MA in Development Management 2028-30 – DAAD EPOS Germany

Job Description

DAAD EPOS Scholarship in Germany

The MA in Development Management (MADM) at Ruhr University Bochum in DAAD EPOS Germany is an international Master’s programme designed for students and professionals who want to build a career in development cooperation, international development, project management, and development policy.

The programme is offered by the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at Ruhr University Bochum and has been part of the DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme since its establishment in 2000.

The next application period for the 2028–2030 intake will open on 18 January 2027.

Applicants who want to apply for a DAAD-EPOS scholarship must submit their application by 30 September 2027, while other applicants have until 31 December 2027.

Opportunity Description

The MA in Development Management (MADM) is a three-semester, full-time Master’s programme taught entirely in English at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.

The programme is designed for graduates and professionals from different parts of the world who have an academic background related to development management and practical experience relevant to development programmes and projects.

The programme combines academic knowledge with practical training in areas such as:

• Development theories and strategies
• Social science and economic approaches
• Empirical research methods
• Programme and project planning
• Development project management
• Programme and project evaluation
• Field research
• Research project development
• Development cooperation

Students also have opportunities to participate in practical research projects, simulation activities, internships and intercultural training.

The programme is particularly suitable for applicants who plan to work in international development organisations, NGOs, government institutions, development agencies, research institutions, universities and other organisations working in international cooperation.

Key Details

The programme has been accredited by the German Accreditation Council and carries 90 ECTS credits.

Scholarship Benefits

DAAD-EPOS Scholarship

The MA in Development Management is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme.

• A limited number of DAAD-EPOS scholarships are available for excellent candidates from eligible countries of the Global South.
• Applicants interested in the DAAD-EPOS scholarship should carefully check the latest DAAD requirements and application regulations before applying.

No Tuition Fees

Ruhr University Bochum does not charge tuition fees for the MADM programme.

However, students must pay a semester registration/contribution fee. According to the programme’s current information, this is approximately €362 per semester and includes the NRW SemesterTicket for public transportation in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Practical Research Experience

The programme includes practical components such as research projects, field research and opportunities for internships.

International Study Environment

Students study in an international environment with participants from different countries and academic backgrounds.

German Language Opportunities

International students have the opportunity to participate in German language classes. For DAAD-EPOS scholarship holders, a preparatory German language course starting in July is mandatory.

Programme Structure

The MA in Development Management is completed over three semesters.

First Semester

The first semester focuses mainly on coursework.

Students study:

• Development theories and strategies
• Empirical social research methods
• Development-related academic concepts
• Research project development

Students also begin developing their own research project, which later becomes the basis for their Master’s thesis. After the first semester, students can complete a two-month internship in a development organisation or a relevant private-sector organisation.

Second Semester

The second semester focuses more strongly on:

• Programme planning
• Project planning
• Project management
• Programme evaluation
• Research methods

Students continue developing their research project and prepare a seminar paper.

After the second semester, students normally undertake a field research period during which they collect primary data for their Master’s thesis.

Third Semester

The third semester is mainly dedicated to:

• Master’s thesis writing
• Analysis of field research
• Presentation of research results
• Additional academic and professional training

The Master’s thesis must include theory, methodology and results from the field research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the MA in Development Management should meet the academic, professional and language requirements of the programme.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.

Relevant academic backgrounds include:

• Political Science
• Social Sciences
• Law
• Economics
• Geography
• Other fields related to planning and evaluation of development programmes and projects

The degree should have a result equivalent to at least Second Class, Upper Division or its equivalent.

Professional or Academic Experience

Applicants must have certified experience related to the management of development programmes and projects.

This may include:

• Relevant professional work
• Research experience
• Teaching experience at a higher education institution
• Practical experience in development-related organisations

For DAAD-EPOS scholarship applicants, at least two years of relevant professional experience after the Bachelor’s degree is required.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate certified English proficiency.

