International Development Studies (research MSc)

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 discuss societal transformation and development trajectories (livelihood trajectories, and urban to national trajectories). Also the underlying interplay between social, political, economic, environmental and cultural factors at multiple levels of governance will be discussed, focusing on inequalities and social justice in current issues. As a theoretical and empirical science, IDS studies development as a phenomenon that results from the interaction between diverse local and international actors and processes, within context-specific institutional environments. The shifting power balances have resulted in a multi-polar, polycentric world, where emerging economies such as China and Brazil have become global players, and where governments increasingly work in partnership with other actors in shaping development processes. This has created a need for well-rounded professionals with an in-depth understanding of the complexities of local to global development processes, and with specific understanding of theories and perspectives from the Global South.