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International Development Studies – (M.Sc.)
University of Amsterdam
Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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| Application Deadline: | Start in 1 September: March (non-EEA: March). Start in 1 February: August (non-EEA: August). | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 1,771 ≈ € 12,000 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Amsterdam / Netherlands / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | February, September |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 60 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Amsterdam
International Development Studies focuses on countries in the global South who are integrating in a globalised world.
International Development Studies focuses on countries in the global South who are integrating in a globalised world. The programme looks at economic growth strategies, social inequalities and the ways of dealing with these inequalities in both rural and urban contexts. New participatory governance networks at local and national levels are among the strategies which are explored. Both environmental and social issues are included in the programme within the broader context of the strong urbanisation processes currently in the global South. Prime issues in the programme are natural resources and the management needed to provide them for growing populations. The Master's programme in International Development Studies provides students with a thorough background in contemporary theories and debates on international development, as well as more specific insights into key themes within the international development sector. 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.
Contents
Students can enter this programme either in September or in February. The programme (60 ECTS credits) starts with a comprehensive core course that discusses the theoretical foundations of International Development Studies, topical debates in the field of IDS and its applications in policy and practice. Furthermore, students follow a course in research methodology, preparing them for fieldwork in a developing country, and one elective course. The second semester comprises fieldwork and thesis writing, the latter supported by a number of thesis seminars. The written Master's thesis will be based on an independent research project undertaken in a developing country during a short period of fieldwork. Fulfilment of all the requirements should take one year of full-time study. Students who have to complete a preparatory programme will need one and a half year. For students interested in developing additional research skills in this field, there is also a two-year research Master in International Development Studies.
Thesis
The Master's thesis (27 ECTS credits) is a report on research carried out by the student under the supervision of a faculty member. In principle, candidates are expected to spend a period of eight to ten weeks in a developing country to carry out their fieldwork. The thesis should be between 20,000 and 25,000 words long. In order to support students in the thesis writing process, regular thesis seminars are offered.
Degree requirements
The MSc in International Development Studies is awarded upon completion of 60 ECTS credits, including all required and elective courses in the curriculum and a written Master's thesis, which is based on an independent research project.
Detailed course information
The complete description of all courses in this programme can be found in the online UvA Course Catalogue.
Please note that the programme as decribed in the UvA Course Catalogue is that of 2011-2012 and is subject to change. The programme for 2012-2013 will be online in the Course Catalogue as of May 2012.
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 informationRequirements
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.
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 enrolment. For more information on English testing, please see 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.
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:
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
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