Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Development and Governance is a one-year full-time degree programme taught in English. The programme combines teaching in several political science sub-disciplines with a practice-oriented methodology and an optional internship with a German (development) organisation.

Profile

• Place of study: Campus Duisburg
• Start date: Winter semester; start date: October
• Duration: 1 year fulltime
• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Admission: admission-free (please note possible access requirements)

Description

The programme provides students with both policy- and region-specific expertise. It focuses on acquiring knowledge of the relevance of different tiers and forms of governance processes, both within industrialised societies and in the Global South, and on training students’ analytical skills.

Course of Study

Course of Study and Modules

The curriculum consists of four modules (Development, Governance, Research Practice, and Area Studies), and the Master’s thesis.

Module 1: Development

• Dedicated to developmental problems from a governance perspective
• Comprises two courses: Global Governance and Development, and Theories and Practices of Development
• Includes a seminar on Causes and Dynamics of Violent Conflict

Module 2: Governance

• Students gain knowledge of governance processes in industrialised and developing countries
• Introduction to basic concepts and approaches in comparative Policy Analysis
• Seminar on management and juridical aspects of administrative processes and reforms (Public Administration)
• Course focused on Democracy and Governance outside the OECD

Module 3: Area Studies

• Complements the first two modules with an in-depth study of region-specific governance structures
• Students select two out of the three courses on African Politics, European Politics, and Asian Politics

Examinations/ECTS-Credits

• 60 Credits

Admission to Study Programme

Admission Requirements

• Higher education entrance qualification
• Bachelor’s degree requiring four years of full time study in political science, social science, law, economics, geography, or related discipline
• Strong academic record
• Minimum of one year full-time professional relevant work experience at time of application
• Very good English language proficiency:
  • TOEFL: minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based)
  • IELTS: minimum score of 6.0
• Applicants whose native language is not English must provide a recent language certificate

Internships during Study

Description

An internship with a German (development) organisation is optional (during the spring break or after completing the Study Program).

Network and Careers

The programme provides students with both policy- and region-specific expertise and serves as a building block for professional careers within administrations, governments, or development organisations. The institute continuously extends its network, including partnership programmes with various research institutions and think tanks.

General Course Guidance

We offer a variety of consulting formats for prospective and current students.

Language Requirements

All classes are taught in English.

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a limited number of scholarships to highly qualified applicants from Africa, Latin America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, as well as from countries in the Middle East, within the Good Governance and Public Policy Programme (PPGG).