Get a development studies degree

The aim of the program Development Studies and Foresight is to prepare foresight-focused professionals for careers in environment and development policy and practice. The duration of the program is 2 years. Students will be awarded the title of “Magister”, abbreviated as “Mgr.” which is equivalent to the Master of Science (M.Sc.). This program has 3 specializations - Foresight, International Development Studies and Global Development Policy (joint master degree, with University of Clermont Auvergne, University of Pavia).

Glocal International Development is an innovative, interdisciplinary 18-month M.A. program that aims to effectively translate academic research into practical understanding conducive to work with communities and development organizations across the globe.

With this Development Studies MA you will be encouraged to reflect directly on how questions of social justice should be connected to the theory and practice of development, and about race, class, gender and other identities. You’ll use this concept of social justice to investigate the legitimacy of power relations that shape social, political, and economic inequalities between different regions, states, groups and individuals.

Gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to become a social development practitioner. This course addresses the increasing focus on social aspects of development in policy, planning and practice.

The Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES) is a unique and international advanced Master programme that provides a broad interdisciplinary platform to address development issues and social transformations from an anthropological perspective. The programme brings together students and professionals from all over the world who are involved or interested in social, educational, emancipatory or policy work in the development, or, more broadly, the social sector.

This course focuses on social issues with an international dimension such as humanitarian aid, forced migration, human rights, social justice and social enterprise. In addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, you develop practical skills – such as advocacy and intercultural competence – so you can work effectively with communities and individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, in the UK and abroad. The course also exposes you to innovative approaches to enhancing and decolonising international social welfare and development, with case studies from across the globe.

The Doctoral study program comprises a thesis written under supervision that makes an original contribution to the field of Development Studies on a topic selected in consultation with the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies. A Doctoral defense (of the proposal and the thesis) is required in accordance with the regulations of the Faculty of Humanities. An article ready for publication on the thesis content is also required.

The PhD in Development Studies by Research is IDS’s advanced research degree. It is awarded to candidates after a minimum of three years study, based on completion of original and significant research in the field of Development Studies – which is assessed through a written thesis.

Explore development studies and data analytics through real-world research issues.

Global and Development Studies (GLAD) is an interdisciplinary program, which aims to equip students with a fundamental understanding of processes of globalization in various spheres of human activity: law, politics, economy, history, social relations, culture, and communication. Students gain core knowledge of the very phenomena of globalization and international development as well as specialize in their various aspects and influence they have on the contemporary world. The program is structured in such a way that it allows students to focus either on a selected part of the world, or specific global problems and challenges.

Communication for Development (ComDev) is an interdisciplinary field combining studies on culture, media, communication, and development. ComDev explores communication within contexts of articulating global and local processes of social change. This is a half-time study programme, combining courses on culture, communication, and development and integrating them with practical fieldwork. It explores the use of communication - both as a tool and as a way of expressing processes of social change - within the context of globalisation.

Confront the challenges of achieving just and sustainable development outcomes. Address issues in development policy and debate with experts in anthropology, international relations, political economy, linguistics, public health, human geography, economics and sociology. Benefit from workshops, seminars and conferences in a research-driven environment and industry connections.

The Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy, offered by UPEACE in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), is an interdisciplinary program designed to enhance students' understanding of development, sustainability, and diplomacy while equipping them with essential soft skills for a successful international career. Offered online, the curriculum explores various dimensions of development—environmental, social, economic, and human—along with contemporary diplomatic practices. Students will benefit from skills development and coaching sessions tailored to enhance their professional prospects across diverse sectors, including governments, international organizations, and academia. Additionally, participants can opt for a field visit to Geneva or The Hague, providing a unique immersion in the realms of diplomacy and international law.

The International Development Studies program grounds international development practitioners in the theories, policies, and skills necessary for operating at the forefront of the field. The curriculum leverages a combination of field-based research, studies in cultural contexts and ethics, and innovative practices to develop your marketable skills and experience.

The master's programme in Globalisation and Development Studies focuses on how globalisation dynamics affect developing areas. You will gain a sound understanding of the theory, issues and research methods pertaining to globalisation and development. This will prepare you to work for universities, NGO's or governmental organisations.

With the global demand for development specialists, the International Politics and Development Studies program, being one of the rare BA level programs of its kind in Europe (and practically sole in Eastern Europe) is unique in that it, in addition to providing classical Political Science education, lays fundamentals of development and international relations theories and practice, all this with a focus on one of the developing regions.