Development-Management

What are the reasons of the (in)effectiveness of development aid and assistance?
What are the reasons for the development or under-development of certain nations and regions?
How can the effectiveness of programmes and projects of development cooperation be measured?
What are the practical problems of planning, implementation, and evaluation of development programs and projects in the existing framework of international developmental cooperation?
What approaches of analyzing development as a whole exist on a theoretical and practical level, seen through the lens of an interdisciplinary and international masters programme?

The programme turned out to be even better than I had initially imagined.

Anujin Bayasgalan

What made you choose this degree programme?

I wanted to fully commit to my passion for development, and the MADM programme perfectly aligned with that goal. Coming from a business background, I felt the need to deepen my theoretical understanding of development and gain insights how different actors operate within the sector. I was especially interested in learning the distinct approaches to project management in the development context, which the MADM offers through a combination of academic depth and practical experience.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

The programme turned out to be even better than I had initially imagined. It’s clear that all courses and inputs are carefully designed and delivered with a high level of quality. The opportunity to do an internship –with the support from the institute in matching us with relevant organizations – was incredibly helpful. On top of that, the intercultural seminar, simulation games and development talks with experts and alumni have been the cherry on top, enriching the overall learning experience.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I absolutely love our cohort. Everyone brings different experiences, and we’re constantly learning from one another. The IEE staff, professors, and lecturers have also made the experience exceptional – they’re incredibly supportive, especially when it comes to helping international students navigate bureaucracy. Also, the environment is open, international, and very responsive to student feedback which make a pleasant experience.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Coming back to academia after several years in the professional world was personally challenging – adjusting to student life, writing academic papers and keeping up with deadlines took some time. However, with the support of our lecturers and fellow students, I was able to adapt quite fine in a short period of time. The block teaching format was a very new system – we spend a few weeks focusing on a single course before moving on to the next – but it has the great advantage of allowing full concentration on one subject at a time.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I want to work in the development sector – particularly in project management and implementation that empowers communities and drive social change. Development is a complex and ever-changing field, and I believe MADM can give me the tools to contribute to meaningfully and grow within the sector.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

MADM is suitable for those who want to advance academic skills while gaining practical experience. It’s great for anyone interested in becoming a researcher or practitioner in the development field.

We don't just learn from theories and written exams, but also from applying them through different real-life case studies.

Arra Jose

Full interview

What made you choose this degree programme?

I chose the program due to its theoretical and practical approach in teaching.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

The knowledge I have from the wide range of courses offered in this course (at least for the courses I already took) are relevant to what I wanted to learn and what I expect to be needed in the professional world. On the other hand, it is a bit disappointing that our learning trip to South Africa did not push through due to budget constraints because I believe it is a nice experience to learn and perform on field at the same time.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I enjoy the wide range of topics of development studies offered (economics, social science, research), as well as its practical application. We don't just learn from theories and written exams, but also from applying them through different real-life case studies. I also enjoy the diversity of my class as we can learn from each other’s cultures and experiences. The opportunity to do your master thesis fieldwork from your home country is a good feature of the program.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Nothing so far.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I want to be a policy analyst or a program manager whether under Water and Sanitation or other development disciplines (environment and economics).

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

I would suggest them to be open-minded about other perspectives relevant to development. Also, since the program offers wide range of subjects, it is okay to not be so good on some disciplines as long as you really learn something important. Basic knowledge of German is also helpful for day-to-day activities or when booking appointments in different offices in Germany.

Franziska Willeke

Full interview

What made you choose this degree programme?

I chose to study Development Management because I have always been fascinated by cultural diversity and concerned about the inequalities that shape people's lives around the world. Through my studies, I want to better understand the dynamics behind these challenges and learn how to actively contribute to more just and sustainable development. I see this program as an important step in gaining the skills and perspectives needed to make a meaningful impact in the future.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

My expectations have been met in the sense that the program offers a solid theoretical foundation and plenty of opportunities to engage with real-world development challenges. I particularly appreciate the interdisciplinary approach and the international environment. However, I underestimated how broad and complex the field would be – it's sometimes challenging to define one’s own niche or focus within such a wide-ranging discipline.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I truly enjoy the diversity – both in terms of topics and people. Every discussion brings a new perspective, and the exchange with fellow students from around the world has been incredibly enriching. I also appreciate the opportunity to question assumptions and critically engage with development concepts.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

One of the biggest challenges has been managing the workload while trying to carve out time for personal reflection and professional development. Development studies can be emotionally and intellectually demanding – especially when confronting global injustices and trying to find one’s role in addressing them.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I hope to work at the intersection of sustainable tourism and community development, ideally within an organization that values participatory approaches and intercultural dialogue. My goal is to contribute to projects that empower local communities and promote more equitable and sustainable forms of travel and development.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

Be open-minded and ready to challenge your own views. Development Management is a field that thrives on critical thinking and intercultural exchange. Also, don’t stress about having a clear career path from the start – allow yourself time to explore, and trust that your individual background will become a real strength, especially in such a broad and dynamic field.

I particularly enjoy the structure of the courses (...) I also appreciate the incredible support provided by the MADM staff.

Nisa Narimanova

Full interview

What made you choose this degree programme?

I was looking for programs focused on sustainable development, and while reading the description of the MADM program at RUB, I was impressed by its interdisciplinary approach. The program combines subjects related to sustainability, such as economics, social sciences, and research methods. What attracted me the most was the practical component — the opportunity to conduct field research was particularly appealing.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

My expectations regarding the practical aspects and interdisciplinary courses have been fully met. However, I did not expect to start working on the master's thesis as early as the first semester. In most universities, thesis preparation usually begins in the later semesters.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I particularly enjoy the structure of the courses — each course lasts only about 10–15 days, allowing me to focus intensively on one subject at a time before moving on to the next. I also appreciate the incredible support provided by the MADM staff, especially their assistance with finding internships. Having the opportunity to gain practical experience already during the first semester has been a great advantage, especially as a newcomer to Germany.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Deadlines has sometimes been challenging, as each assignment requires significant effort and overlapping deadlines can occur. However, the MADM staff has been very understanding in such situations and often granted deadline extensions.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I would like to work for an international organization dedicated to advancing sustainable development goals in developing countries. I am eager to contribute to meaningful projects using the knowledge and skills I have acquired during my studies.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

Stay organized and study consistently. Take detailed notes during lectures.

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