MA Degree Streams

The department offers an interdisciplinary Master of Arts degree in the field of Global Development Studies. The focus of our programme is academic training: we provide students with conceptual tools and broad thematic knowledge to undertake research on development-related themes. In particular, the programme is focused around two core areas of faculty expertise: the political economy of development and the cultural politics of development. Presently we offer:

• A course-based stream that ensures the development of conceptual thinking and analytical and interpretive skills, but does not require primary research. Instead, students will complete a Major Research Paper (MRP) of 50-60 pages, based on secondary research, dealing with a specific interdisciplinary question related to the field of development studies. Time required to complete the course-based program is 10-12 months.
• A thesis-based stream that culminates in a full Master's thesis of between 75-100 pages defended before a committee of three examiners. The thesis will demonstrate the student’s ability to produce original work using primary data often (but not necessarily) gathered through fieldwork. Time required to complete the research-based program is 18-24 months.

Students do not need to choose between these streams at the point of application. Instead, all students are admitted into the course-based stream with guaranteed funding for one year. Subsequently, those students interested in the research-based stream may apply for entry once they have begun their studies in the department. Entry into the research-based stream is dependent on strong grades (an average of at least Aminus/3.7GPA), a clear research project, and close supervisory support from a faculty member.