International Development Management - Rural Development and Innovation

Will you work towards a fair world?

How will you ensure sustainable development where everyone benefits without this resulting in the depletion of the earth? During your studies, you will learn how to use a practical approach to strike a balance between people, the earth and prosperity.

During your studies, you will be committed to the rebuilding of society following disasters, to building a better future for the rural population or you will contribute to fair economic chains from raw materials to consumers. In all cases, you will learn how to bring people together in various cultural and social environments, to defend interests, and to facilitate and supervise developments and innovation.

You do not do this from behind a desk, but you seek practical situations and direct contact with people.

Study programme

In the first year, you will gain an overview of the key areas in international development. These include sustainability, rural community development, project management and innovation.

The second year starts with an internship, followed by more academic training in food security, sustainable agriculture, inclusive entrepreneurship and building resilient communities.

The third year consists of a specialisation and an internship in rural development and innovation.

Finding answers - and communicating them

Despite impressive reductions in poverty globally, progress has been uneven. Inequality is increasing between urban and rural areas and in rural areas in the developed and developing world. Each rural area has its own dynamics, opportunities and problems. In some countries, people are moving to the cities, causing depopulation of the countryside. What will be the effect on the liveability in villages, the effect for the rural youth? For an Eastern European family farm globalization (including EU regulations) may force them to stop farming or diversify their income, e.g. to earn additional income from West-European tourists. Or can an African farming family survive when members are becoming a victim of HIV/AIDS?

Students learn to analyse the reasons why inequality is so persistent and learn how to facilitate development that is pro-poor, which may lead to the empowerment of vulnerable and marginalised rural communities. This intensive programme provides a practical introduction to the opportunities and threats affecting life in rural areas all over the world - a world that could soon become your own workspace! 

In the final year, you will take a minor to diversify your experience and complete a graduation project.

Entry requirements

This programme is open to anyone with 3 A Levels or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. Maths and economics are recommended A' levels but not mandatory.

Meet Van Hall Larenstein

"VHL offers many opportunities which are not commonly available in the UK. Since visiting the open day, I just knew that VHL was for me and from then I felt very satisfied with my decision to study at VHL. I would encourage students to visit the open day if they have the opportunity as it really confirmed VHL is the place for me."

Ella Peters

Coming to an Open Day is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Van Hall Larenstein and the "International Development Management" programme.

Upcoming open days:

• 16th February 2019

Van Hall Larenstein also offers the "International Development Management" webinar, which you can access via the university's website. The next one takes place on 5th March 2019 and you can sign up at www.vhluniversity.com.

Similar courses

• International Development Management - Disaster Risk Management

  Van Hall Larenstein - Velp campus Netherlands, Velp

• International Development Management - Sustainable Value Chains

  Van Hall Larenstein - Velp campus Netherlands, Velp