evolution of industrial and labour laws in India and globally, focusing on recent legislation and case law. |
Course Fees | INR 40,000 to INR 2 Lakhs. | INR 30,000- INR 50,000/- |
Eligibility | A bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 50% marks. | Candidates must have completed their Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. |
Admission Process | Selection Criteria:
Written test
Group discussion
Personal interview | Merit scores |
Roles Offered | Labour Welfare Officer, Labour Relations Manager, and Industrial Relations Specialist. | Labour Lawyer, Labour Law Consultant, Labour Law Advisor, Research Assistant, Labour Law Assistant, and Labour Law Auditors are various. |
Average Package | INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA | INR 3 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
Master of Labour Studies: Scope
- Labour Welfare is a crucial field that requires practical experience in labour laws.
- Master of Labour Studies students gain this knowledge, enhancing their efficiency in dealing with long-term regulatory compliance.
- The course's breadth is expanding due to the growing demand for specialists in this field.
- With advancements in technology and increasing worker numbers, the scope of this subject offers diverse job options in India and other countries.
- Successful completion of this course can lead to M.Phil., Ph.D., and specialisation or research-oriented jobs in labour law and welfare.
Master of Labour Studies: Job Opportunities
Master's degree holders in Labour Studies have numerous work options in universities, both public and private, offering a wide range of opportunities in various industries:
Job Roles | Job Description | Average Package (Approx) |
Labour Welfare Officer | The role involves providing welfare facilities and basic amenities to ensure welfare, addressing grievances, and managing industrial relations to ensure harmonious working conditions. | INR 4-5 LPA |
Labour Relations Specialist | A Labour Relations Specialist manages employer-employee relationships, ensuring smooth communication, conflict resolution, and promoting positive industrial relations while adhering to labour laws. | INR 5-6 LPA |
Industrial Relations Manager | Industrial Relations Managers enforce labour laws, promote harmonious work environments, handle disputes, negotiate collective bargaining, and address workplace concerns to balance employer and employee needs. | INR 5-6 LPA |
Legal Analyst | Legal Analysts are crucial professionals in law firms, assisting in document evaluation, ensuring legal compliance, supporting litigation, and providing legal advice to legal teams. | INR 4-5 LPA |
Master of Labour Studies FAQs
What are the job prospects if I pursue a Masters in Labour Studies?
Job roles include Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Employment Law, Government Agencies, Research, Professor, Employment Services, Health and Safety, and Administration and Management of Labour and Resources.
What are the job prospects if I pursue a Masters in Labor Studies?
The decision to pursue a Master's in Labour Studies at JNU or NLSIU depends on various factors. NLSIU's program may be more beneficial for those interested in public policy, while JNU's program may offer specialized knowledge in development, labour markets, and social justice. Comparing the curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, location, and environment of both institutions can help determine the best fit. Financial considerations, including tuition, living expenses, and potential financial aid, should also be considered. Ultimately, the decision should align with personal and professional aspirations.
Which option will be better? Master's in hospital administration (MHA) or Master's in labour studies (MLS) in terms of low fees and high job security!
Both alternatives have their advantages since they provide distinct chances, and you must develop your interest in each one accordingly. Jobs in hospitality administration can lead to positions in large, well-known hotels, airlines, airports, etc., and labour studies can provide you with the chance to work with the International Labour Organization and the IMF, depending on how well you do. You have the freedom to choose which one piques your attention.
