International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University offers a 15-month MA Programme in Development Studies, a multi and interdisciplinary field of study seeking to understand social, political and economic change and development.

You can apply for the following Majors. Within each Major there are several specializations for you to choose from.

 

Specializations

Agrarian and Environmental Studies (AES)

Agriculture and Rural Development

Environment and Sustainable Development 

 Economics of Development (ECD)

 Econometric Analysis of Development Policies

 The Global Economy 

Governance, Policy and Political Economy (GPPE)

 International Political Economy and Development

 Local Development Strategies

 Public Policy and Management

Human Rights, Gender and Conflict Studies: Social Justice Perspectives (SJP)

Conflict and Peace Studies

 Human Rights

 Women and Gender Studies

Social Policy for Development (SPD)

 Children and Youth Studies

 Population Studies

 Poverty Studies

 Work and Employment

 

Structure of the MA programme

The Master of Arts in Development Studies offers solid and balanced academic and professionally relevant training in theory and methods for development studies. It is designed for those wishing to start or continue their professional careers in the area of development or to pursue their studies at PhD level.  

In the MA programme you learn about the most recent theories and debates in your area of specialization. You will also learn to apply this knowledge to practical issues of development and social change.

MA students are encouraged to develop a critical understanding of major debates, theories and strategic interventions and of the skills to analyze the issues, and to design and assess interventions aimed at tackling these issues. An essential part of this process is to develop skills in research methodology, which will be applied in a research paper prepared as a requirement for the Masters degree. The 15.5 month MA programme consists of coursework (40 weeks of fulltime study, 60 ECTS credits) and the research paper (25 weeks of fulltime study, 28 ECTS credits).

 

The Majors form an important part of the study programme. The modules are closely related and are designed to give students deeper insight and a higher level of competence in their field of study. Students write their research paper under the guidance of staff with relevant expertise.

The teaching offerings are attuned to the diverse backgrounds of ISS students. All students receive thorough academic counseling at the beginning

of the programme to help them determine their study paths. The counseling, which is given by the convener of each Major, provides information about the compulsory and optional aspects of study paths. Students may take voluntary remedial courses to make up for a deficiency or weak background knowledge.

 

After the Christmas break, students take courses to further deepen their study of a theme or element of the Major or to focus on a topic not exclusively related to their field of study.

During the last part of the MA, students write a research paper. In this process, they learn to identify a research topic, formulate research questions, undertake a literature study, collect and analyze relevant data, and develop a written sustained argument linking theory and evidence. In its initial stages, this process runs parallel to the coursework. The actual research and writing of the research paper take place from June till November.

The topic of the research paper must be related to issues in the selected Major. The paper represents a third of the programme time. Much material is available at ISS, in documentation centres in the Netherlands and via the internet. Students will be required to obtain additional relevant material for their own research, such as statistical data, policy documents and, when appropriate, primary data. ISS offers the possibility to combine the research paper with an internship position to gather the information not only in a desk study but also in the field, either in the country concerned or at a donor NGO based in The Hague.

 

Academic requirements

For the MA programme and the Postgraduate Diploma programmes applicants are required to have a Bachelors degree in one of the social sciences or equivalent, comprising at least three years studies at a recognized university or institute of higher education. They must have obtained at least class 2.2 (Lower Second), B or equivalent, but preferably class 2.1 (Upper Second), B+ or equivalent.

Applicants from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan are required to have an MA degree. Professional experience relevant to the Major which the applicant wishes to study is normally expected and is a preference for admission.

 

Language requirements

ISS language requirements are the same regardless of programme.

ISS does not require a language certificate from native English speakers of the following countries:

Australia, Botswana, Canada,Cameroon (English-speaking region), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda (English-speaking region), South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

 

All other candidates must provide a certificate from either TOEFL or the IELTS

The IELTS score must be 6.5 overall for the Academic Test

The TOEFL score must be:

                for the paper test (PBT) 580

for the computer-based test (CBT) 237

for the internet test (IBT) 92

 

Important: TOEFL and IELTS can send your test information directly to ISS

 TOEFL: The ISS Institution Code is 9714 and the Department Code is 01.

 IELTS: The ISS Scheme Code is 9714.

Certain other tests, such as ALIGU and Michigan, are also recognised and should show equivalent results.

 

Fees

Tuition fees are low compared to those of similar institutes. In addition, the cost of living in this part of Europe is very reasonable, and with the subsidized housing provided by the ISS, you will find that studying here is much more affordable than it is in other places.

 MA Programme € 13,500

 Postgraduate Diploma € 4,950

 

Registration fee

Besides the tuition fee, a registration fee of € 115 has to be paid.

To take an MA course as auditor will cost you €200,- per ECTS credit.

 

Estimated Costs of Living

Costs for living expenses are approximately € 970/month, based on a moderate standard of living in the Netherlands. Accommodation will be guaranteed to those who have confirmed that they are coming to ISS by making the required payment six weeks before commencement of the study proggramme. The rent is approx. € 400/month.

Please also take into account visa costs, immigration fees and any additional funds spent on the MA study visits.

Students will receive a detailed financial statement when they are notified of their acceptance at the ISS. All fees must be paid before the start of the programme.

 

*The amounts indicated here are for information purposes only and are not intended to be binding on the ISS in any way. ISS reserves the right to change any fees or other costs without notice.