International Development Studies (BIN) / BSc

Profile

The BSc 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 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. The main disciplines through which students approach international development in the programme are sociology, economics, communication science, and governance studies. After a common part that gives students a multidisciplinary basis in international development studies, they specialise by choosing the courses of one of the majors, in addition to free-choice/minor courses.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this BSc programme graduates are expected to be able to:
- explain basic theories and core concepts of sociology, economics, communication science and governance studies (with the aim of explaining issues and themes within the domain of international development studies);
- explain social transformation processes related to livelihoods, agro-food networks and the environment within a dynamic international context, at different levels and in a comparative perspective, with special attention to inclusion and exclusion processes, equity and unequal access to resources, using various disciplinary viewpoints;
- analyse themes and problems within the domain of international development studies using theoretical perspectives of one of the majors: Sociology of Development, Economics of Development, or Communication, Technology and Policy;
- examine the functioning of policies and intervention strategies within the domain of international development studies, including the relation with research and taking into account different stakeholder positions;
- formulate a problem definition, research objectives and research questions, within an adequate research design, in the domain of international development studies (under supervision);
- apply appropriate methods and techniques to collect and analyse data from literature and empirical research in the domain of international development studies (under supervision);
- reflect critically upon problems, theories and research results in the domain of international development studies;
- acknowledge the ethical and value-driven aspects of research and intervention strategies, and the various roles of the specialist in international development studies;
- communicate clearly (verbally and in writing) about the results of learning, project work and research with diverse publics;
- co-operate in a (multidisciplinary) team to perform project-based work;
- reflect upon personal knowledge, skills, attitudes and functioning, both individually and in discussions with others, and design and plan their own study path (under supervision).

Majors

- 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)

Ir. E. Meijs
Phone: 0317-(4)82977
Email: evelien.meijs@wur.nl

Programme Committee

Chair: prof. dr.ir. C. Leeuwis
Secretary: drs. M.G.C. Smetsers

Internet

www.wur.nl/bin

Study Association

Ipso Facto
De Leeuwenborch, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen
Internet: http://ipsofacto.wageningenur.nl/

Unconditional Admission to the MSc

MCH Communication, Health and Life Sciences
MID International Development Studies
MLE Leisure Tourism and Environment