Masters in Development Studies 2018-2019 Brochure nieuw ontwerp 2018 web | Page 8

Programme overview
Programme structure
Each of the three Master programmes has a similar structure, consisting of four modules.
The first Module provides an overview of theories of development and gives students up-to-
date knowledge of research methods and techniques, both general and programme-specific.
At IOB we want to cultivate mixed methods approaches to research. This supposes that incoming
students have active knowledge of (the basics of) quantitative and qualitative research methods
or are willing to refresh this knowledge before starting the Master program.
In Modules II and III, research-driven interactive education is offered. In Module IV, each
student conducts an individual development research project under the guidance of a
supervisor. The topics covered relate to the thematic focus of Modules II and III. A limited
number of students receive IOB travel grants in order to conduct fieldwork for their research
projects. The dissertation is the subject of a public presentation and defence.
Exposure to the field: In module I
there is a possibility to do a research
internship with one of IOB’s partners
in Tanzania and Nicaragua. During the
dissertation students can go abroad for
field work. For both types of mobilities
a limited number of IOB travel grants is
available.
8 · master programmes