Studying at the University of Vienna
Ian Ehm

Development Studies (master's programme)

Global upheavals are shaping everyday life and politics – and their consequences are unevenly distributed. The master's programme in Development Studies enables you to analyse transformations in different regions of the world, scrutinise power structures and inequalities, and combine theory with practice.

What is it about?

The master's programme in Development Studies enables you to analyse how social, political, historical, cultural and economic transformations interact globally. You will critically examine the institutions, actors, practices and concepts of development and development cooperation, and situate them within broader contexts. You will work in a theory-driven manner, applying a range of methods – both qualitative and quantitative. You will perform the translation of complex interrelationships in an accessible way and derive viable, context-sensitive solutions from them.

Depending on your interests, you will either specialise within a single discipline or combine perspectives in a transdisciplinary manner, thereby sharpening your profile for research and practice.

Elke Christiansen

Insight into the course content

How is my degree programme structured? You can see a list of the course contents here:

Facts and figures

  • 1,014 students
    in total
    There were 107 graduates in the past academic year.
    Info about the calculation
    Data updated November 2025
  • 8.1 semester
    average study duration
    Info about the calculation
    Data updated November 2025
  • Appropriate 3.3
    level of difficulty of the degree programme
    This is how graduates rate their degree programmes. You can find the results in the Graduation Survey.
    Data updated 2025
  • € 3,327
    average gross monthly income 3 years after graduation
    What career paths are available after graduation? Answers in the Graduate Tracking.
    Data updated 2025

What can you expect after your studies?

Continue studying or start your career straight away? After completing your masters programme, all paths are open to you. Whether you decide to pursue a doctoral/PhD degree or take the plunge into the world of work, the possibilities are endless. The following overview shows you what options you have and where you can find the right support.

Ian Ehm

Career profiles

  • Which careers are possible after this degree?

    You will work at the intersection of analysis, design and communication – both nationally and internationally. For example, you may be involved in the following areas:

    • Teaching and research
    • Development cooperation and development policy in government, private-sector and civil society organisations
    • International organisations and multilateral institutions
    • Public relations, media and policy work on development and North–South relations
    • Roles requiring a high level of intercultural competence
    Ian Ehm

You have further questions?

StudiesServiceUnit

Do you have any questions about registering for courses and exams? Or about grades and recognition? The StudiesServiceUnit Development Studies is the right place to go.

To the StudiesServiceUnit

StudiesServiceCenter

Do you have any questions about graduating? The StudiesServiceCenter Social Sciences will be happy to help! 

To the StudiesServiceCenter

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What else should you know?