M.Sc. International Development Studies (research MSc)
University of Amsterdam
| Application deadline: | Start in 1 September: March (non-EEA: March). |
| Tuition fee: |
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| Start date: | September 2013 |
| Credits: | 120 ECTS |
| Duration full-time: | 24 months |
| Languages: |
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| Location: |
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| Delivery mode: | On Campus |
| Educational variant: | Full-time |
Description
The Research Master International Development Studies focuses on development processes and transformations and shifting balances of power in the Global South.
The Research Master International Development Studies focuses on development processes and transformations and shifting balances of power in the Global South.
The Research Master's in International Development Studies concentrates on current debates on political, social, cultural, environmental and economic issues. The programme curriculum covers these subjects at different and interacting levels of scale, ranging from the micro-level of individuals and households to the macro-level of states. The programme trains students in a variety of research methodologies and techniques to understand these processes from a predominantly Southern and internationally comparative perspective. The IDS Research Master's programme is interdisciplinary, both in terms of the outlook of the programme, its staff and the students participating in it. The programme provides students with a thorough background in contemporary theories and debates in international development studies, including key themes such as poverty, economic growth, and resilience; value chains and corporate social responsibility; children, health and education and so on.
The Research Master's in International Development Studies concentrates on current debates on political, social, cultural, environmental and economic issues. The programme curriculum covers these subjects at different and interacting levels of scale, ranging from the micro-level of individuals and households to the macro-level of states. The programme trains students in a variety of research methodologies and techniques to understand these processes from a predominantly Southern and internationally comparative perspective. The IDS Research Master's programme is interdisciplinary, both in terms of the outlook of the programme, its staff and the students participating in it. The programme provides students with a thorough background in contemporary theories and debates in international development studies, including key themes such as poverty, economic growth, and resilience; value chains and corporate social responsibility; children, health and education and so on.
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.
Requirements
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.
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.
Grade list: All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained.
Knowledge minimum: Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS earned during previous study.
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. For more information, please visit our website.
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. For more and up-to-date information on our application and admission procedures, please visit our website.
Written request: All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation.
Additional subject: 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.
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.
Grade list: All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained.
Knowledge minimum: Applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of development studies of at least (an equivalent of) 30 ECTS earned during previous study.
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. For more information, please visit our website.
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. For more and up-to-date information on our application and admission procedures, please visit our website.
Written request: All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation.
Additional language requirements:
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C1
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- IELTS listening: 6
- IELTS reading: 6
- IELTS writing: 6
- IELTS speaking: 6
- TOEFL paper based: 575
- TOEFL computer based: 232
- TOEFL internet based: 90
English Language Requirements
| IELTS band: | 6.5 |
| CAE score: | 60(Grade A) |
| TOEFL paper-based test score: | 575 |
| TOEFL computer-based test score: | 232 |
| TOEFL internet-based test score: | 90 |
Funding
Scholarships / Grants:
Neso Indonesia:\r\nStuNed 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.\r\nFor additional information: Website
Fulbright/ NAF:\r\nThe 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.\r\nFor additional information: Website
The University of Amsterdam:\r\nThe 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\r\nFor additional information: Website
U.S. Department of Education:\r\nLoans are no longer being made under this program. All new loans will be made under the Direct Loan program.\r\nFor additional information: Website
:\r\nStudents from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website. \r\nFor additional information: Website
:\r\nJean 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.\r\nFor additional information: Website
Accreditation
Accredited by: NVAO in: Netherlands
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