MA in Development Studies
The Master of Arts in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies offers a solid academic and professionally relevant training in theory and methods for development studies. It is designed for those wishing to start or continue their professional careers in the area of development. In the MA programme you learn about the most recent theories and debates. You will also learn to apply this knowledge to practical issues of development and social change.
Critical thinking
MA students are encouraged to develop a critical understanding of major debates, theories and strategic interventions and of the skills to analyze the issues, and to design and assess interventions aimed at tackling these issues. An essential part of this process is to develop skills in research methodology, which will be applied in a research paper prepared as a requirement for the Masters degree.
Period of study
The 15.5 month MA programme consists of coursework (40 weeks of full-time study, 61 ECTS credits) and the research paper (25 weeks of full-time study, 27 ECTS credits). ISS offers the possibility to do the one-year coursework at ISS and to work on the Research Paper at home with supervision being available through the electronic learning environment.
Majors
The MA Programme in Development Studies is organized into five Majors and an MA track in Migration and Diversity
You must select one of these when you apply to the MA programme.
The Majors form an important part of the study programme. The courses are closely related and are designed to give students deeper insight and a higher level of competence in their field of study. Students write their research paper under the guidance of staff with relevant expertise.
The teaching offerings are attuned to the diverse backgrounds of ISS students. All students receive thorough academic counselling at the beginning of the programme to help them determine their study paths. The counselling, which is given by the convenor of each Major, provides information about the compulsory and optional courses, in particular about the foundation, research techniques and major courses.
Students may take voluntary remedial courses to make up for a deficiency or weak background knowledge.
After the Christmas break, students take courses to further deepen their study of a theme or element of the Major or to focus on a topic not exclusively related to their field of study.