Development Studies (M. A.)

Development Studies (M. A.)

About the programme

The M.A. Development Studies programme enables students to develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and conceptual frameworks required to understand and navigate the complexities of economic and social development.

Students enrolled in the programme gain insights into the economic, social, ethical, and cultural contexts and constraints of development. The programme provides outstanding opportunities to put theory into practice through international field research, with a strong focus on integrating quantitative and qualitative methods.

The programme addresses the worldwide need for experts in the expanding field of development research as well as for project managers in international development cooperation.

Who should study this degree programme?

This programme is particularly suitable for students with a first degree in social science and mid-career professionals in any development-related field. Qualified students from developing and emerging countries are particularly welcome.

Features

• Programme taught entirely in English
• Strong focus on quantitative and qualitative methods
• Field research opportunities
• A unique selection of language courses, including German as a Foreign Language
  

Career prospects

Graduates have a wide range of potential career paths within the development field, such as:

• programme managers for local and international development organisations, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community groups

• policymakers at bilateral and multilateral organisations, such as GIZ, the World Bank and the United Nations, as well as for civil society advocacy groups

• an academic career as a researcher/doctoral student

Programme syllabus

Module area A: Foundation (15 ECTS credits)

The module group ‘Foundation Modules’ consists of two examination modules that must be completed by all students:

• Methods and theories of development research
• Interdisciplinary development seminar

Module area B: Research (at least 25 ECTS credits)

The module group ‘Research Methods’ consists of modules about research methods as well as a research seminar and two research colloquia. Students must earn a minimum of 25 ECTS credits in this module group to proceed. Completion of the research seminar and the colloquia is compulsory for all students on the programme. Apart from the colloquia, all modules in this group are examination modules.

• Qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Research seminar
• Development studies colloquia

Module area C: Specialisation (at least 45 ECTS credits)

You are required to complete at least one module each from three of the five module groups forming the core subject areas. You will specialise in a field or further consolidate your knowledge by completing additional modules. All modules in this module area are examination modules. The module groups forming the core subject areas are:

• Economics
• Southeast Asian Studies
• Sociology and Politics
• Sustainability and Resources
• Geographies of Development

Module area D: Transfer (15 ECTS credits)

While you can choose most of the modules in this area, the Applied development studies module is compulsory for all students. You can complete this module either as an individual research project supervised by an examiner from Module Area C: Specialisation or as an internship supervised by the chairperson of the Board of Examiners.

The modules available in this group are:

• Applied development studies
• Foreign language module
• Development studies in perspective
• Development studies in perspective I
• Development studies in perspective II

Master's thesis (25 ECTS credits)

You will write a master's thesis in English in one of the module groups chosen in Module Area C: Specialisation

Study focus

You have the option of placing a study focus on one of the following areas by accumulating a sufficient number of ECTS credits in specific modules. For details, refer to the Infosheet or the study and examination regulations. Upon completion of the programme, your study focus which will be indicated in your final transcript.

Available study focus areas:

• Southeast Asian Studies
• Economics
• Sustainability