This English-taught MA in Development Studies, located in Möckern, Germany, centers on questions of global justice and the power dynamics that shape development practice. The programme combines theoretical foundations—such as development theory and post-colonial critique—with an emphasis on the real-world workings of the development and aid sector. Classes include academic writing and presentation skills to help you communicate research and project ideas clearly.
The course is strongly practice- and research-oriented: students complete a mandatory internship in development cooperation or humanitarian aid and write a research-oriented master’s thesis. Training in both qualitative and quantitative empirical methods, together with project planning and monitoring skills, prepares graduates for careers in NGOs, international organisations, policy, humanitarian response, or research. A diverse, international student body further enriches learning by allowing you to examine development issues from multiple cultural and regional perspectives.
Program components and key requirements
This programme is suited to students who want a critical, research-informed grounding in development studies combined with hands-on experience and practical project skills.
This is a non-consecutive, stand‑alone Master's programme delivered across four semesters and worth 120 credits. The course combines intensive taught coursework and seminars with applied experience and an independent research project. Over the two years you will move from broad theoretical perspectives to specialised research, finishing with a Master's thesis that demonstrates your ability to investigate a development issue in depth.
Rather than listing specific course titles, the curriculum is organised around core areas typical for Development Studies: theoretical foundations, research methods and quantitative/qualitative analysis, policy and practice-focused modules, and elective or interdisciplinary topics allowing specialisation. The programme also includes an eight‑week practical training placement designed to give hands‑on experience in a development organisation, NGO, public institution or related setting, so you can directly apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.
By the end of the programme you should be able to:
Programme requirements (concise)
You must hold a completed tertiary degree in the social sciences or humanities from a recognised institution to qualify for admission. Acceptable credentials include a Bachelor's or Master's degree, a Diploma (Diplom), a State Examination, or a doctorate; the qualification must come from a university, an academically recognised college, or a recognised university of applied sciences (or be an equivalent degree).
In addition to the qualification itself, applicants must meet a minimum academic performance threshold. If your prior degree was awarded outside Germany, you will need to demonstrate that your qualification and final grade are comparable to the stated requirement — check with the admissions office about how international grades are evaluated.
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 August 2026
The programme prepares graduates for roles in international development and humanitarian sectors by combining methodological rigour with practical experience. Typical career paths include positions with NGOs, international organisations, governmental development agencies, policy and research institutes, and consultancies focused on development, migration, human rights, sustainability or humanitarian response.
The research-oriented thesis and the internship give graduates concrete experience in project design, monitoring & evaluation and empirical research, improving employability for both practitioner and research roles. The specialisation options also allow targeted preparation for thematic careers in areas such as migration policy, gender-focused development work or resource and sustainability management.