Rural Development
The Master of Science in Rural Development is an international graduate program offered in collaboration with partner institutions in Belgium, Spain, and France. Designed for students from EU and non-EU countries, the program provides interdisciplinary training in agricultural and food economics, rural governance, natural resource management, and sustainable development. Students acquire advanced research skills and practical knowledge to analyze and implement rural development strategies across diverse regions.
Spanning four semesters, the program emphasizes applied quantitative and qualitative research methods, institutional analysis, and policy evaluation. With a strong international orientation and collaboration with European partner universities, graduates are prepared for careers in public administration, regional development, research institutions, NGOs, and international organizations working on rural and agricultural development issues.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters
- Location: Berlin
- Study Type: Graduate (full-time, international)
- Admission semester: Winter semester only
- Area of study: Agricultural Science, Rural Development
- Admission modus: Local admission restriction
- Main language: English
Program Structure
- Semester 1 – Foundations of Rural Development
- Agricultural and Food Economics
- Territorial Rural Development
- Rural Governance and Natural Resource Management
- European Institutions, Policies and Organisation
- Semester 2 – Research Methods & Applied Studies
- Applied Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
- Production Systems and Sustainable Development
- Social Sciences Applied to Rural Development
- Semester 3 – Institutional and Policy Analysis
- Institutional Analysis of Rural Change
- Public Administration and Regional Development
- Collaborative Project I (partnered with European institutions)
- Semester 4 – Master’s Thesis & Final Project
- Independent Research or Thesis
- Applied Project in Rural Development
- Presentation & Portfolio Development
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Science in Rural Development are prepared for a wide range of careers in agriculture, rural policy, and international development. Career paths include rural development consultant, agricultural policy analyst, project manager in sustainable development, and researcher in territorial development. Students benefit from strong ties with European partner universities and international institutions, providing excellent networking and professional opportunities.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Science in Rural Development is an international program that combines academic excellence with practical, real-world experience. Offered jointly by Humboldt University Berlin and partner institutions in Belgium, Spain, and France, it gives students access to leading faculty, modern research facilities, and a strong international network.
The program’s unique strength lies in its interdisciplinary curriculum, applied research focus, and emphasis on sustainable rural development. Students gain advanced skills in agricultural and food economics, rural governance, and policy analysis, preparing them for impactful careers in research, development, and policy-making.
Contact Information
Universität Gent – Programme Contact
Coupure Links 653, 9000
Gent, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)9 264 59 24 or +49 30 2093-46326
Fax: +32 (0)9 264 62 46
Email: imrd@ugent.be
Humboldt University Berlin – Student Advisory Service
Unter den Linden 6, 10117
Berlin, Germany
Tel: 030 / 2093-70333
Fax: 030 / 2093-70292
Email: studienberatung@hu-berlin.de
International Office – Humboldt University Berlin
Unter den Linden 6, 10117
Berlin, Germany
Tel: 030 / 2093-0
Fax: 030 / 2093-46702
Email: international-department@hu-berlin.de
