Development Studies (M.A.)

Your Master’s degree to understand development processes in times of global change! Be a part of our highly internationalized programme and apply now!

If you are passionate about exploring “development” through multiple lenses, bridge theory with methodology, and detect the connections between social, political, economic and spatial dynamics that shape our world, then UBT’s “Development Studies” programme is the perfect choice for you. Join a vibrant and international academic community that challenges perspectives, encourages critical thinking, and equips you to navigate our constantly changing global landscape!

Our program is interdisciplinary and ensures that individual disciplines remain visible through your choice of a focus in advanced global sociology and politics, global geography, or international economics. Together, we address contemporary challenges in global processes of socio-economic change through local, regional, global and planetary lenses. The perspective of the Global South plays a vital role in our teaching. We offer you the opportunity to individually prepare and experience professional or research practice.

We teach all relevant courses in English, with even more choices available for German-speakers. For students proficient in French, we also offer prestigious double degree options with our partner universities in Bordeaux. All students to arrive with and achieve a German language certificate (A1) before the end of the first year. We are looking for motivated and above-average graduates in the social sciences, economics, human geography or related fields with initial practical experience in the development sector. Take the next step in your career and become part of our 2-year full-time programme!

Why University of Bayreuth?

The program: We offer you the freedom to choose your own individual disciplinary and regional focus, after giving you the opportunity to explore and develop your research interests through an interdisciplinary and critical approach in the first semester.
Location: As a medium-sized campus university founded less than 50 years ago, we place a strong emphasis on maintaining the highest quality of our infrastructure. In doing so, the University of Bayreuth truly embodies both disciplinary and interdisciplinary focus areas, securing its position among the best universities internationally.
Internationality: The University of Bayreuth has long-standing partnerships with international universities and offers 12,000 students from all over the world the ideal place to launch their career. Our modern campus with short paths and the award-winning International Office provides an ideal environment for the international Master programme in African Studies.

Application: online via the application portal CAMPUSonline. Further information here.

Application deadline

15 July 2026 (for winter semester)
International students from outside the European Union are advised to apply as early as possible. The application portal is open now!

For more information, see https://www.developmentstudies.uni-bayreuth.de