Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences
International Development Management (BSc)
Velp, Netherlands
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,530 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU | non- EU 9345 a year
Key Summary
Are you ready to make a real impact?
Do you champion equality, fair trade, and climate activism? With International Development Management, you'll become an expert in transitions toward a more sustainable and just society. Here, you'll meet students from diverse backgrounds, creating an exciting and vibrant learning environment. Our hands-on approach ensures your knowledge is current and directly applicable, with guest lectures and assignments from organizations like Rainforest Alliance. You can specialize in areas like food security, climate action, and social equality. Gain real-world experience through internships at home or abroad with organizations such as the Red Cross. After your education, you'll understand global challenges, be adaptable, and work effectively in multicultural teams. Discover how to work toward a fair and sustainable society with us and make a difference in the world.
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Funding your studies can be challenging, but there are financial support options. Availability depends on your nationality. European students can apply for student finance and a tuition fee loan from the Dutch government. Make sure to check the requirements, as you need to work at least 32 hours per month to qualify for student finance.
Year 1: In your first year, you'll dive into the fundamentals of International Development Management. You'll explore global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change, learning how these challenges interconnect. Through engaging lectures and practical assignments, you'll begin to understand the complex world of international development and start developing essential skills in research, analysis, and teamwork.
Year 2: During your second year, you'll deepen your knowledge and start specializing in areas that interest you most. You'll tackle real-world projects, collaborate with classmates on case studies, and interact with professionals in the field. This year is all about applying what you've learned to real-life scenarios, enhancing your problem-solving abilities, and gaining insights into various cultures and communities.
Year 3: In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to put your skills into practice with two internships, either at home or abroad. These internships will allow you to gain hands-on experience, work with diverse organizations, and understand the day-to-day realities of international development work. You'll also start working on your thesis, focusing on a topic that inspires you and contributes to the field.
Year 4: Your final year will be the culmination of everything you've learned. You'll complete your thesis, showcasing your expertise and research skills. Additionally, you'll continue to gain practical experience and refine your professional abilities. By the end of the year, you'll be prepared to enter the workforce as a knowledgeable, adaptable, and socially-conscious professional, ready to make a positive impact on the world.
All our 4-year Bachelor programs result in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. All study programs at VHL are accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This is the official organization responsible for evaluating the quality of higher education institutions in the Netherlands.
Work Anywhere in the World
After graduating, you'll have the skills and experience to work globally. Whether a generalist or specialist, you'll thrive in diverse teams in both commercial and non-commercial organizations.
What Can You Become?
Your expertise is in demand locally and internationally. You can work for governments, social organizations, and enterprises, or even start your own sustainable business.
Project or Program Manager
Manage projects on emergency relief, gender equality, or community development for organizations like the Red Cross or MedAir, ensuring effective humanitarian aid with your team.
Consultant or Junior Expert
Work with municipalities, companies, or organizations like the FAO and Cordaid on climate change and sustainable development, researching and advising on new projects.
Business Owner
Start your own social enterprise, researching food security, facilitating change processes, or developing innovative solutions like an app for farmers.
Lobbyist
Advocate for changes with governments or the UN, working to improve conditions for workers by engaging with labor unions and representing their interests.
Why VHL?
- Great atmosphere.
You will quickly feel at home here thanks to our personal guidance and meet many new, interesting people. From day one, you are part of a professional network of students and colleagues from all over the world. - Learning by doing.
You apply the theory in practice: besides obtaining highly valued work experience during internships abroad, you will work on real-life cases and go on excursions to companies in the field. - Study programmes with impact.
Your specific knowledge and degree from the most sustainable university of applied sciences in the Netherlands make you highly sought after by employers. - Future-proof.
With your specific knowledge and skills, you will have the tools to create a future-proof world. Our programs are designed to give you the opportunity to make your own choices. This will prepare you for a fascinating career in a professional field that really matters. - International orientation.
Exchange and internships abroad are incorporated in the study program.