The course programme is designed to integrate the problems of work, employment, and labour relations within their broader social contexts. The core course units focus on the disciplines of sociology, law and economics of work and employment. Additional courses deal with specific topics in the field, namely industrial relations, employment and training policies, and social security policies, and are generally approached from an international comparative perspective. The programme’s mix of a compulsory syllabus and a wide range of electives, provides a unique opportunity for both academic and professional training, enabling the acquisition of relevant knowledge and applicable skills for both scientific research and labour management at various organisational, social and political levels.

The Master's in Work, Employment and Society at Iscte participates in the European Master in Labour Studies, a university network of some of the main European study and research centres in the field. This network promotes an academic exchange programme for students as well as teaching cooperation amongst its member institutions. Students have the possibility of attending the second semester of the course at one of the other universities in the network and may obtain the "European Master in Labour Studies" certificate.

The Master is taught in portuguese, but it is possible to organise a study plan for students who do not speak and/or read portuguese, as Iscte provides a wide range of courses in english in the Master's field.

Lisa Dorigatti, from teh University of Milan, was a guest of the Master's in Labour, Employment and Society, as a speaker at a conference and in the discussion of master's thesis projects. Associate Professor of Economic Sociology and Labour Relations, Lisa Dorigatti specialises in labour relations in sectors such as manufacturing, outsourced social services and logistics, and has worked as a correspondent in Italy for the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (EuroFound).