International Development Studies (MSc)

Current globalisation processes have interconnected countries, companies and people in a completely new way, and the classic division between the developed and the developing world no longer holds true.

The Master's programme in International Development Studies (IDS) provides 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 and resilience
• globalisation
• children, health and education
• conflict and migration
• (urban) governance
• sustainable development
• community-based natural resource management.

Interdisciplinary and problem-oriented training equips students with the academic skills they will need. In addition to academic skills, students also develop much-needed professional skills.

For students interested in developing additional research skills in this field, there is also a two-year research Master in International Development Studies.

Studying International Development Studies at the University of Amsterdam

The MSc in International Development Studies welcomes both Dutch and international students who are seeking to study international development issues in an interdisciplinary programme and to join an intellectual community known for its open view towards global concerns. A distinctive feature of the programme are the fieldwork research projects that students undertake in developing countries. The IDS programme builds upon a tradition of policy-oriented research through its extensive network of both Southern and Northern partners-in-development.

The University of Amsterdam is also home to the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR), a major research institute in the areas of international development studies, human geography and spatial planning and policies. More information on the Governance for Inclusive Development (GID) research group in AISSR can be found on its website.

International Development Studies as a part-time programme

Part-time study is not possible.