Overview

Students enrolled in the programme gain insights into the economic, social, ethical, and cultural contexts and constraints of development. The programme provides outstanding opportunities to put theory into practice through international field research, with a strong focus on integrating quantitative and qualitative methods.

The programme addresses the worldwide need for experts in the expanding field of development research as well as for project managers in international development cooperation.

Who should study this degree programme?

This Development Studies programme from University of Passau is particularly suitable for students with a first degree in social science and mid-career professionals in any development-related field. Qualified students from developing and emerging countries are particularly welcome.

Career prospects

Graduates have a wide range of potential career paths within the development field, such as:

programme managers for local and international development organisations, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community groups
policymakers at bilateral and multilateral organisations, such as GIZ, the World Bank and the United Nations, as well as for civil society advocacy groups
an academic career as a researcher/doctoral student

Programme Structure

Module area A: Foundation (15 ECTS)

Methods and theories of development research
Interdisciplinary development seminar

Module area B: Research (at least 25 ECTS)

Qualitative and quantitative research methods
Research seminar
Development studies colloquia

Module area C: Specialisation (at least 45 ECTS)

At least one module from three out of these five groups:

Economics
Southeast Asian Studies
Sociology and Politics
Sustainability and Resources
Geographies of Development

Module area D: Transfer (15 ECTS)

Applied development studies (compulsory)
Foreign language module
Development studies in perspective
Development studies in perspective I
Development studies in perspective II

Master's thesis (25 ECTS)

You will write a thesis in English on a topic from module area C: Specialisation

Study focus

You have th eoption of choosing one of the following as a study focus that is listed in your final transcript:

Southeast Asian Studies
Economics
Sustainability

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Passau, Germany

Disciplines

International Development Social Policy Asian studies View 7 other Masters in Social Policy in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A first (bachelor’s or equivalent) university degree in a social science, i.e. economics, anthropology, demography, empirical social or human geography, sociology, political science, administrative science or any other equivalent degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in one or several of these disciplines.
Any past achievements and qualifications gained in 'Wirtschaftswissenschaften' (combined business and economics programmes) must be derived specifically from economics ('Volkswirtschaftslehre') modules. This first degree must have been obtained as part of a programme of study with a minimum standard duration of three years' full-time study.

Unless English is your first language or the language of instruction for your undergraduate studies or secondary school education, you will need to prove that you have adequate English skills (level B2 CEFR or higher)

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Passau and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

There are no tuition fees in the conventional sense. However, there may be some smaller fees for individual services

Living costs

Passau

Germany

630 - 1000 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

For highly qualified graduates from third-world, threshold, or developing countries, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Bonn, Germany, grants up to ten full scholarships per year to cover the expenses for the whole two-year programme at the University of Passau.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Development Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Who should study this degree programme?

Career prospects

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Passau

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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