This page contains affiliate links. This means if you a follow a link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, Humanitarian Careers will receive a commission. Thank you for supporting the site.

Germany is one of the best countries for master’s degrees related to a career in humanitarian aid. Germany has some of the leading universities offering masters ideal for those wanting to work in the humanitarian sector. With master’s courses on humanitarian action, development studies, development economics and refugee and migration studies, Germany is a top destination to study a masters for a career in aid.

International Humanitarian Action – Ruhr University Bochum

Ruhr University Bochum, in western Germany, offers a master’s degree in International Humanitarian Action. One of the leading humanitarian master’s degrees in Germany, the Ruhr University Bochum course covers the foundations of humanitarian action, as well as the key principles and policies of international humanitarian aid.

The Ruhr University Bochum master’s degree also introduces students to the legal foundations of humanitarian interventions as well as allowing students to investigate how humanitarian responses can be better organised. Students on the master’s degree also look at how humanitarian disasters and public health are linked.

The masters in International Humanitarian Action at Ruhr University Bochum is one of the premiere humanitarian masters in Germany. The degree focuses on combining the theory and social sciences underpinning humanitarian action, as well as practical tools for the effective management of aid responses.

Students on the master’s degree learn from some of the leading humanitarian professionals in Germany. The course also has close links with leading German NGOs and international organisations, and guest speakers from across the country and wider-development industry speak to students. The master’s degree also includes a focus on international humanitarian law.

The International Humanitarian Action master’s degree at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany is taught over 4 semesters. The degree language is English. The degree cost is around 12,000 EUR. The Ruhr University Bochum offers a wide range of scholarship programmes for German and international students. There are also specific scholarships for refugees studying at Germany universities. Applicants to the masters in International Humanitarian Action at Ruhr University Bochum need to have completed an undergraduate degree.

International and Development Economics – HTW Berlin

HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences) has a master’s degree in International And Development Economics. A strong master’s option for those interested in a career in humanitarian aid, the degree teaches students a combined focus on specific economic factors affecting development, as well as broader economic theories.

With a partial focus on international trade and relations, the master’s degree is a good option for those wanting a career in humanitarian aid as it includes an exploration of how unequal global development has occurred and current practices in-place to address it.

Students on the master’s degree in International and Development Economics at HTW Berlin in Germany learn in diverse groups and are encouraged to work in teams. Working in a multi-cultural environment, students are taught in groups combining those from developed and developing countries, allowing for a thorough exchange of ideas. Students on the HTW Berlin masters in International and Development Economics are encouraged to challenge their current knowledge of global economics and development and explore new avenues of investigation.

The masters in International and Development Economics at HTW Berlin is taught over three semesters. The course language is English. The degree begins around 1^st April each year. Applicants to the HTW Berlin master’s degree in International and Development Economics need to have completed an undergraduate degree and need to prove their proficiency in English. Full details of entry requirements and course fees can be obtained from the university.

Sustainable Development Management – Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

The Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences offers one of the top humanitarian masters degrees in Germany. Based in western Germany, the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has a masters degree in Sustainable Development Management. Routed in the UN’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the masters course combines economic and political sciences.

Students explore the practical and theoretical methods of development project management alongside academic investigation into sustainable development. This combination gives graduates a strong understanding of core development and humanitarian skills and knowledge.

The Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences master’s degree in Sustainable Development Management has a strong focus on project cycle management. The course teaches students how to plan, implement and evaluate development projects, as well as critique their outcomes and achievements.

As the degree has a specific focus on sustainable development, a key trend in the humanitarian industry, students also learn how the development project cycle impacts sustainability. The master’s degree in Sustainable Development Management at the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is taught by some of Germany’s leading humanitarian and development professionals.

Entry requirements for the masters in Sustainable Development Management at the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Germany are a bachelor’s degree in a related subject – such as the social sciences, economics or industrial engineering. Non-native English speakers need to prove they are B2 level or higher. Tuition fees for the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences masters in Sustainable Development Management can be found on the university’s website.

