Master of Arts: Development and Governance

Welcome to the MA Development and Governance

Our programme is primarily addressing students from developing countries with an academic background in social science and working experience related to the subjects of Development and Governance.

The following pages will guide you through the MA programme and provide information for applicants and students. If there are any question unanswered from this webpage, please do not hesitate to contact our support staff.

The application period for candidates of the DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master's Scholarschip for Public Policy and Good Governance) for the intake of the academic year 2026/2027 is between 1 June and 31 July 2025. Please see here for application requirements and documents for submission.

The application period for self-financed candidates for the academic year 2024/2025 has already passed. The next chance to apply will presumably be in March 2025 for the intake of the academic year 2025/2026.

Curriculum Overview

Curriculum Overview

Semester

1.

Module 1: Development (5 Credits)
(L) Global Governance and Development or 
(L) Theories & Practices of Development 

Module 2: Governance
(S) Policy Analysis (6 Credits)
(S) Public Administration (6 Credits)
(S) Democracy and Governance (6 Credits)

Module 3: Research Practice
(S) Research Logic and Academic Writing (4 Credits)
(T) Tutorial (2 Credits)

 

Total Credits 1st Semester: 29

2.

Module 1: Development (5 Credits)
(L/S) Causes and Dynamics of Violent Conflict

Module 4: Area Studies (two out of three courses)
(L/S) African Politics (5 Credits)
(L/S) East Asian Politics (5 Credits)
(L/S) European Politics (5 Credits)

Module 3: Research Practice (16 Credits)
M.A. Thesis

 

Total Credits 2nd Semester: 31

 

Total: 60 Credits