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. The programme not only gives students a critical understanding of social transformation processes, but also teaches students to integrate and share their knowledge, include the diverging views of different stakeholders, and work in multidisciplinary teams.
Students can choose one of four specializations: Sociology of Development; Economics of Development; Inclusive Innovation, Communication and Development; Politics and Governance of Development. In the specialization part students study the domain from corresponding disciplinary-based perspectives. The programme is thesis-oriented with an individual research project.
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 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;
- appreciate the relevance of theories and research approaches stemming from different disciplinary traditions within international development studies;
- assess and apply theoretical and methodological perspectives from one of the specializations (Sociology of Development, Economics of Development, Inclusive Innovation, Communication and Development, or Politics and Governance of Development) 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 a coherent 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, policy makers and scientists;
- co-operate as a specialist in multidisciplinary teams and diverse organisational settings within an international working environment, taking into consideration the complex contexts of the domain of international development studies;
- design and plan their own learning path based on continuous reflection (both individually and in discussions with others) upon personal knowledge, skills, attitudes and functioning.

Specializations

- Sociology of Development;
- Economics of Development;
- Inclusive Innovation, Communication and Development;
- Politics and Governance of Development.

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

www.wur.eu/mid

Study Association

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