Entry requirement for the masters in Development Studies at the University of Bayreuth in Germany is the completion of a bachelors with at least 2.5 grade in a related subject such as economics, geography, sociology or African Studies. Applicants also need to provide proof of English language ability of C1 or above and German language ability of A1. The masters is made up of 4 semesters. Information on tuition fees and scholarships can be found on the university’s website.

Development and Governance – University of Duisburg-Essen

The University of Duisburg-Essen is based in western Germany, north of Cologne. Their master’s degree in Development and Governance is one of the top humanitarian related masters in the country. The course combines a mixture of political science subjects.

Students explore key subjects related to the humanitarian industry such as global development, peace and conflict, policy and international relations. The master’s degree also introduces students to the academic investigation of areas such as the European Union, Sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia. Students learn from some of the leading academics on development, governance and humanitarian affairs in Germany.

The master’s degree in Development and Governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany is a strong option for those wanting a career in humanitarian aid and to study in Germany. The master’s degree focuses on how improved governance, at local, national and international level can improve development.

Students on the degree are encouraged to compare how governance in developed nations differs to that in developing nations and how global governance overall can be improved. The master’s degree teaches students to develop their own policy ideas that go on to improve governance and development outcomes.

General admission requirements for the Development and Governance master’s degree at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany are an undergraduate degree and one year’s professional related work experience. Applicants require a high-level of English language skills, such as IELTS score of 6.0 or greater.

The course requires a registration fee of 319 EUR in addition to tuition fees. Full details of the degrees costs and fees can be found on the university’s website. The University of Duisburg-Essen offers a range of scholarships to both German and international students.

MA in Development Studies – University of Bayreuth

The of University of Bayreuth is in eastern Germany, near to Nuremburg. The university has a masters degree in Development Studies which is seen as one of the top in Germany. The degree explores the process of development, how change can occur globally and the role globalisation has played in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

On the master’s students learn the causes, effects and consequences of development policies, as well as the core methodologies and practices of development. Students are encouraged to challenge conventional development thinking. The masters in Development Studies at University of Bayreuth in Germany is highly relevant for those wanting to go to a humanitarian career.

The Development Studies master’s degree at the University of Bayreuth in Germany allows students to focus on their chosen area of expertise. The masters course takes an interdisciplinary approach, combing a wide variety of studies relating to global development. Students are also encouraged to take on practical field experience – key to developing a career in the aid sector.

The University of Bayreuth masters in Development Studies aims to equip students with the theories and skills needed to work in the humanitarian and development sectors, and is led by some of Germany’s leading professionals in the industry.

Master of Arts in Development Studies – Friedensau Adventist University

Friedensau Adventist University is located in Germany between Hanover and Berlin. The university offers a masters degree in Development Studies. Ideal for those wanting a career in humanitarian aid, the Friedensau Adventist University masters in Development Studies focuses on a combination of global development and social justice. Students on the masters learn the theories under-pinning aid and development work, as well as practical tools and methodologies used in humanitarian aid and international development. All students on the degree complete an internship – gaining vital professional experience in the aid sector.

The master’s degree in Development Studies at Friedensau Adventist University is one of the top humanitarian degrees in Germany. The degree focuses on practical skills required for the aid industry including project planning and implementation as well as disaster management. The course prides itself in its diverse student body, allowing students to learn from different cultures and perspective related to development.

The master’s degree at Friedensau Adventist University in Germany includes modules such as ‘Migration and Development’, ‘Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid’ and ‘Public Health in Developing Countries’, all highly relevant to a career in the humanitarian industry.

The Development Studies master’s degree at Friedensau Adventist University in Germany is taught in English. Applicants for the degree are required to have a bachelor degree and provide evidence of English language ability. Details of the master’s fees and costs can be obtained from the university. The Friedensau Adventist University has a range of scholarship for German and international students including the ADRA Scholarship and the Friedensau Scholarship.

