What the programme entails
The MA in Development Studies is a one-year, 60-EC programme that combines 40 EC of coursework with a 20 EC thesis, completed within 12 months.
Your academic year is divided into four 10-week blocks. Each block includes eight weeks of classes, followed by a week of exams and assignments, and a final week dedicated to extracurricular activities.
Diagnostic tests
In the first weeks, all students take:
- An English academic writing test
- A numeracy and quantitative skills test
These help you identify areas for academic support.
Block 1
You’ll start the programme with three core courses:
- Histories and Theories of Development
- Grand Challenges and Societal Transformations
- Doing Development Research
Block 2 and 3
The MA in Development Studies is built around flexibility and choice. Students can shape a clear academic direction by selecting thematically connected electives and aligning their thesis with the same field.
To help you visualise your options, we highlight a number of thematic pathways in the table below. These are guiding examples, not fixed programmes. You remain free to combine electives across different themes and thereby compose your own study programme.
Development Economics pathway |
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Suggested electives (choose 2):
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Environment pathway |
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Suggested electives (choose 2):
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Politics & Governance pathway |
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Suggested electives (choose 2):
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Social Innovation pathway |
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Suggested electives (choose 2):
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Social Justice pathway |
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Suggested electives (choose 2):
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Governance of Migration and Diversity track |
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| Students can also specialize by taking the Governance of Migration and Diversity track which is part of ajoint programme of the Centre on Governance of Migration and Diversity founded by Leiden University, Delft University and Erasmus University (LDE). |
For more information on each of the electives above, please visit our Elective information page.
In the second and third blocks, you’ll choose from a range of elective and research methodology courses, allowing you to tailor your studies to your own interests and apply your learning to real-world cases of development and social change.
Thesis
The thesis is the final and most significant part of the MA in Development Studies. At the start of the programme, you’ll receive a list of thesis topics available for the academic year.
During the Thesis Market in Block 1, you’ll have the chance to meet staff, explore topics, and discuss related coursework to help shape your research direction.
You can choose between theory-oriented and practice-oriented theses:
A theory-oriented thesis emphasizes critical engagement with academic literature and conceptual analysis.
A practice-oriented thesis integrates the same theoretical and analytical components with practical experience, such as a practice-oriented assignment commissioned by a development practitioner organization.
This final project allows you to apply your knowledge, develop independent research skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the field of development studies.
Some examples of topics:
- Queer Feminist Approaches to Conflict and Peace
- The Global South in the Changing International Order
- The Emerging Platform Economy: Transforming or reinforcing inequalities in the world of work?
- Evaluating School Feeding Programs– a quantitative analysis
- The future of international cooperation to address global challenges – with a practical component at the Dutch ministry of Foreign Affairs
Extracurricular activities
At the end of Blocks 1, 2, and 3, you’ll enjoy a week designed to relax, recharge, and broaden your horizons.
Take part in study trips to international organisations based in The Hague, join seminars and debates, and participate in skills workshops that help you connect your studies to real-world practice and professional development.