Master of Arts in Development Studies (online, part-time) Friedensau Adventist University

Master of Arts Development Studies (Online) aims at professionalising those already working in development or others for whom an e-learning programme seems most fitting. It offers a solid academic base in the field of development studies. Students learn relevant theories that are necessary to critically reflect current practices in the field of humanitarian and development aid. Courses such as project planning, monitoring and evaluation advance students’ practical competencies. Academic competencies taught in the area of research methods and writing skills enable a continuation in a scientific career. Stemming from the diversity of the student body, the specific worth of the programme lies in the opportunity to assess international issues through virtual co-learning with professionals from across the globe.

Topics in the programme:

• Theories of Development
• Development in Practice: Legacy and Industry
• Poverty Analysis and Social Protection
• Global Public Health
• Contemporary Religion and Development
• International Peace and Conflict Studies
• Methods of Empirical Social Research (Qualitative and Quantitative)
• Child Rights and Child Protection
• Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid
• Sustainability, De-growth and Resource Politics
• Migration and Development
• Gender Research and Intersectionality
• Gender and Development
• Human Rights and Development
• Land Use, Land Rights and Development
• Forced Migration and Refugee Studies
• Research-oriented Master’s thesis

• This Master's programme is providing further education.
• The programme structure as well as scope, title and sequence of the modules are provided in the enclosed programme timetable. Contents, requirements and type of examination of the specific modules are contained in the module guidebook. 
• In addition to the forms of examination listed in § 7 of the General Study and Examination Regulations, there are cumulative module examinations in the online Master's degree programme, which consist of partial assignments during the semester and a final examination.
• The course work required in § 7 (2) of the General Study and Examination Regulations for participation in courses in the online study programme is equivalent to participation in video conferences (with image) and the processing of assignments on the learning platform.

For the asynchronous teaching, we use the leaning platform Moodle, a virtual portal in which students can view the syllabus and grades, contact professors, classmates and support services, access course materials, and monitor their progress on lessons. On this platform, students will find their individual assignments. For each individual assignment, the lecturer gives personal feedback. Forum discussions and other interactive forms give students the opportunity to interact. complementing our approach. Most instructors utilise Zoom or Skype for class chats or conference calls.

In general, students should expect assignments similar to in-class programmes, such as research papers and proctored exams in addition to online-specific assignments such as responding to professor-posed questions in a discussion board. Standard assignments include reading the course texts and additional materials, active participation in online discussions, quizzes, writing papers, etc.

The grading is based on continuous assessment and a final semester assessment, which is either in the form of a semester paper, a presentation or an oral exam. This varies depending on the course.

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, humanities or other related fields
• English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) or a Bachelor's degree taught in English (details below)
• Experience in development cooperation

200 EUR registration fee per semester