WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY & RESEARCH · NETHERLANDS
Master’s in Development and Rural Innovation
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€22k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Systems approach to societal transformationUnique Program Feature
- Small, international, and interactive learning environmentLearning Environment
- Focus on bridging technical/life sciences with social sciencesInterdisciplinary Focus
- Grounded in real-world initiatives and field researchPractical Experience
- 4 distinct thesis tracks: Communication & Innovation, Rural Sociology, Sociology of Development, Technology & DevelopmentThesis Tracks
- 4.1/5 Student Satisfaction ScoreStudent Satisfaction
The MSc Development and Rural Innovation program at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is designed for students who want to understand and address complex societal challenges in development and rural contexts. It focuses on the socio-political aspects of innovation and transformation, rather than the technical design. The program explores why technological advancements don't always solve societal problems and why innovations may not benefit those most in need. Students learn to see the bigger picture by understanding innovations and interventions as socio-political processes. This program encourages a systems approach to societal transformation, bridging the gap between technical or life sciences and social sciences to prepare graduates for international roles. This program is ideal for those with a background in technical sciences, life sciences, or relevant management studies who are interested in the social, political, and communication aspects of development. You will learn to connect concepts from development sociology, rural sociology, communication sciences, and innovation sciences to real-life situations, facilitating multi-stakeholder processes, and conducting independent research on current development issues. The curriculum emphasizes a critical understanding of global challenges, including colonial legacies, food security, climate change, and migration. The program is taught in a small, international, and interactive environment, fostering collaboration among motivated students from diverse backgrounds.
Curriculum
The Master's program spans two years. Year 1 focuses on foundational social science knowledge, research methods, and includes research courses, electives, and a thesis preparatory course. It culminates in a field excursion for practical research experience. Year 2 is dedicated to a significant independent research thesis and a mandatory internship within an organization, company, or institute, allowing students to apply their learning in a professional setting.
- Year 1
- Introduction to social sciences
- Research courses
- Electives
- Thesis preparatory course
- Field excursion
- Year 2
- Thesis
- Internship
Careers
Graduates of the MSc Development and Rural Innovation program are well-prepared to contribute to societal change in a wide range of organizations. The program equips students with skills to work in diverse settings focused on development and rural innovation.
- Project manager at an NGO
- Specialised public officer at local, national, or international level
- Researcher or lecturer
- Self-employed consultant or facilitator
- Entrepreneur
- Social responsibility manager in the profit sector (e.g., working on fair and sustainable commodity chains)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Master’s in Development and Rural Innovation?
- For the academic year 2026-2027, tuition fees are €2,694 per year for EU/EEA students and €21,900 per year for non-EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA students may be eligible for a discount if they extend their studies beyond the nominal period under specific conditions. Second master's programs have different fee structures.
- How long is the Master’s in Development and Rural Innovation program?
- The Master's program spans two years. The first year focuses on foundational knowledge and research preparation, while the second year is dedicated to an independent research thesis and a mandatory internship.
- What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
- Applicants need a BSc degree in technical sciences, life sciences, or relevant management studies. This includes degrees from WUR in specific programs, a BSc in Biology from a Dutch university, or an equivalent background in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Health Sciences, or Natural Sciences.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Project Manager at an NGO, specialised public officer, researcher, self-employed consultant, or social responsibility manager in the profit sector, particularly in areas like fair and sustainable commodity chains.
- Are there any scholarships available for international students?
- Yes, Wageningen University & Research offers the 'Excellence Programme' and the 'Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)' for eligible international MSc students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees and living costs, with specific application deadlines in February 2026.
- What is the application deadline for the Master’s in Development and Rural Innovation?
- The application deadline for consideration for the Excellence Scholarship is February 1st, 2026. The program typically starts in September.
Entry requirements
BSc degreeA WUR BSc degree in Forest and Nature Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Food Technology, Biosystems Engineering, Animal Sciences, Biotechnology, International Land and Water Management, Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning, Molecular Life Sciences, Plant Sciences, Nutrition and Health, Soil, Water, Atmosphere, a BSc in Biology from a Dutch university (with CROHO 56860 or 59325), or equivalent.
Equivalent backgroundA previous education with a focus on Life Sciences (e.g., Natural Resources Management), Physical Sciences and Engineering, Health Sciences, or Natural Sciences.
The program is open to students with a BSc in technical sciences, life sciences, or relevant management studies. The admission requirements are designed to ensure students can successfully complete the program within the nominal two-year period. Students need a solid academic background with a focus on one or more of the specified scientific areas.
Fees
Tuition (international)€21,900 per year for non-EU/EEA students.
Tuition (home)€2,694 per year for EU/EEA students.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026-2027. Non-EU/EEA students can benefit from a discount if they extend their study beyond the nominal period under specific conditions. Second master's programs have different fee structures.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsEnsure your Bachelor's degree and academic background meet the program's specific criteria, which favors technical, life sciences, or relevant management studies.
2. Apply for the Master's ProgramSubmit a complete application for the MSc program via Studielink (or the university's designated portal) before the application deadline. For the Excellence Scholarship consideration, this deadline is February 1st, 2026.
3. Obtain Unconditional AdmissionYou must be unconditionally admitted to the MSc program to be eligible for certain scholarships like the Excellence Programme. Ensure all your documents are complete and meet the program's requirements.
4. Scholarship Application (if applicable)If you are eligible for scholarships like the Excellence Programme or Africa Scholarship Programme, ensure your MSc application meets the scholarship deadlines and requirements. Selections for scholarships are often based on the initial MSc application.
5. Await NotificationCandidates for the Excellence Scholarship will be notified of the selection committee's initial assessment by April 1st, 2026, with final results communicated by May 7th, 2026.
Scholarships
Excellence ProgrammeTuition fee waiver for the duration of the program (24 months)
Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)Covers travel, living allowance, tuition fees, visa costs, and health insurance for the program duration (24 months)
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Master’s in Development and Rural Innovation?
+
For the academic year 2026-2027, tuition fees are €2,694 per year for EU/EEA students and €21,900 per year for non-EU/EEA students. Non-EU/EEA students may be eligible for a discount if they extend their studies beyond the nominal period under specific conditions. Second master's programs have different fee structures.
How long is the Master’s in Development and Rural Innovation program?
+
The Master's program spans two years. The first year focuses on foundational knowledge and research preparation, while the second year is dedicated to an independent research thesis and a mandatory internship.
What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
+
Applicants need a BSc degree in technical sciences, life sciences, or relevant management studies. This includes degrees from WUR in specific programs, a BSc in Biology from a Dutch university, or an equivalent background in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Health Sciences, or Natural Sciences.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Project Manager at an NGO, specialised public officer, researcher, self-employed consultant, or social responsibility manager in the profit sector, particularly in areas like fair and sustainable commodity chains.
Are there any scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, Wageningen University & Research offers the 'Excellence Programme' and the 'Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)' for eligible international MSc students. These scholarships can cover tuition fees and living costs, with specific application deadlines in February 2026.
What is the application deadline for the Master’s in Development and Rural Innovation?
+
The application deadline for consideration for the Excellence Scholarship is February 1st, 2026. The program typically starts in September.