Global Development

Description The MSc in Global Development is a research-based, cross-disciplinary Master of Science programme.Enrolled students will be part of an international and vibrant study environment at the campus for social sciences at the University of Copenhagen, located near the city centre. The first year comprises six compulsory courses followed by a field course in a low or middle-income country. During the second year, students are free to compose their study programme as they wish, ending with a master’s thesis. After two years the student completing the course will be able to: identify and critically analyse key factors and forces shaping the livelihoods and well-being of individuals, populations and societies at global, regional, national and local levels independently analyse and evaluate policies and strategies for development and economic growth in low and middle-income societies discuss cultures and social norms in the contextualisation of theories critically evaluate, discuss and prioritise among key methodologies with regard to validity, reliability and applicability communicate and discuss research-based knowledge, advice and decisions across cultures and on different levels to researchers, policy-makers, media, organisations and laypersons. Career Opportunities The study programme paves the way for several new types of employment depending on your specialisation during the second year of the programme. Many candidates will go on to jobs in private companies which interact with the Global South (Africa, Asia and Latin America). Other graduates will find employment in institutions and organisations engaged in development work and more international issues. There is considerable potential for Danish production companies, service businesses and consultants in the global markets, especially in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and in the new growth countries, for example Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey and several African countries. Graduates of this new study programme can help realise this potential. The programme can also lead to a research career within global development. Admission All applications fulfilling the prerequisites will be individually assessed. Applicants must fulfil the following minimum requirements for admission: A bachelor degree from a recognised university equivalent to a BSc degree in either anthropology, economics, geography, geoinformatics, natural resources, political science or sociology The bachelor degree must contain a minimum of 15 ECTS of qualitative and/or quantitative methodsFurthermore, there are language requirements for all applicants. You apply directly through the online portal at the University of Copenhagen with all relevant documentation. In addition, documentation may be required verifying that your proficiency in English is at a specified level. Read about language requirements of the University of Copenhagen To find out whether the level of your foreign certificate or diploma satisfies the general entry requirements, you should contact the University of Copenhagen directly. A list of the most commonly recognized exams and diplomas can be found at the Danish Agency for Higher Education http://en.ufm.dk/recognition Exchange students should contact their home institution for information on application procedures and deadlines. Tuition There is a tuition fee for all full-time degree students outside EU, EAA, or from Switzerland. Read about tuition fees at the University of Copenhagen . Students within an exchange programme are not required to pay tuition. For Further Information Information from the Danish Agency for Higher Education can be located at http://ufm.dk/en You will find information about the Danish assessment of foreign qualifications in Guide to diploma recognition About the Educational System in general visit the section The Danish Higher Education System

Living costs€1,770 a month in Copenhagen, rent included

€21,240

Living costs from SiT estimate from livingcost.org city data (Nov 2026), converted from USD at the ECB reference rate of 30 Oct 2026 (1 EUR = 1.1172 USD)

Every intake you can still apply for, with its own deadline.

• Fall 2027Apply by Jan 15, 2027Next deadline

Typical requirements in Denmark for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

• A completed qualification that gives access to Master's Degree study.
• Academic transcripts and any programme-specific assessment the institution asks for.
• Your advisor checks the final requirements for your education system and intake.

Confirm the accepted English-language evidence with the institution for the selected intake.

Prepare for and book LanguageCert Academic with SIT Connect

A typical checklist for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

The central catalogue records this programme as accredited.