Master of Global & Development Studies

Roskilde University
Global Development Studies
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Public University
Denmark

This is a two-year, four-semester master’s programme taught in English on the single Roskilde campus, starting each September. It looks at global challenges such as justice, inequality, conflict and sustainability and how they affect states, markets and civil society. The approach is interdisciplinary, drawing on international relations, political economy, political science, sociology and anthropology. Students work in teams on self-chosen problems under a supervisor, and results are written up and defended orally. Lectures, seminars, study groups and exercises support the project work. The page notes the programme is currently closed to applicants without a legal right of admission from a Roskilde bachelor.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Roskilde
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	15-January,
Fee Per Year	8900
Application Fee	165
Currency	euro
Intake Link	https://ruc.dk/en/admission-masters-programmes
Deadline Link	https://ruc.dk/en/admission-masters-programmes
Intakes	September
Program language requirement	Your upper secondary education diploma with English at B-level or English B as a supplementary subject fulfill the English language requirement and must be uploaded with your application. We currently accept the following documents: IELTS (Academic): with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 AND a minimum section band score of 6.5 in the “Writing” AND “Speaking” categories, TOEFL: internet-based (iBT): with a minimum overall band score of 83 AND a minimum section band score of 20 in the “Writing” AND “Speaking” categories, Cambridge C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), or Cambridge C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), Official documentation of a complete upper secondary education taught in English in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK or USA. *) Please note that: The IELTS or TOEFL test cannot be more than 2 years old. Roskilde University accepts the Special Home Edition of the internet-based TOEFL test. Roskilde University does not accept MyBest Scores. Roskilde University does not accept IELTS Academic Online. Roskilde University does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake.

Who can Choose this program?

Relevant Bachelor’s Degrees: Global Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Human Geography, Area Studies (e.g., South Asian Studies, African Studies), Public Administration, Social Work (with development focus), or Economics.

