Master in Development Studies (MDEV)

The Master in Development Studies (MDEV) is a 2-year programme which offers students relevant disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, methodologies and thematic approaches to major contemporary development challenges both from a scientific perspective as well as from an angle which takes account of the practical reality of development processes.

Its overarching objective is to enable students to gain an in-depth appreciation of political and practical development processes, focussing on:

• The epistemological, theoretical and methodological tools necessary to undertake independent and original academic research in the field of development;
• The history and debates surrounding development and social, political and economic evolution in developing countries;
• The primary tools, methods and instruments deployed by international cooperation and development actors;
• One of the primary areas of expertise of the Graduate Institute, which may be related to areas dealt with by the Geneva-based international organisations (e.g., trade, the environment, security, migration, human rights).

Further information is available on the Development Studies website

Conditions of admission

Applicants must fulfil the Institute's general conditions of admission.

In order for MDEV aplications to be considered, applicants must be in possession of

• A Bachelor's degree – or equivalent qualification

Knowledge of English is mandatory and must be corroborated by a language certificate included with the application (please see the general conditions of admission).
Applicants must have at least a passive knowledge of French. French language tests will be held at the start of the Autumn semester.
Admission to the course is decided by the head of the programme on the basis of the candidate’s application, academic results, motivation and professional experience provided the latter is relevant.
Completed applications must be received by the Admissions Office of the Institute no later than 15 January 2010.