1. Are you fascinated by processes of state formation, state reconstruction, peace-building, and conflict resolution? 

2. Do you want to learn more about how governance at the local, national, regional and international levels contributes to sustainable development? 

The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) at the University of Antwerp brings together like-minded individuals from across the world who share your concerns and aspirations.

In the Advanced Master of Governance and Development, you'll explore the relationship between governance and conflict, learn to critically analyze governance challenges, and gain the skills to conduct research on governance challenges at different levels. You'll also engage in current debates about global development, and leave the programme equipped with a deep understanding of how governance contributes to sustainable development.

About the programme

The programme takes 12 months of full-time study to complete, starting and ending in mid-September. 

Students in this advanced master programme choose one of the following two tracks: 

• Track 1: From violent conflict to peace and state reconstruction
  This track explores issues of governance and development against the background of violent conflict and the challenge of post-conflict state reconstruction. This track is intended for participants with a variety of disciplinary backgrounds who aspire to careers in conflict-prone environments or post-conflict situations, or who are interested in policy-oriented research on these topics. 
• Track 2: Local governance and poverty reductionIn countries characterised by weak or fragile national structures, local decision-making plays an integral role in poverty reduction.
  This track addresses governance and development from the perspective of local institutions, focusing on the interaction between local, national, and transnational actors in governance processes. The track is intended for participants who are interested in research on the interface between the transnational, national and local level and/or between state and non-state development actors. 

The advanced master programme culminates in a written dissertation that is defended during an oral presentation. Successful completion of the programme leads to the awarding of a Master of Science degree.

Examples of topics studied

• How weak governance contributes to conflict in fragile states (e.g., South Sudan, Afghanistan).
• The role of local governance in post-conflict reconstruction (e.g., Rwanda’s reconciliation efforts).
• Decentralization and public service delivery in developing countries (e.g., education reforms in Kenya).
• Anti-corruption policies and their impact on economic development (e.g., transparency initiatives in Nigeria).
• The effect of international organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank) on national governance structures.

Real-world applications

• Policy Advisor in a Government or International Organization → Advising on governance reforms to improve stability and development.
• NGO Programme Manager → Designing interventions that promote good governance and conflict resolution.
• Researcher or Analyst → Conducting studies on governance challenges and their impact on development.

Example career path

A graduate may work at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), advising governments on governance reforms to strengthen democratic institutions and prevent conflict.