Program Overview

Master's International Development Studies

The Master's International Development Studies is a two-year program that aims to contribute to a more just and sustainable future. The program focuses on studying development processes in a critical and reflexive manner, acknowledging the dilemmas and complexities that are inherently part of development theories and policies.

Why this programme?

• Offers interactive learning with highly skilled and accessible staff on current development themes.
• Trains students to critically examine development processes through a multi-disciplinary lens, strengthening their ability to propose effective solutions.
• Helps students develop theoretical as well as practical skills while undertaking their own thesis research (and possibly fieldwork), participating in a real-life consultancy project, and performing an academic internship.
• Prepares students to work in a diverse range of jobs, such as a project coordinator, researcher, or (policy) advisor at an NGO, governmental organization, or company.

Study programme of MSc International Development Studies

This is a two-year program that includes a variety of courses, a hands-on consultancy project, a thesis, and an internship.

Specialisations

Within the master's program, students can choose one of the following specialisations to meet their personal interests:

• Sociology of Development
• Economics of Development
• Innovation and Communication for Development
• Politics and Governance of Development

Application and admission

Interested students can find out more about the specific admission requirements and application procedures. Students who have completed a bachelor's in Technical Sciences, Life Sciences, or (relevant) Management Sciences may not be admissible to the master's in International Development Studies (MID). However, Wageningen University & Research also offers the master's in Development and Rural Innovation (MDR), which is specifically designed for students who haven't done a bachelor's in Social Sciences or Economics but would like to do a master's in Social Sciences with an emphasis on International Development.

Student experiences

Students share their experiences with the master's program and student life in Wageningen. One student notes, "I can picture myself working in challenging places in the world. I grew up with a lot of privileges in Europe, and it's crucial for me to be aware of what's happening outside this bubble."

Future career

Graduates of this master program end up in a broad range of jobs, being able to work in diverse settings with people from all kinds of backgrounds. For example, they can work in a government institution, NGO, private company, or university. The Career booklet and stories of alumni provide more information on the career prospects of graduates.