Executive Master in Development Policy

How to qualify

In order to qualify for the Executive Master in Governance & Development Policy, participants are required to attend all ten modules of the programme (30 ECTS), write two Seminar essays (10 ECTS), produce an original Master thesis and pass an oral examination (20 ECTS).

1

Seminar Essay

This is a dissertation of maximum 3.000 words. Participants are expected to react from their own perspective and to discuss one of the issues presented during the seminar. During the academic year, participants must write two seminar essays.

2

Master Thesis

This  is a piece of work that all course participants have to produce in order to qualify for the degree. The topic must be one of development policy and must be initially submitted to the academic supervisor for approval. More details will be given during the classes.

3

Oral examination

This is an assessment of the candidate’s understanding of Development Policy. Candidates sit the “major oral” in English or in French, in front of a panel of professors. More details will be given during the classes.

4

Exam

They are organised during the last week of June and October. If this opportunity is not used, it is still possible to sit the exam in late January or late June of the following academic year. A fee of 1.800 € will be charged for re-registration. However, if re registration occurs after an interruption of more than one year (non consecutive re registration) the fee will be of 2.500 €. No one may sit the same examination more than twice.

5

Final grade

40% mark for the thesis; 40% mark for the oral examination; 20% mark for the seminar essays and other coursework. A combined average mark of more than 55% is required for the degree to be awarded. The grading system is as follows: Pass (55-64)Cum Laude (65-74)Magna Cum Laude (75-84)Summa Cum Laude (85 or more).

The Executive Master 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) are issued by CERIS & Université Libre de Bruxelles-ULB and are agreed by ARES (Académie de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur) which is the federation of French-speaking higher education institutions in Belgium. The jury of the Executive Master program delivers a Certificate Level 7 EQF (European Qualification Framework). Participants should be aware that this Postgraduate Certificate (English style Master 60 ECTS) is not the equivalent of a Graduate Certificate, Bologna-type Master (120 ECTS) or specialized master’s (60 ECTS).

EQF Level 7 Knowledge : Highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of knowledge in a field of work or study, as the basis for original thinking and/or research. Critical awareness of knowledge issues in a field and at the interface between different fields.

EQF Level 7 Skills : specialised problem-solving skills required in research and/or innovation in order to develop new knowledge and procedures and to integrate knowledge from different fields.

EQF Level 7 Responsibility and autonomy : manage and transform work or study contexts that are complex, unpredictable and require new strategic approaches; take responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice and/or for reviewing the strategic performance of team.