The programme currently accepts:

• TOEFL: 79–80 iBT
• IELTS: Band 6.0
• Duolingo: Minimum 110 points

Applicants should check the latest official requirements before applying because language requirements may be updated.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

1. Personally signed motivation/application letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) in reverse chronological order
3. Bachelor’s degree certificate and other higher education certificates
4. Complete academic transcripts
5. Explanation of the grading system
6. Certified translations where required
7. Secondary school leaving certificate
8. English language certificate
9. German language certificate, if applicable
10. Evidence of current and previous employment or relevant practical experience
11. Two recent recommendation letters
12. Passport or identity card copy
13. Passport-size photograph

Additional Documents for DAAD-EPOS Applicants

Applicants applying for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship must also provide:

• Completed and signed DAAD checklist
• Completed DAAD application form
• Employment certificates demonstrating the required professional experience
• Recommendation letter from the current employer
• Other documents required by DAAD

For DAAD-EPOS applicants, the current employer’s certificate should, where possible, include a guarantee of re-employment after the applicant returns to their home country.

Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are submitted correctly.

Application Deadline

For the 2028–2030 intake, the application period opens on:

• 18 January 2027

DAAD-EPOS Applicants

Deadline: 30 September 2027

Applicants who want to be considered for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship must submit their application by this deadline.

Other Applicants

Deadline: 31 December 2027

Applicants who are not applying for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship can submit their applications until 31 December 2027.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting your application, make sure that your academic background, professional experience and English language qualifications meet the programme requirements.

DAAD-EPOS candidates should also confirm that they meet the additional DAAD requirements, including the required professional experience.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Academic certificates
• Transcripts
• English language certificate
• Employment certificates
• Recommendation letters
• Passport copy
• Other required documents
• Make sure documents are clear and readable.

Step 3: Prepare Your DAAD Documents

If you are applying for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship, complete the required DAAD forms and checklist.

DAAD-EPOS applicants should carefully review the current DAAD requirements before submission.

Step 4: Submit Your Application Online

Applications are submitted directly to Ruhr University Bochum through the online MADM Application Platform.

The application is not completed simply by registering interest in the programme. Applicants must submit the required documents through the official application system.

Step 5: Wait for the Selection Process

After submitting your complete application, the university will assess your application according to the programme and scholarship requirements.

Applicants interested in DAAD-EPOS funding should understand that the number of scholarships is limited and selection is competitive.

Is the MA in Development Management Fully Funded?

• The MADM programme itself is tuition-free, but it should not automatically be described as a fully funded Master’s programme for every applicant.
• A limited number of DAAD-EPOS scholarships are available for eligible and excellent candidates from countries of the Global South.
• Therefore, applicants should distinguish between:
• MADM admission and DAAD-EPOS scholarship funding.
• Not every admitted student automatically receives a DAAD-EPOS scholarship.

Who Should Apply?

This programme may be a good choice for applicants who:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Have experience in development-related work or research
• Want to work in international development
• Are interested in development policy
• Want to work with NGOs or international organisations
• Want to develop project management skills
• Are interested in research and fieldwork
• Want to study in Germany
• Meet the DAAD-EPOS requirements

The programme is particularly relevant for professionals who want to develop their expertise in the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of development programmes and projects.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Development Management programmes can pursue careers in areas such as:

• International development
• Development cooperation
• Project management
• Programme management
• NGOs
• International organisations
• Government development agencies
• Research institutions
• Universities
• Think tanks
• Development consulting
• Monitoring and evaluation
• The programme is designed to prepare graduates for positions involving the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of development programmes and projects.

Important Note for Applicants

• The application deadline for the 2026–2028 intake has already expired.
• The next application opportunity is for the 2028–2030 intake, with applications opening on 18 January 2027.
• If you are interested in applying, use the time before the application opens to prepare your CV, motivation letter, academic documents, English language certificate, employment evidence and recommendation letters.
• Applicants interested in DAAD-EPOS should pay particular attention to the professional experience requirement and the earlier application deadline.

How to Apply

The MA in Development Management (MADM) at Ruhr University Bochum is an excellent opportunity for graduates and professionals interested in international development, development cooperation, project management and development policy.

The programme is taught entirely in English, lasts three semesters and does not charge tuition fees. In addition, a limited number of DAAD-EPOS scholarships are available for eligible candidates from countries of the Global South.

For the 2028–2030 intake, applications open on 18 January 2027.

The deadline is 30 September 2027 for DAAD-EPOS applicants and 31 December 2027 for other applicants.

Applicants should begin preparing well in advance because the programme requires academic qualifications, relevant experience, English proficiency and a complete set of supporting documents.

Official Link

• Official Programme Website
• Official Application Platform
• DAAD EPOS Information

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