1. Do you lose sleep over issues of globalisation, the climate crisis, migration or inequality and poverty around the world? 

2. Do you want to contribute as a change agent at the intersection of global, national and local policy arenas? 

Our advanced Master's programme brings together individuals from all corners of the world who share a common goal: to make a meaningful difference in global development. In this programme, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the global development context and its various dimensions, including the global market for goods and services, capital, labour/migration, and sustainable development challenges. We equip you with the necessary tools and insights to improve the impact of the global context on development and poverty.

Through a dynamic and interactive learning experience, you'll engage with theoretical concepts and policy strategies, preparing you for your future professional environment. Our international classroom setting encourages cross-cultural exchange and prepares you to work effectively with diverse teams in any global context. Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Master of Science degree.

About the programme 

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

1. Module 1: The course begins with a broad interdisciplinary overview of various theoretical models of development and poverty. You can then choose from a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods or opt for a research internship with one of our Southern partners (in Tanzania, Nicaragua, or the Philippines).
2. Module 2: This module focuses on 'globalisation'. You will analyse the interaction between foreign and domestic actors at the interface of (inter)national and local arenas and examine the opportunities and constraints this presents for sustainable development.
3. Module 3: In this module, you will explore a course on linking institutions and poverty reduction. You can choose from a range of courses such as gender, migration, local governance, natural resources, value chains, labour, land, and development.
4. Module 4: For your master's dissertation, you will conduct research on a development-relevant topic. Many IOB students choose to conduct fieldwork, but this is not obligatory. The master's dissertation can also be literature-based research.

Examples of topics studied

• How global trade agreements (e.g., WTO policies) impact developing economies.
• The effects of climate change on migration patterns (e.g., climate refugees from Bangladesh).
• The influence of multinational corporations on local labor markets (e.g., garment industry in Bangladesh).
• Global financial crises and their impact on poverty in developing nations (e.g., 2008 crisis effects on Latin America).
• Policies for reducing economic inequality in a globalised world (e.g., universal basic income experiments).

Real-world applications

• Development Economist → Analyzing trade policies and their effects on poverty reduction.
• Migration Policy Expert → Designing policies to manage international labor migration.
• Sustainability Consultant → Helping businesses implement fair trade and sustainability initiatives.

Example career path

A graduate could work at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Trade Organization (WTO), analyzing how international trade policies impact economic growth in Africa.