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International Development Studies (research MSc) – (M.Sc.)

University of Amsterdam

Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Application Deadline: Start in 1 September: March (non-EEA: March).
Annual Tuition Fee: ≈ € 1,771 ≈ € 12,000 (non-EEA)
Location: Amsterdam / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴
Duration: 24 months Start Date: September
Educational Form:
  • Research
Education Variants:
  • Fulltime
Credits (ECTS): 120
Languages: English 
4.8946758,52.3689824

Location of University of Amsterdam

The Research Master in International Development Studies provides academic training at in the subject areas concerned, as well as in research methodologies and skills.

The Research Master's in International Development Studies provides students with an academic training at an advanced level in international development studies and its research, methodologies and skills. It aims to prepare students for an academic career or a career in applied research. It allows students to tailor their studies to their individual interests, both thematically and regionally. A special feature of this Research Master's programme is a fieldwork project of roughly three months in a developing country. Fieldwork projects can be undertaken within the framework of ongoing research of staff members. In that way, students become part of the dynamic academic environment of the institute. This programme is characterised by students participating in academic meetings of the research group Governance for Inclusive Development at the AISSR (Amsterdam Institute for Social Sciences Research). Conducting independent academic research in a developing country and reporting on the results in a thesis and research article constitute a major part of the curriculum. Students can also opt for a variety of specialist courses in both the disciplines concerned and in related fields.


Contents

This two-year programme offers a range of specialised courses mainly emphasising state-of-the art theories and approaches towards international development studies. Next to two required thematic courses, students can choose from a wide range of thematic electives. Much attention is also devoted to research design, quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques and epistemology. During the later stages of the programme, students conduct sustained independent study on a topic related to international development. After completion of the Master's thesis, students also write a research article together with a member of staff of AISSR. The programme is completed with a portfolio which prepares students for their professional career after graduation.

Thesis

The research MSc programme concludes with a Master's thesis and a Research Article. The thesis is based on an individual research project completed during the second year of the programme. The fieldwork for this research takes place in a developing country in Latin America, Africa or Asia. Students obtain the skills necessary to adapt their research project into an article that meets the requirements for submission to a scientific journal.

Degree requirements

The research MSc in International Development Studies is awarded upon completion of 120 ECTS credits, including all required courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis, which is based on an independent research project.

You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.

Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.

More information

Requirements

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.

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. Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 EC earned during previous study. For more and up-to-date information on our application and admission procedures, please visit our website.

Additional subject: Research interest and methodology 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.

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. Applicants who are nationals of countries other than the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland or New Zealand are required to submit an English test score that meets specific requirements. Inability to do so will prevent enrollment. For more information, please visit our website.

Additional language requirements:

  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1
  • IELTS overall band: 6.5
  • TOEFL paper based: 575
  • TOEFL computer based: 232
  • TOEFL internet based: 90

Additional Requirements

Minimal degree required: Bachelor's degree
Minimal amount of work experience Not specified

Language Proficiency

IELTS Band: 6.5
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Grade A (Score: 80)
TOEFL Paper-based: 575
TOEFL Computer-based: 232
TOEFL Internet-based: 90

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands

Funding details

Scholarships / Grants:

Neso Indonesia:
StuNed Scholarships for Master studies, short courses and customized training programmes are available for Indonesian professionals with at least two years work experience in a development-related organization.
For additional information: Website

Fulbright/ NAF:
The Fulbright Center is a bi-national, non-profit organization established by international agreement between the United States of America and the Kingdom of The Netherlands. It promotes educational co-operation and provides information on study, research and internships in the United States.
For additional information: Website

The University of Amsterdam:
The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast
For additional information: Website

U.S. Department of Education:
Loans are no longer being made under this program. All new loans will be made under the Direct Loan program.
For additional information: Website

:
Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website.
For additional information: Website

:
Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme, which has been implemented for 20 years and aims to support Turkey's administrative capacity building efforts for the effective implementation of the EU acquis, is the most prestigious scholarship programme in Turkey.
For additional information: Website


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