Master of Arts in Development Studies

Universitat Passau · Passau, Germany

Level
Master's
Award
Master of Arts
Language
English
Duration
4 semesters
Study mode
Full-time
Campus
Passau
Apply by
Register by 31 May 2027
Starts
Winter semester

Universitat Passau does not publish a fee for this programme on its own. Its published rate for master's programmes is €0 a year for international students.

Entry requirements and how to apply

Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have a first (Bachelor’s or equivalent) university degree in a social science, i.e. economics, anthropology, demography, empirical social or human geography, sociology, political science, administrative science or any other equivalent degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in one or several of these disciplines. Any past achievements and qualifications gained in "Wirtschaftswissenschaften" (combined business and economics programmes) must be derived specifically from economics ("Volkswirtschaftslehre") modules. This first degree must have been obtained as part of a programme of study with a minimum standard duration of three years' full-time study. Out of the 60 ECTS credits referenced above, 10 ECTS credits (or a minimum of 300 hours of coursework) must come from empirical research methods, such as data collection, data analysis, mathematics and/or statistics. A general course in research methods is not enough and does not count in this case. The final grade of for your undergraduate degree should be equivalent to 2.5 or better according to the German marking scale , or you must have ranked among the best 50% of your cohort.
English language requirement
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.: ISE (paper edition): ISE II PTE Academic: 59 UNIcert® English: UNIcert® II IELTS Academic: 5.5 TOEIC: 785 Reading: 385 Listening: 400 Speaking: 160 Writing: 150 TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72 Reading: 18 Listening: 17 Speaking: 20 Writing: 17 Cambridge English Qualifications Business (BEC) : B2 Business Vantage Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First
German language requirement
No minimum language level required
Application period
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries For the winter semester: 15 April - 31 May
Apply through
Please check this website .

About this programme

The MA Development Studies programme enables students to develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and conceptual frameworks required to understand and navigate the complexities of economic and social development. Students enrolled in the programme gain insights into the economic, social, ethical, and cultural contexts and constraints of development. The programme provides outstanding opportunities to put theory into practice through international field research, with a strong focus on integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. The programme addresses the worldwide need for experts in the expanding field of development research as well as for project managers in international development cooperation. Who should study in this degree programme? This programme is particularly suitable for students with a first degree in social science and mid-career professionals in any development-related field. Qualified students from developing and emerging countries are particularly welcome.

Related pages

Other degree programmes at Universitat Passau