The Master programmes : policy-oriented , researchdriven , competence-based
A few key features of the Master programmes worth mentioning are their modular structure , their policy-oriented and research-driven character and their focus on competence-based learning .
The three Master programmes all have a similar structure , each consisting of four modules . Module I provides an overview of theories of development and introduces students to the state of the art in research methods and techniques . Modules II and III are highly interactive , research-driven education packages , while in Module IV , students carry out an individual research project under the guidance of a supervisor . Modules are taught jointly by different staff members , leading to strong inter-module cooperation and a reduction in overlapping input . The diverse backgrounds of the staff members within one module also trigger a multidisciplinary approach .
The modular structure also allows the hosting of external guest lecturers , who enrich the Master programmes with their specific expertise , while being embedded in a module that is primarily driven by ‘ in-house expertise ’. In 2015 / 2016 , the following guest lectures were organised within the Master programmes :
• Koen Sips ( Point consulting group )
• Rosalind Eyben ( Institute of Development Studies , University of Sussex )
• Bram Buscher ( Wageningen University )
• Peter Knorringa ( International Institute of Social Studies , Erasmus University Rotterdam )
• Michelle Parleviet ( CRIC , University of Copenhagen )
• Sinisa Vukovic ( Radboud University Nijmegen ’ s Centre for International Conflict Analysis and Management )
• Marie Gildemyn ( Associate researcher IOB )
• Rogers Orock ( University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg )
• Sara Van Belle ( Institute of Tropical Medicine )
• Bart Criel ( Institute of Tropical Medicine )
• Nina Wilén ( ULB and associate researcher IOB )
• Robin Thiers ( UGent )
• Jeroen Adam ( UGent )
• Yvan Guichaoua ( Kent University , Brussels campus )
• Tomas Hoch ( University of Ostrava )
IOB students Cassandra Vet and Mohua Rouf during their stay in Nicaragua for the mobility window ( see box p . 30 )
IOB master students getting to know each other at the Kick-off weekend
Some of these guest lectures were live-streamed via the internet so that our alumni could also benefit from the insights and discussions . Our Master programmes are all highly research-driven and policy-oriented . Training at IOB incorporates the latest
IOB master students during their trip to Cologne
Annual report 2015 • 23