International Development Studies

University of Amsterdam

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Program description

International Development Studies focuses on countries in the global South, and the challenges they face while integrating in an increasingly globalised world.

The Master's programme International Development Studies (IDS) looks at economic growth strategies, social inequalities and the ways of dealing with these inequalities at multiple levels in both rural and urban contexts. IDS is an interdisciplinary programme 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, as well as specific insights into key themes within international development processes, such as poverty, growth, and resilience; globalisation; children, health and education; conflict and migration; governance, voice and empowerment; urbanisation, local governance and social inequalities; sustainable development and community-based natural resource management. A characteristic feature of this Master's programme is a fieldwork period of roughly 8-10 weeks in a developing country. For students interested in this field of study, we also offer a two-year Research Master's programme International Development Studies.

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Admission requirements

Previous education

The Master's programme in International Development Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in international development studies (ontwikkelingsstudies), or in another social sciences discipline related to the programme.

International diplomas are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the diploma should be equivalent to three years of Dutch university education.

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

Previous education

The Master's programme in International Development Studies seeks students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in international development studies (ontwikkelingsstudies), or in another social sciences discipline related to the programme.

International diplomas are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the diploma should be equivalent to three years of Dutch university education.

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

Grade average

Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain a good to excellent level, especially in the fields of international development studies and social sciences research methodology. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B/3.0 (American system), second class, lower division Honours degree (British system), C (ECTS system), 7.0 (Dutch system) or equivalent.

Grade average

Study results obtained in previous education should demonstrate that a student is able to attain and maintain a good to excellent level, especially in the fields of international development studies and social sciences research methodology. Undergraduate studies should be completed with an overall grade average of at least a B/3.0 (American system), second class, lower division Honours degree (British system), C (ECTS system), 7.0 (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

All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of international development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 EC earned during previous studies.

Knowledge minimum

All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of international development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 EC earned during previous studies.

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

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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