Master of Arts in Development Studies

This programme builds advanced theoretical and analytical capacity to tackle the complex economic and social challenges of development. You will explore the economic, social, ethical and cultural dimensions that shape development processes, and learn conceptual frameworks that help interpret and respond to those dynamics.

Teaching combines rigorous methods training with hands-on research. There is a strong emphasis on integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, and students have opportunities to apply theory in practice through international field research. The curriculum is designed to produce graduates who can contribute to development research and manage projects in international development cooperation.

The programme is well suited to recent graduates from social science disciplines as well as mid-career professionals working in development-related areas. Qualified applicants from developing and emerging countries are particularly encouraged to apply. Instruction is delivered in English, and the skills acquired are relevant for careers in research, policy, international organisations, NGOs and development practice.

Entry requirements (summary)

• First university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in social sciences or a closely related discipline
• Mid-career professionals with relevant experience in development-related fields are eligible
• Applicants from developing and emerging countries are especially welcome
• Proficiency in English sufficient for graduate-level study

Overview

The MA curriculum is organised around a clear ECTS structure that builds methodological grounding, research skills, specialist knowledge and applied experience. You begin with compulsory foundation modules that introduce central theories and interdisciplinary approaches to development. The programme then moves into a substantial research component, a broad specialisation phase across core thematic areas, and a transfer/applied module group that links theory to practice. The degree concludes with a 25 ECTS Master’s thesis written in English within one of your specialisation fields.

Core teaching and learning goals

• Develop strong methodological competence in both qualitative and quantitative approaches through dedicated research-methods modules and a mandatory research seminar.
• Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of development theories and debates via the foundation modules and the Interdisciplinary Development Seminar.
• Achieve depth in a chosen area by taking exam-based specialisation modules across at least three of five core subject groups (Economics; South‑East Asian Studies; Sociology and Politics; Sustainability and Resources; Geographies of Development).
• Translate knowledge into practice in the Transfer area, where the compulsory Applied Development Studies module can be completed as an individual research project or as a supervised internship, giving you hands-on experience and applied research supervision.
• Demonstrate independent academic research skills by producing a 25 ECTS Master’s thesis in English, tied to one of your specialisation module groups.

Key modules to expect

• Methods and Theories of Development Research (Foundation)
• Interdisciplinary Development Seminar (Foundation)
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods (Research)
• Research Seminar and Development Studies Colloquia (Research; seminar and colloquia are compulsory)
• Specialisation modules across core groups (all exam-based)
• Applied Development Studies (Transfer) — project or internship option
• Development Studies in Perspective I & II; Foreign language modules (Transfer options)
• Master’s thesis (25 ECTS, written in English in one of the Module Area C groups)

Programme requirements (concise)

• Module Area A – Foundation: 15 ECTS (two examination modules: Methods and Theories of Development Research; Interdisciplinary Development Seminar)
• Module Area B – Research: at least 25 ECTS (includes Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods, Research Seminar, Development Studies Colloquia). Research seminar and colloquia are compulsory; aside from the colloquia, modules here are examination modules.
• Module Area C – Specialisation: at least 45 ECTS. You must take at least one module from three of the five core subject groups. All modules in this area are examination modules.
• Module Area D – Transfer: 15 ECTS. Most modules are elective, but Applied Development Studies is compulsory and may be completed as an individual research project (supervised by an examiner from Module Area C) or as an internship (supervised by the chairperson of the Board of Examiners). Other options include foreign language and “Development Studies in Perspective I/II”.
• Master’s thesis: 25 ECTS, written in English, linked to one of your chosen Module Area C specialisation groups.
• Study focus options (optional): South‑East Asian Studies, Economics, Sustainability — a focus is recorded on the final transcript if you accumulate the required ECTS in the specified modules (see programme information sheet and examination regulations for exact credit thresholds).

Graduates are prepared for roles in development research, policy analysis and international development cooperation, including positions as project managers, research associates, policy advisors and consultants for NGOs, international organisations, government agencies and think tanks. The programme's mix of field research experience and methodological training is designed to make you competitive for both practitioner and research-oriented careers.

With specialised knowledge in areas such as economics, sustainability or regional studies and proven skills in qualitative and quantitative methods, alumni can also progress to doctoral study or take up specialist analyst roles in institutions focused on development, environment, governance and regional development.