Development Studies in Bayreuth addresses contemporary challenges in global processes of socio-economic change from an interdisciplinary perspective. The programme focusses on the Global South by integrating universal, regional and local perspectives.
You will benefit from the university's unique expertise in African affairs, but the study programme is not limited to this one global area. A model of study tailored to fit your interests, along with the university’s impressive network, and our diverse and interactive study groups provide the ideal conditions for personal and intellectual growth. We offer the possibility to study global development across various disciplinary perspectives, while you can choose an individual focus in one of three fields according to your previous training: advanced global sociology and politics, advanced global geography, or advanced international economics.
We invite you to take a look at our programme in Development Studies which is designed to make you think and possibly re-think your present ideas about development in the world. This website provides you with comprehensive information about general study conditions (see FAQ section) as well as the application and admission process. We admit students with an academic background in economics, human geography, political science or sociology. We expect a sound methodological training in one of these or closely affiliated disciplines. We also require first work experiences related to development by means of an internship or contracted employment.
The programme is fully taught in English, which leads to highly internationalized groups of students. Roughly two thirds of our student originate from non-European countries. Additional classes in German may be available for elective modules. You want to make your experience even more international? Take a look at our double degree options.
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Essential Information and Resources
- Weekly schedule for the 2025 Summer Term (as of 13.02.2025)
- Request for recognition of course achievements from different universities, e.g. from previous MA study programmes or semesters abroad (only available in German)
→ Translation assistance: inofficial translation of the above request form
Regulations applicable for students (starting 2023 or later)
- Simplyfied study scheme
- Module handbook (as of September 2023)
- The current and old examination rules are available here in German and English
Regulations applicable for students enrolled before 2023
- Simplyfied study scheme for all students enrolled before 2023
- Module handbook (as of July 2019; here you can find the old module handbook as of September 2017)
- Examination rules (as of October 2020. This version also applies to students formerly studying under the July 2019 regulations; here you can find the old examination rules as of September 2017)
- Project Plan Form for modules E1 & E2 (only relevant for students enrolled before 2023; version as of July 2019)