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates build skills in planning and managing projects, carrying out evaluations, gathering and presenting data, writing policy briefs and giving policy advice. They are prepared to work with complex tasks and interdisciplinary cooperation. Employers named include private companies, the public sector, international organisations and NGOs. Example roles are policy analyst, public affairs consultant, policy advisor on peace and security, international financial officer, data analyst, foreign service officer and international project manager. The internship option in the third semester lets students test their skills in a workplace and build contacts that may help when they start looking for a job after graduation.
Program entry requirement	Please note: Roskilde University estimates that a Bachelor of Honours (4 years) from Bangladesh is equivalent to either a Danish academic Bachelor's degree or a Danish professional Bachelor's degree, see the above-mentioned website. As of the admission round for September 2025, Roskilde University considers a Bachelor of Honours (4 years) from a university-affiliated college to be equivalent to a Danish professional bachelor's degree. If you have a Bachelor of Honours (4 years) from a university-affiliated college, you will not be admitted without prerequisite studies if you apply for one of the master's programmes that require specific courses that correspond in level to at least the first year of a Danish university programme. Please note that you can only take prerequisite studies if you have a residence permit for Denmark that is valid for the entire duration of the prerequisite courses. You will be assessed based on: A degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor's degree Study elements equivalent to Danish bachelor’s level taken before completing your bachelor's degree - e.g. additional courses where you obtain ECTS/credits taken concurrently with your bachelor's degree or study elements passed at another bachelor's degree that you have not completed. However, we will only include a maximum of 30 ECTS from these studies. Legal right of admission The programme is closed for admission. Only students holding a bachelor’s degree from Roskilde University with a legal right of admission (retskrav) can still be admitted. The following bachelor’s programmes from Roskilde University give legal right of admission to Global and Development Studies: Samfundsvidenskabelig bachelor / International Bachelor in Social Sciences with one of the following combinations: Business Studies and Communication Studies Business Studies + Cultural Encounters International Studies + Business Studies International Studies + Bæredygtig Omstilling (tidligere Teknologisk-samfundsvidenskabelig planlægning, TekSam) International Studies + Communication Studies International Studies + Cultural Encounters International Studies + Geografi International Studies + Journalistik International Studies + Kulturmødestudier (tidligere Kultur- og sprogmødestudier) International Studies + Plan, by og proces International Studies + Social Psychology of Everyday Life International Studies + Sundhedsfremme og sundhedsstrategier
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: CGPA of 2.5 or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No. GRE scores are not listed as an admission requirement; admission is based on a relevant bachelor's degree, programme-specific requirements and proof of English proficiency.
GMAT Required	No. GMAT scores are not listed as an admission requirement for this programme.
Application Process	Application Process: University Application Documents • Completed university application form • All academic transcripts (officially translated into English or Danish) • Passport/Travel document • ID Photo • CV • LoM / SOP (Letter of Motivation / Statement of Purpose) • Proof of English/Danish language proficiency • Proof of financial support • Any other required documents depending on the University (e.g., references, medical certificates) 2. Attestation & Legalization (For Visa ONLY – Not for University Application) • Legalization of educational documents is a must for Visa Apply not for applying in University. (Depends case to case) • Attestation from IBCC, HEC and MOFA is also mandatory for Visa application but not for applying in university. (Depends case to case) 3. Visa Fee & Financial Requirements • Visa fee: 334 Euros • Bank Statement: 11k Euros • Bank statement age: 6 months old • Sponsor: Self or Parents
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/danish-government-scholarship/
Program accreditation	Roskilde University holds positive institutional accreditation from the Danish Accreditation Institution (Akkrediteringsinstitutionen), so its degree programmes are quality-assured and state-recognised within the Danish higher education system. The programme page lists no separate programme-specific accreditation.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Denmark • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 (~€800 to €1,350). Copenhagen is significantly more expensive than regional cities. • Upfront Costs: Expect a heavy initial cash layout—landlords frequently require 3 months of rent as a deposit plus the first month's rent upfront. • Visa Proof of Funds: You must show access to roughly €11,000 to €13,000 in a bank account under your name to satisfy SIRI visa requirements for the first year. • Perk: Public healthcare is 100% free once you receive your CPR number.
Visa Process Details	Visa Checklist 1. Paper/Online Application Form (Online Preferred) 2. SIRI Processing Fee Receipt 3. Travel Document / Passport 4. Previous Visa History Documents (if any) 5. Recent ID Photos (recent, white background, no headwear) 6. All Academic Transcripts 7. Previous Work Experience (if any) 8. Original CNIC & Family Registration Certificate issued by NADRA (in English) 9. Police Character Certificate 10. Medical and Travel Insurance (covers €30,000 in Schengen Area) 11. Proof of English/Danish Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) 12. Verification of payment for studies provided by the educational establishment 13. Proof of Accommodation and Flight Reservation (both ways) 14. LOM / SOP 15. Financial Means Proof: Bank statement for the last six months in your own name or your guardian's name, containing funds to support your stay – €914 per month. You must multiply the amount by the number of months you will be studying in a higher educational program in Denmark (for a maximum of 12 months, approximately €11,000). However, the bank statement must not be older than 30 days. 16. The Consular might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Denmark • Hours: Non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during semesters and full-time in June, July, and August. • Average Pay: High hourly wages, typically DKK 130 to DKK 200 (~€17 to €27) depending on the sector. • Essentials: Requires a CPR number (residence registration), a NemKonto (bank account), and a Tax Card (Skattekort) to avoid a default 55% tax rate.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 3-Year Job-Seeking Permit: Automatically granted or easily accessible upon graduating from an accredited Danish higher education program. • Work Rights: You can continue working part-time (90 hours/month) while searching for a career-level role. • Switching to a Full Work Visa: Once you find a full-time professional job, you can transition smoothly into a regular work permit via fast-track systems like the Pay Limit Scheme (minimum salary requirement applies) or the Positive List (shortage occupations).

What are the admission requirements for the Master's program at Roskilde University?

To be admitted to the Master's program at Roskilde University, applicants need a Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Danish Bachelor's degree. They must also meet specific English language proficiency requirements and have a legal right of admission if applying from a Roskilde University Bachelor's program. Furthermore, an application fee of 165 euros is required.

What is the duration and structure of the Master's program in Global and Development Studies?

The Master's program in Global and Development Studies is a two-year, four-semester program. It includes a mix of foundation courses, project work, electives, and culminates in a thesis in the fourth semester. Students also have the opportunity to engage in internships and a potential exchange semester abroad.

Is there a deadline for applying to the Master's program at Roskilde University?

The application deadline for the Master's program is January 15. It is important to check the official website for detailed admission dates and processes.

What are the living expenses for students in Denmark?

Living expenses in Denmark generally range from DKK 6,000 to DKK 10,000 per month (approximately 800 to 1,350 euros), depending on the city. Students must also demonstrate access to about 11,000 to 13,000 euros for their first year to satisfy visa requirements.

Can international students work while studying in Denmark?

Yes, non-EU students can work up to 90 hours per month during the semester and full-time during the summer months of June, July, and August. A residence registration number (CPR), a bank account (NemKonto), and a tax card (Skattekort) are required for employment.