Program Overview
The Development Studies at University of Passau is a MA programme in Social Sciences over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Development Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Germany and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- Tuition: EUR 70 (Tuition (Semester)) — International students; EUR 70 (Tuition (Semester)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Passau, Germany
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Development Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Methods and theories of Development Studies
- Interdisciplinary seminar
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Research seminar
- Elective modules (e.g. sociology, economics, sustainability of resources, political science, Southeast Asian studies)
- Languages and additional study skills courses
- Field research
- Masters thesis
- A research colloquium with internationally renowned guest speakers is offered each semester.
- Development Economics or
- Southeast Asian Studies
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Academic requirements
A first (Bachelors or equivalent) university degree in social sciences, economics or business studies, i.e. in one of the following disciplines: anthropology, demography, empirical social and human geography, sociology, administrative science, economics, business studies/administration, or any other equivalent degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in one or several of these disciplines. This first degree must have been obtained as part of a programme of study with a minimum standard duration of three years\' full-time study.
Out of the 60 ECTS credits referenced above, 10 ECTS credits (or a minimum of 300 hrs of coursework) must come from methods of empirical research, such as data collection and survey design, rigorous qualitative or quantitative data analysis, mathematics or statistics applied to social science. A general course in research methods is not enough and does not count in this case. The overall average mark for your undergraduate degree should be equivalent to 2.5 or better according to the German marking scale or ranked among the best 50% of your cohort.
Language requirements
Unless English is your first language or the language of instruction for your undergraduate studies or secondary school education, you will need to prove that you have adequate English skills (level B2 CEFR or higher) by means of a recognised language certificate.
You should also have basic knowledge of German (level A1 CEFR) to help you in your everyday life. If you do not have basic knowledge of German at the time of application, you will be able to take a free language course either before the start or within the first two semesters of the degree programme.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 70 (Tuition (Semester)) — International students; EUR 70 (Tuition (Semester)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 70 (Tuition (Semester)) — International students; EUR 70 (Tuition (Semester)) — EU/EEA students
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Passau directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Passau
University of Passau
Passau, Germany
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 24 months