M.A. Development Studies – University of Passau

The University of Passau is based close to Munich, in Bavaria – Germany. The University of Passau’s masters in Development Studies prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills needed to understand global development. Students on the master’s degree learn to analyse development outcomes as well as learn the theoretical frameworks that underpin international development and humanitarian work.

The degree covers a wide range of disciplines including economics, social development, ethics and cultural development. Students are encouraged to conduct independent field research allowing them to gain first-hand experience of humanitarian aid and development work.

The master’s degree in Development Studies at the University of Passau in Germany is one of the leading humanitarian and development degrees in the country. The degree aims for graduates to have the skills and expertise needed to join the growing humanitarian and development industries.

Students on the University of Passau’s Development Studies masters are taught by some of the leading professionals in the industry from Germany and abroad. The master’s degree also has a strong research element combing both qualitative and quantitative research. Students are encouraged to investigate unique areas of aid and development and produce original research.

The University of Passau’s master’s degree in Development Studies is taught in English. Entry requirements include an undergraduate degree in a social science such as economics, sociology, political science, anthropology or human geography. Students need to speak English to a minimum of B2 level and German to A2 level. Details of fees and costs for German and international students should be sought from the university. Information on possible scholarships should also be got directly from the university.

Master of Arts in International Social Work with Refugees and Migrants – University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt

The University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, located between Frankfurt and Nuremburg in Germany, offers one of countries leading humanitarian related master’s degree. The International Social Work with Refugees and Migrants masters at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt focuses on practical tools needed for field work with refugees.

Preparing students to work in Germany, Europe and internationally, the masters explores how refugees and migrants can be supported and how better integration can be achieved. Students on the master’s degree in International Social Work with Refugees and Migrants at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt are taught by some of Germany’s leading academics on refugee and migrants’ issues.

The master’s degree in International Social Work with Refugees and Migrants at the University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt allows students to explore the professional and social requirements of working with refugees and migrants.

The masters course also encourages students to engage with cotemporary policies relating to refugees and migrants and challenge where these need changing. The University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt in Germany prides itself on its international connections and the masters in International Social Work with Refugees and Migrants is connected with relevant institutions worldwide.

Information on entry requirements, scholarships and fees should be sought from the university.

European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations – University of Oldenburg

The University of Oldenburg, in the north of Germany, offers a masters degree in Migration and Intercultural Relations. The master’s degree aims to equip students with the knowledge, professional skills and tools needed to work on migration issues. Students on the masters focus on specific contexts to explore in-depth the root causes, impacts and events surrounding migration.

The Migration and Intercultural Relations masters at the University of Oldenburg, in Germany, combines the academic study of migration with intercultural relations. The combined focus aims to better inform students of how migratory practice and policy and can be informed and improved.

The master’s degree in Migration and Intercultural Relations at the University of Oldenburg, is one of the leading courses in Germany related to humanitarian work. Students on the course learn key skills that can prepare them for a career working on humanitarian responses to migration and refugees.

Students on the master’s degree in Migration and Intercultural Relations at the University of Oldenburg in Germany provides students with practical skills such as negotiation, administration, management and team work which aims to improve their professional profiles. The University of Oldenburg’s master’s degree in Migration and Intercultural Relations is taught by some of Germany’ leading academics in the field.

Entry requirements to the masters in Migration and Intercultural Relations at the University of Oldenburg, in Germany, include the completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. Social Science undergraduates are preferred, including in history, cultural studies, law, economics, development studies, educational sciences and journalism. Applicants also need to provide evidence of English language proficiency up to C1 level if English is not their first language. Details of tuition fees for German and international students, as well as scholarships can be found on the university’s website.

If you want to learn more about studying to become a humanitarian worker, explore our list of the top humanitarian aid online courses here.