International Development Studies: University of Amsterdam

Course Description

International Development Studies focuses on the strategies countries in the global South are integrating into a globalizing world. Such processes include economic growth strategies, social inequalities and the ways of dealing with them in both rural and urban contexts.

The Master's programme in International Development Studies provides students with a thorough background knowledge of contemporary theories and debates on international development, as well as more specific insights into key themes within the international development sector, such as:

• poverty, growth and resilience
• globalisation
• children, health and education
• conflict and migration
• governance, voice and empowerment
• urbanisation, local governance and social inequalities
• sustainable development
• community-based natural resource management.

Career prospects

This programme is intended for students interested in pursuing careers in various areas of the development sector. Both international organisations and national organisations working on international development issues actively seek candidates with an academic background in international development studies. The Master's programme also provides a valuable foundation for students planning to continue their studies in order to teach or conduct research in development issues.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree

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.

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.

English language proficiency

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. For more information go to English language proficiency.