Master of Science in International Development Studies

Development in a Complex and Highly Differentiated World

The world is rapidly changing; so is International Development Studies. In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced to guide long-term development policies and end global poverty. Development is no longer considered as a problem ‘out there’ in the global south. Our contemporary world faces new global concerns, such as the 'migration crisis', food security, climate change, and energy crises.

We also witness massive changes in the relative power structure in our world system. Africa, Asia, and Latin America are experiencing rapid transformations, turning traditional North-South relations upside down. Giants like India and China are strengthening their role in the world, including in international development cooperation. These ‘new’ donors argue that ‘South-South cooperation’ is different from the Western notion of donors helping clients. While development has been traditionally defined by the donor community in the North/West, governments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have come up with their own versions of ‘development’.

Over the past decade, the number of actors active in the development domain has multiplied. In addition to the traditional donors, new ‘players’ have entered the scene, including foundations and diaspora organizations. Furthermore, individual migrants and socially-engaged entrepreneurs are acknowledging their role in societal changes; many are taking responsibility for the social and environmental impacts of production activities and/or consumption.

The multidisciplinary Master's program in International Development Studies addresses current development challenges and engages with these highly important and urgent issues from a people-centered, human perspective. In particular, the program focuses on topics surrounding migration/mobilities, climate change, land governance, urbanization, and corporate social responsibility. You will study in an international environment, with peers and staff from diverse disciplinary and cultural backgrounds. A research-oriented internship - preferably abroad - is a core component of the program. International Development Studies takes prides in its large, expanding, and active alumni and friends network.

The central objective of the Master's in International Development Studies program is to equip you with conceptual and empirical knowledge as well as research skills necessary to understand and analyze contemporary issues pertaining to international development in broad geographical contexts (local, regional, and international levels).

Upon completion of the program, you will have acquired theoretical, methodological, and practical competencies. These skills will be useful for your career in further academic research, development policy, and practice sector, as well as other work fields. You will gain an understanding of world affairs and international experiences as well as analytical, communication, and project implementation skills.

Opting for the International Development Studies at Utrecht University means you will benefit from:

• over 50 years of experience in teaching and research in the field of Development Studies;
• a wealth of research and professional expertise in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean;
• a program that is ‘in tune’ and contributes to the new developments and trends in the field;
• a multi-disciplinary teaching and learning scheme that combines perspectives in Geography and related fields including Economics, Sociology, Political Sciences, Anthropology, Environmental/Sustainability Studies;
• an international learning environment, with students and staff from diverse cultural, disciplinary, and professional backgrounds;
• a well-balanced curriculum that develops students’ theoretical, empirical, and methodological competencies in Development Studies;
• the ability to personalize your study program by choosing your own research-oriented internship, upon which you write your Master’s thesis;
• ample opportunities to develop your generic skills (i.e. problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, writing in different genres, oral and written presentation) that enhance your employability in all job sectors;
• a program with long-standing collaborative relationships with foreign and local research institutions, universities, and the private sector;
• close relations to lecturers, PhDs, and other research staff members with rich academic and professional experiences, and extensive networks in diverse development-related fields;
• a large, expanding, and active alumni and friends network – a vital resource for career prospects;
• regular events organized by IDS and partners (e.g. the IS Land Academy ‘Land Governance for Equitable and Sustainable Development: Dealing with New Pressures and Competing Claims’ (LANDac)) on current and important development-related issues.

IDS graduates thrive in work fields that require an understanding of global affairs, international experiences as well as analytical, communication, and project implementation skills. Following recent policy changes at a national and international level, IDS graduates have increasingly found employment in non-traditional development fields such as the private sector.

Possible Prospects

The program trains students for careers in public, non-profit (e.g. academic), and the private sectors. Job opportunities include:

• Research positions: conducting academic and applied research into development issues in the Netherlands and abroad.
• Policy positions: preparing and coordinating policy, advising on, and planning international development cooperation (e.g. in UNDP, FAO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• Implementation positions: serving as local project managers and coordinators (in NGOs or the private sector, e.g. as corporate social responsibility or sustainability advisors).
• PR/communication positions related to development issues.

Following recent policy changes at a national and international level, the number and size of organizations involved in international cooperation have increased considerably. Consequently, there is a growing need for professionals who are able to integrate elements from various disciplines into the analysis of complex development-related issues.

Academic Careers

The MSc in International Development Studies program prepares students adequately for Ph.D. research. Many of our graduates were successful in attaining competitive Ph.D. positions and research fellowships.