MSc in Development Studies

Programme overview

The Master of Science in Development Studies is an interdisciplinary social science Master’s programme focusing on problems of poverty and development.

The objective of the programme is to provide you with background knowledge and practical skills to understand, assess and work in development-related fields, whether in direct poverty reduction or in other aspects of social, economic and institutional development. You will acquire a critical social science approach and will conduct your own research within the context of the Master’s thesis. You will be trained in various social science methods, both qualitative and quantitative. You will also gain general skills like problem-solving, working in teams, cultural understanding, writing independent reports as well as conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills.

The programme offers you a wide range of alternatives. There are many social science courses within the Faculty of Social Science to provide you with deeper knowledge within your disciplinary background or in other fields beneficial to your research interests. You will be given the chance to take an active part in shaping your education by tailoring your studies to your interests and career goals, especially in the second half of the programme.

There are good opportunities to go abroad and take courses at one of the many universities with which we have exchange agreements. If you wish to work in development-related fields, you can also choose to do an internship. Previous students have worked, for example, at embassies spread over the world, in governmental and non-governmental development agencies within the UN and the EU and in various NGOs, and in the private sector.

Programme structure

Semester 1:

• Theories and Issues in Development (15 credits)
• Research Methods course (15 credits)

Semester 2:

• Historical Aspects of Development (15 credits)
• Theory of Sciences/Research Methods (15 credits)

Semester 3:

• Elective courses
• Internship, and/or Studies Abroad (totalling 30 credits)

Semester 4:

• Master’s degree thesis (30 credits).

Career prospects

The programme provides you with both the background knowledge and the practical skills needed to work in development-related fields. You will gain a critical understanding of trends and debates within development work. You will be prepared to make contributions to sustainable development in a role such as a policymaker or practitioner in government agencies, private firms and NGOs. Alternatively, you can pursue doctoral studies and a continued academic career.