This online, part-time Master’s programme is aimed primarily at professionals already working in development as well as applicants who prefer the flexibility of e-learning. It provides a rigorous academic foundation in development studies while enabling students to critically examine contemporary practices in humanitarian and development assistance. The curriculum balances theoretical frameworks with applied tools so graduates can both reflect on policy and implement practice.
Practical skill development is a clear focus: courses such as project planning, monitoring and evaluation, and disaster response build competencies directly relevant to field and programme work. At the same time, training in empirical research methods and academic writing equips students who wish to pursue research or continue into a scientific career. The programme concludes with a research-oriented master’s thesis that consolidates theoretical knowledge and methodological skills.
Designed for an international student body, the virtual classroom offers opportunities to learn alongside development professionals from diverse regions and backgrounds, enriching comparative perspectives on global issues. The programme is delivered in English and structured to accommodate part-time study, allowing learners to combine employment with postgraduate study.
Core topics covered
This part-time, online Master's programme is structured around a clear timetable and a detailed module guidebook: the timetable sets out the sequence, scope and titles of modules, while the guidebook describes each module’s content, requirements and exam type. Teaching combines synchronous and asynchronous elements — live video conferences (with camera required) and self-paced materials — hosted on the Moodle learning platform. Moodle acts as a virtual campus where you can access syllabi and grades, download course materials, submit assignments, get individual feedback from lecturers, and communicate with professors, classmates and support services.
Assessment is continuous and cumulative. Most modules use a mix of ongoing partial assignments during the semester plus a final module assessment (e.g., a final exam or capstone task). Course work mirrors what you would expect in on-campus study — reading core texts, producing research papers, participating actively in discussions, completing quizzes and other written assignments — and also includes online-specific tasks such as contributing to discussion boards and responding to professor-posted questions. Instructors typically offer personal feedback on each assignment and use forums and live conferencing tools (commonly Zoom or Skype) to support interactive learning. Some modules may include proctored exams.
Across modules you will develop advanced academic and professional skills typical of Development Studies at master’s level: critical analysis of development issues, independent research and writing, evidence-based policy thinking, and effective online collaboration and presentation. The programme’s blended online format also builds digital communication skills and time-management, preparing you to study and work across different time zones and contexts.
To be eligible for this part‑time, online MA in Development Studies you should hold a recognized undergraduate degree in social sciences, the humanities or a closely related discipline. International degrees are considered, but you may need to demonstrate equivalence with a bachelor’s degree from the awarding institution — check the programme’s admission guidelines for country‑specific rules.
You must also demonstrate English language ability. This can be done via a standard test such as the TOEFL, or by showing that your bachelor’s degree was taught in English (see the programme for acceptable documentation and country exceptions). Additionally, applicants are expected to have practical experience in development cooperation; relevant professional, internship or voluntary work in the development field will strengthen your application.
Winter Semester (International)
30 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
30 June 2026
The programme is aimed at professionalising individuals already working in development and those seeking to enter the development and humanitarian sectors. Graduates are prepared for roles in project planning and management, monitoring and evaluation, disaster management and response, program implementation with NGOs, governmental agencies, multilateral organisations, and consultancies.
Given the emphasis on research methods and a research-oriented master's thesis, graduates can also pursue research-oriented positions or continue into doctoral studies. The part-time, online format supports career advancement while working, enabling students to apply learned skills directly in their current professional contexts.