Master
International Development Studies
★ StudyPath verdict
7.8/10
Best for students passionate about global inequality, sustainability and social change through multidisciplinary lenses. Weigh the flexible specialisations and strong WUR reputation against a primarily theoretical focus with less technical
Tuition · Intl
↗€21,900
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by Jun 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2018
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗408
DUO ↓30% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗15:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
6 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.3/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
↗85%
field est. ↗
Median salary
↗€3,153
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 25 Jun 2026
About this program
Do you often wonder why it remains so hard to tackle global challenges such as poverty, inequality and environmental degradation? Are you intrigued by topics like migration, climate justice and social unrest? If so, join the MSc in International Development Studies and learn how to contribute to a more just and sustainable future. The world around us is constantly evolving, and so is our understanding of development and processes of change. In this two-year MSc programme, you learn to study these processes in a critical and reflexive manner, acknowledging the dilemmas and complexities that are inherently part of development theories and policies. Tailor your programme to your personal interests and delve into themes like political change, food security, disasters, natural resource depletion, and inclusive development.
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Agriculture & EnvironmentSector: Gedrag en MaatschappijCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
About Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University is the world #1 ranked university in agriculture and forestry for 7 consecutive years. Founded in 1876, it specializes in life sciences with focus on food, agriculture, and environment. Known as the most sustainable university in Netherlands and located in the "Food Valley" region.
Living in Wageningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€420/mo
Monthly total
€700–€1,200
Cost of living
Low
Population
39k
Academic, international, and green. Wageningen is essentially a university town where academic life and city life merge. The atmosphere is intellectually stimulating with a strong focus on sustainability and global food challenges.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Sociology of Development ↗Specialisation
The specialisation Sociology of Development addresses social transformation processes from sociological and anthropological perspectives, paying special attention to differential r…
Economics of Development ↗Specialisation
The specialisation Economics of Development approaches the domain of the programme with analytical frameworks primarily composed of several branches of applied economics,
Inclusive Innovation, Communication and Development ↗Specialisation
The specialisation Inclusive Innovation, Communication and Development examines the role of knowledge, expertise and communication in sustainable development.
Politics and Governance of Development ↗Specialisation
The specialisation Politics and Governance of Development focuses on the dynamics of political and governance processes in the domain of international development.
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: ontwikkelingskunde (regio)
Median starting salary (field)€3,153/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating85%
Months to a substantial job9
Working in their own field46%
Permanent contract32%
Satisfied with their job3.6/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Specialisten op het gebied van beleidsadministratie12%
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs11%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree70%
Women among first-years66%
Say workload is “just right”83%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.3/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 49 respondents
Content & set-up4.1
Teachers4.4
Atmosphere4.6
Involvement & contact4.3
Study guidance4.3
Testing & assessment4
Facilities4.4
Career preparation3.5
Teachers' English4.6
Would choose again4.2
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- IELTS speaking: 6
- TOEFL internet based: 92
Internships
?No data yet
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