Master

Globalisation and Development Studies

Do you have a passion for research and work in the field of globalisation and development, rooted in undergraduate studies or experience in the field? Are you interested in individuals and communities, as well as in the broader relations between the Global North and South? Do you have the ambition to develop your academic research skills and to use academic insights to make a positive impact in the world? If so, this may be the right programme for you. The master’s in Globalisation & Development Studies is a social science programme that focuses on how the dynamics of globalisation affect developing areas. You will develop the theoretical, analytical and practical skills that are essential for either an academic or professional career in globalisation and development.

Fast facts

A highly international student body & teaching staff
Choose an internship, desk study or fieldwork for your thesis
1-year, full-time master's, taught in English
Starts in September
Weekly: 12 contact hrs, 30 hrs group work/independent study
You will get an MA in Globalisation and Development Studies

Want to know more about this programme? Request a brochure

Arianna Roetta, Student Ambassador Globalisation and Development Studies 2023-2024

Why Arianna decided to choose this programme:
“Before arriving in Maastricht, I completed a bachelor's degree in International Relations in my home country, Italy, with a specialisation in corporate development. Hence, it was a logical choice to opt for the master’s programme in Globalisation and Development Studies (GDS). This programme equips us with the skills to define and act on development issues. I selected Maastricht University because of its excellent reputation and the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) teaching method. The emphasis on critical thinking, expressing one's opinions, and engaging in debates strongly resonated with me. Moreover, the collaborative learning environment in small classes, the focus on research, and academic writing also played a significant role in my decision.”

What she hopes to get out of this programme:
“I hope to develop a more critical approach to the themes we are studying, acquire practical research skills, and enhance my ability to write academically. In the second semester, I can choose an internship to gain hands-on experience in the development field. As my thesis will focus on migration and refugees, I aim to complete my internship at a migration centre or with a Non-Governmental Organization that specialises in working with migrants, refugees and integration.”

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“From the very start, I aspired to be an agent of change in our interconnected world. Now, as a part of the GDS master’s programme, I unite with diverse young minds from around the globe to truly think globally and act locally.”

UM Campus Tour

Are you interested in or about to start a Master's programme at Maastricht University? Our interactive UM Campus Tour offers you the opportunity to navigate through our faculty and facilities. Discover and learn what it is like to live and study in our vibrant city. Watch the video or take the UM Campus tour.

Kickstart your career at our Master's Open Day

Experience Maastricht University: find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, immerse yourself in your programme of choice, and explore our beautiful city. The next Master’s Open Day is on Saturday 23 March 2024.

Q&A sessions

We regularly offer Instagram Live Q&A sessions for students who are interested in our master's programmes. Our student ambassadors will answer all your questions about the programme of your choice and studying in Maastricht. For more information and registration, take a look at our Master events page.

UM Campus Tour - Register now!

Interactive UM Campus tour

Pre-master's programme

If you do not satisfy the admission requirements of this Master's programme you may be able to enrol in a Pre-master's course year. Check out the Pre-master information and learn more about the programme, the courses and the requirements.

Pre-master Globalisation and Development Studies

UM is the 13th best Young University in the world

Times Higher Education 2023 Young Universities Ranking

Student testimonials

The programme exposes us to enough critical unbiased literature to the whole notion of globalisation and development.

Ali Juma Taqavi

After doing field work with refugees, I’m passionate about projects for women who face gender-based violence.

Mar Coll Planell

This master’s programme teaches me the skills and knowledge to help improve conditions in developing countries.

Valery Samantha Bermúdez García

In the future I see myself working in the field for an NGO like Unicef, to reach children and their families and develop projects towards their well-being.

Kimberly Ricaurte Davila