Program Overview
The Globalisation and Development Studies at Maastricht University is a MA programme in Social Sciences over 12 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 Globalisation and Development Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Netherlands and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: EUR 13,000 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Globalisation and 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
- Studying abroad is optional.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Grade list: A certified copy of your bachelor certificate and list of grades (with certified translation for languages other than English, Dutch, German or French)\n
\nKnowledge minimum: - a basis in social science research methods, covering both qualitative and quantitative methods.\n* a high quality of performance in prior education.\n* a basis in globalisation and development issues (e.g. minor in Globalisation & Development from the Maastricht University Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, or similar undergraduate courses).
\nLanguage test: Non-native speakers or applicants who have their undergraduate degree in a language other than English must have one of the following language qualifications:\n*IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5\n*TOEFL with a minimum score of 575 (paper-based), 232 (computer-based) and 90 (internet-based)\n*Cambridge Proficiency Certificate (grade A, B, C)\n*Cambridge Advanced Certificate (grade A, B, C+)\n*a grade in writing skills of at least 6,5 (ielts), 25 (toefl). Students with a Cambridge certificate need to hand in a proof of their partial results.
\nPrevious education: A Bachelor\'s degree in the field of Social Sciences (e.g. Anthropology, Sociology, Geography, Economics, Political science, International Relations, Development Studies, European Studies, Liberal Arts and Sciences), or humanities (e.g. History, Philosophy, Arts and Culture), or an equivalent level of relevant education or working experience.\n
\nWritten request: A high level of motivation for studying issues of globalisation and development as reflected in a letter of motivation which states the purpose and reasons why the applicant wishes to study the Master\'s Programme in Globalisation and Development Studies (800-1200 words).\n
\nAdditional language requirements:
- IELTS overall band: 6.5
- TOEFL paper based: 575
- TOEFL computer based: 233
- TOEFL internet based: 90
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 13,000 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 13,000 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Maastricht University 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 Maastricht University
Maastricht University
Maastricht, Netherlands
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline May, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
