Globalisation, Migration and Development

The Master's programme in Globalisation, Migration and Development at Radboud University is an interdisciplinary and internationally focused program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex processes shaping our interconnected world. This degree explores the multifaceted relationships between globalisation, migration patterns, and development policies, offering insights into how these phenomena influence societies, economies, and political systems worldwide.

Throughout the programme, students will analyze key issues such as human migration, refugee dynamics, transnational networks, and the socio-economic impacts of globalisation. The curriculum combines theories and methods from anthropology, sociology, political science, and development studies, enabling students to critically assess contemporary challenges and contribute to sustainable solutions. Emphasizing both academic rigor and practical relevance, the programme prepares graduates for careers in international organizations, NGOs, governmental agencies, and research institutions.

Students will have opportunities to engage with real-world cases through fieldwork, internships, and seminars led by renowned experts in the field. The programme also encourages critical thinking about ethical considerations, cultural diversity, and policy-making in a global context. By fostering a multidisciplinary approach, the Master's in Globalisation, Migration and Development aims to develop responsible global citizens capable of addressing the intertwined issues of migration, economic development, and social integration in an increasingly interconnected world.

Graduates will be equipped with advanced research skills, policy analysis capabilities, and a nuanced understanding of the socio-political factors influencing global migration and development initiatives. Upon completion of the programme, students will be prepared for diverse roles that require expertise in global issues, contributing positively to policymaking, advocacy, and academic research aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development globally.

Semester 1

• Globalising Cities and Hinterlands (6 EC)
• Multiculturalism, Diversity and Space (6 EC)
• International Migration and Development (6 EC)
• Preparing the Master’s Thesis (6 EC)

Semester 2

• Elective course(s) (12 EC)
• Master’s thesis and Internship (24 EC)

Elective courses

You’re free to choose courses that add up to at least 12 EC and meet your interests as long as they, in some way, can be linked to this specialisation and are taught at Master’s level. You can choose courses within Human Geography that are compulsory for other specialisations or from other related Master’s programmes. You could for example take one of the following courses:

• Urban and Cultural Geography (specialisation: Urban and Cultural Geography)
• Judicial Protection in the EU (International and European Law)
• European Immigration Law (International and European Law)
• European and Comparative Refugee Law (International and European Law)
• Inequality & Development (Economics)
• European Union and Developing Countries (KU Leuven)

1. A completed Bachelor's degree from a geography-related discipline
   In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree from a geography-related discipline, such as Urban/Spatial Planning, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Religion Studies, European Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Language Studies, Architecture, (Urban) Design Studies, Leisure and Tourism, Conflict Studies and Management Sciences. Your prior education needs to be approved by the Examination Board.
2. Proficiency in English
   In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
   • A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
   • An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no lower than 6.0
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

Globalisation, Migration and Development at Radboud University is a multidisciplinary Master's program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interrelationships between globalisation processes, migration phenomena, and development challenges. The program aims to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to assess the socio-economic, political, cultural, and environmental impacts of migration and globalisation in different contexts worldwide. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, and development studies to foster a broad and nuanced comprehension of global issues.

Students enrolled in this program explore key themes such as migration policies, human rights, integration and social cohesion, economic development, and the role of international institutions. The curriculum combines core courses, electives, and a research thesis, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests within the field. Courses often include topics like migration governance, transnationalism, social inequalities, global governance, and sustainable development. Teaching methods incorporate lectures, seminars, case studies, fieldwork, and interactive discussions, encouraging active engagement and critical thinking.

The program offers opportunities for practical experience through internships and research projects, often in collaboration with NGOs, governmental agencies, or international organizations. This practical component aims to prepare students for careers in international development, policy analysis, migration management, or further academic research. The multicultural student body and international faculty foster a diverse learning environment that promotes cross-cultural exchange and global networking.

Graduates of the program typically pursue careers such as policy advisors, international development practitioners, migration experts, or academics. They contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies concerning migration, integration, and sustainable development at national and international levels. The program's strong research orientation also prepares students for doctoral studies, potentially leading to careers in academia or specialized research institutions. Overall, Radboud University's Master’s in Globalisation, Migration and Development offers an intellectually stimulating environment with a focus on real-world applications, preparing graduates to address some of the most pressing issues faced by our interconnected world.