The Research Master International Development Studies focuses on development processes and transformations and shifting balances of power in the Global South. During the programme, you will concentrate 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 you in a variety of research methodologies and techniques to understand these processes from a predominantly Southern and internationally comparative perspective.

The Research Master International Development Studies is an interdisciplinary programme, both in terms of the outlook of the programme, its staff and the students participating in it. The programme provides you 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; 
• environment, health and education and so on.

What is a Research Master's programme?

Research Master's programmes are two-year programmes specifically designed for excellent students aiming for a career in research. These programmes include additional research methodology, skills training, as well as hands-on experience in the top research groups of the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research.

The programmes prepare students for writing a PhD thesis and an academic career, as well as for a research oriented career outside academia. 

In this video, the features of a Research Master's programme are explained by a current student, an alumni and an academic staff member: 

Student profile

The Research Master International Development Studies welcomes research-oriented Dutch and international students who are seeking to study international development issues in an interdisciplinary programme and who would like to join an intellectual community known for its open view towards global concerns. The programme maintains a high academic standard and is demanding. We expect you to devote your full attention to your studies for the duration of the programme.

Competencies

The strong research orientation of the programme prepares you for an academic career or a career in applied research. Graduates of the Research Master’s will be well positioned to apply for PhD programmes in the Netherlands and internationally. Positions in the development sector or private sector also offer valuable options as the interdisciplinary and problem oriented training of the programme equips you with the required academic and professional skills needed for these sectors. You will be well prepared for employment in international and national organisations that work on international development issues. 

Focus on research

All lecturers in the Research Master programme in International Development Studies are prominent researchers at the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), in particular in the research group Governance and Inclusive Development (GID). Within GID, there are three lines of research:

• Governance of natural resources and well-being; 
• Urban governance and resilient development; 
• and, Governance resources for human development (education, knowledge, rights and social justice). 

Electives courses in the Master's programme in International Development Studies are offered along the lines of these sub groups and, in principle, students will also carry out their  fieldwork within these fields. Students will be actively involved in academic activities of AISSR and can attend conferences and lectures organised by CERES (Research School for Resource Studies for Development).

Degree certificate

Upon successful completion of Research Master's programme in International Development Studies, students receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree in International Development Studies (Research).