International Development Studies (research MSc)

University of Amsterdam

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Program description

The Research Master International Development Studies focuses on development processes and transformations and shifting balances of power in the Global South.

The Research Master's in International Development Studies concentrates on current debates on political, social, cultural, environmental and economic issues. The programme curriculum covers these subjects at different and interacting levels of scale, ranging from the micro-level of individuals and households to the macro-level of states. The programme trains students in a variety of research methodologies and techniques to understand these processes from a predominantly Southern and internationally comparative perspective. The IDS Research Master's programme is interdisciplinary, both in terms of the outlook of the programme, its staff and the students participating in it. The programme provides students with a thorough background in contemporary theories and debates in international development studies, including key themes such as poverty, economic growth, and resilience; value chains and corporate social responsibility; children, health and education and so on.

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Admission requirements

Previous education

The programme is targeted at students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in development studies or another social sciences discipline closely related to the programme, such as human geography, sociology, social/cultural anthropology and economics.

For more and up-to-date information on our application and admission procedures, please visit our website.

Previous education

The programme is targeted at students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in development studies or another social sciences discipline closely related to the programme, such as human geography, sociology, social/cultural anthropology and economics.

For more and up-to-date information on our application and admission procedures, please visit our website.

Grade average

The programme seeks students with excellent academic records and who are able to handle heavy course loads. Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain an excellent level, especially in the fields relevant to the programme.

Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B+/A- /3.5 (American system), first class Honours degree (British system), B (ECTS system), 7.5 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

Grade average

The programme seeks students with excellent academic records and who are able to handle heavy course loads. Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain an excellent level, especially in the fields relevant to the programme.

Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B+/A- /3.5 (American system), first class Honours degree (British system), B (ECTS system), 7.5 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

Written request

All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation.

Written request

All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation.

Knowledge minimum

Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS earned during previous study.

Knowledge minimum

Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS earned during previous study.

Language test

All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

For more information, please visit our website.

Language test

All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

For more information, please visit our website.

Grade list

All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained.

Grade list

All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained.

Additional subject

The programme is intended for students who have an active interest in research and wish to pursue a career in research. Applicants should have a solid basis in both qualitative and quantitative social sciences research methodology reflected by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 30 EC during previous study.

For more information on required research method skills, please visit our website.

Additional subject

Applicants should have a solid basis in both qualitative and quantitative social sciences research methodology reflected by the completion of at least (an equivalent of) 30 EC during previous study.

For more information on required research method skills, please visit our website.

Language requirements

CAE: C1, CPE: C1, IELTS overall band: 6.5, IELTS listening: 6, IELTS reading: 6, IELTS writing: 6, IELTS speaking: 6, TOEFL paper based: 575, TOEFL computer based: 232, TOEFL internet based: 90

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