231 Development Studies Degree Programs

Improve the human condition in vulnerable communities. Many communities around the world have been left behind — as evidenced by disparities in per capita earnings, health and life expectancy, political and human rights, personal security, and other measures of the human condition. This program emphasizes economic growth that is both environmentally sound and socially inclusive.

Study our on-campus MPhil/PhD in Development Studies at SOAS to realise your potential to tackle global injustice and transform the world with your research impact. As a PhD researcher, you’ll join a renowned globally diverse research community with access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.

The Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Pécs established its International Ph.D. Program in Regional Development for professionals who have collected several years of experience in their field working at national, regional, and local levels of decision-making or at think-tank organizations. The International Ph.D. The program in Regional Development belongs to the Doctoral School of Regional Policy and Economics and as such, it is a nationally accredited doctoral program in Hungary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 is an interdisciplinary and holistic program that will not only broaden student’s knowledge in the field of development studies, sustainability, and diplomacy but it will also equip them with the required soft skills for a successful international career in any of these areas of expertise. It is offered both online and face-to-face on the UPEACE campus in Costa Rica. During this program, students will analyze the different dimensions of development including, environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions as well as the theory and practice of diplomacy in the 21st century. Students will also attend skills development sessions that are designed to support their professional careers and employability. Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include governments, international organizations, development agencies, academia, and the private sector.

Are you interested in processes, identifying relationships and interdependence between humans and the natural environment, or curious about studies from an African perspective? Are you fascinated in researching and exploring practical ways of improving human conditions? If so, then in-depth knowledge can be gained from these courses that prepare students to apply principles related to environmental sciences, development and African studies. Join the Semester Study Abroad Programme today! Choose from a variety of bachelor and master’s courses, across a wide range of disciplines for international credit transfer.

Approaching "regional development" both domestically and internationally Approaching "regional development" with a global perspective and concrete actions as a philosophy. The Department of International and Regional Studies is a department that approaches problem-solving from a local (community) perspective, based on the philosophy of interdisciplinary knowledge, global perspective, and concrete action. Based on the perspective of a global citizen and specialized knowledge in various areas related to local communities, based on the philosophy of interdisciplinary knowledge, global perspective, and concrete action, we will work on "regional development" both domestically and internationally, and cultivate, and cultivate the skills necessary to contribute to regional development.

The MA in Development and Human Rights blends modern insights from the fields of development studies, politics, political theory and international law.