International Master in Rural Development (IMRD)
- Rennes, France
- Angers, France
Master degree
DURATION
LANGUAGES
French, English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The International Master in Rural Development (IMRD) is an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree coordinated by Ghent University within an international consortium. It trains specialists in integrated rural development focusing on socio-economic and institutional aspects across EU and non-EU contexts. It uses multidisciplinary and comparative approaches. Starts in September at Ghent, includes five modules, optional internship and study across locations. Covers four semesters (2 years) and 120.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue roles in rural development, international development, policy / project management, agriculture and natural resource management, NGO coordination, consultancy / research across public, NGO, multilateral and private sectors.
This master's degree is a fully integrated and globally competitive Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree, designed by a broad consortium of European and non-European universities in Rural Development. It offers the opportunity to become an international expert on rural development in its diversity of approaches and applications. Ghent University is the coordinating institute for the IMRD program.
The course program is a high-level academic program aimed at training top students from all over the world into specialists in integrated rural development, focussed on socio-economic and institutional aspects, not only from the European Union but also from developed, developing, and transition countries outside the EU.
The goal of IMRD is to train professionals that contribute to solving socio-economic, natural resource, and agricultural challenges in rural communities. The multi-disciplinary approach, the comparative study of EU and non-EU models, a flexible study program, and the unique mobility requirements stimulate students to gain a broad perspective of Rural Development and build an international network.
It is a master's program covering four semesters (2 years) and 120 ECTS. It is jointly organized by six core European partners and nine associated partners from outside Europe.
The program starts every year in early September at Ghent University (Belgium) with a preparatory course, "BePreP," and a kick-off event. The program consists of 5 modules, with the option of an internship, each of which can be followed at a different location.
All IMRD students must spend at least one semester in a minimum of two EU partner universities. Depending on the track followed, specific additional mobility requirements may be necessary.
Students can obtain the IMRD degree through one of 5 mobility tracks:
IMRD
Erasmus Mundus track
VLIR-UOS track
IMRD+
ATLANTIS track: A double degree program with the University of Arkansas
EKAFREE track: A double degree program with Korea University and Seoul National University
EERUDEV track: A double degree programme with Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Following one of the IMRD+ tracks leads to a double degree - the joint degree: International Master of Science in Rural Development. And a second degree in Agricultural Economics (University of Arkansas or Seoul National University), Economics (Korea University), or Rural Development (ESPOL).
