International Development Studies (MID) / MSc

Profile

The MSc programme International Development Studies addresses worldwide social transformation processes related to livelihoods, agro-food networks and the environment within a dynamic international context. The programme delivers graduates who are able to study these transformation processes independently in an integrated way, in a comparative perspective and at different levels (local, regional, national and international). Special attention is given to inclusion and exclusion processes, equity and unequal access to resources.
Students can choose one of three specializations: Sociology of Development, Economics of Development, and Communication, Technology & Policy. In this specialization students study the domain from corresponding (inter)disciplinary-based perspectives. The programme is thesis-oriented with an individual research project. Students who want to prepare for a career in scientific research can opt (in each specialization) for a special track with extra focus on research competencies and disciplinary knowledge (Research Master Variant). Within the specialization Sociology of Development there is an option of a special track Sustainable Development Diplomacy. Graduates of the programme are well prepared to continue academic training (PhD) or for a professional role in research, education/training, advice, consultancy and policy making.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this MSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- analyse social transformation processes related to livelihoods, agro-food networks, and/or the environment, at different levels and in a comparative perspective, with special attention to inclusion and exclusion processes, equity and unequal access to resources;
- assess and apply theoretical and methodological perspectives from one of the specializations (Sociology of Development, Economics of Development, or Communication, Technology and Policy) to analyse themes and problems within the domain of international development studies;
- assess the changing relationships and (potential) conflicts between different stakeholders in various settings;
- design and assess research in the domain of international development studies, including formulating a problem statement and operationalising objectives and research questions within an adequate research plan;
- select and apply appropriate methods and techniques to collect and analyse data from literature and empirical research in the domain of international development studies;
- critically reflect upon the functioning of policies and intervention strategies within the domain of international development studies, including the interaction with research and taking into account different stakeholder positions;
- critically reflect upon the different roles of the specialist in international development studies, including the ethical and value-driven aspects of research and intervention strategies;
- communicate convincingly (verbally and in writing) about (own) research and project results, and their rational underpinning, with a diverse audience including stakeholders involved in the respective research subjects, policy makers and scientists;
- co-operate as a specialist in diverse (multidisciplinary) teams and organisational settings, taking into consideration the complex contexts of the domain of international development studies;
- reflect upon personal knowledge, skills, attitudes and functioning, both individually and in discussions with others, and design and plan their own study path.

Specializations

- Sociology of Development;
- Economics of Development;
- Communication, Technology and Policy.

Programme Director

Drs M.G.C. Smetsers
Phone: 0317-(4)84737
Email: maria.smetsers@wur.nl

Study Adviser(s)

- Dr S. Loman
Phone: 0317- (4)84637
Email: sudha.loman@wur.nl
- Ir M. van Maanen-Nooij
Phone: 0317- (4)82772
Email: marleen.vanmaanen-nooij@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: Prof. dr ir C. Leeuwis
Secretary: Drs M.G.C. Smetsers

Internet

http://www.wageningenuniversity.nl/mid

Study Association

Ipso Facto
De Leeuwenborch, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen
Email: bestuur.ipso-facto@wur.nl