Why study International Development Studies at Chulalongkorn University?

The are various challenges that impact development, including poverty, environmental degradation and access to resources, dislocation of people, and political conflict, which challenge policymakers, academics, civil society, and the private sector worldwide. 

Institutions of higher learning in Southeast Asia have a great responsibility to establish programs that base international development in the context of development practice itself. The MAIDS-GRID Programs, situated in Thailand, is geographically central within ASEAN and Asia and leverages access to local, regional, and global organizations based in Bangkok and beyond.

Why learning with MAIDS-GRID?

The Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in International Development Studies Programs (MAIDS-GRID) is:

  • The first of its kind at Chulalongkorn University

    This is a unique program in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region and was established in 2003 by the Centre for Social Development Studies (CSDS). The Program and the Centre are both housed in the Faculty of Political Science. We are the first graduate program in Thailand offering MA & PhD in International Development Studies. 

    There are various challenges that impact development, including poverty, environmental degradation and access to resources, dislocation of people, and political conflict, which challenge policymakers, academics, civil society, and the private sector worldwide. 

    Institutions of higher learning in Southeast Asia have a great responsibility to establish programs that base international development in the context of development practice itself. The MAIDS-GRID Programs, situated in Thailand, is geographically central within ASEAN and Asia and leverages access to local, regional, and global organizations based in Bangkok and beyond.

  • One of the first in Southeast Asia to offer multidisciplinary training in international development

    The curriculum integrates academic, technical, managerial, and professional training in the social sciences. The M.A. in International Development Studies program (MAIDS) offers excellent preparation for a career in public or private sector development or further study at the doctorate level. The core and elective courses, taught in English, address a wide range of topics, including development theory and practice; globalization; research methods; politics of public policy; migration; human rights; environmental politics; conflict resolution; project management; and innovation for inclusive development. The thesis project allows each student to pursue their personal interests.

  • Excellent Faculty Members

    Chulalongkorn Faculty members are experienced public intellectuals with strong connections at all levels of Thai society, including Southeast Asia and beyond. Students benefit from the unique inside knowledge of active players in local and regional politics, and policy-making circles. Many professors sit as committee members on national bodies in Thailand such as the National Economic and Social Advisory Board, the National Human Rights Commission, and National Security Council, and on the boards of civil society organizations. Chulalongkorn academics pursue a wide range of research interests, and are able to provide expert advice to each student.

  • Network of Academics and Practitioner

    The faculty is supported by a number of prominent guest lecturers, from Thai and overseas academic institutions, United Nations agencies, government, and civil society organizations. The M.A. and Ph.D. program is a unique opportunity to develop a network of contacts among leading development scholars and practitioners in the region.

    The program and the university also work in partnership with many academic and international institutions, such as Chiang Mai and Mahidol Universities; the Thailand Research Fund; the Office of the Civil Service Commission; the Union for Civil Liberty; University of Vienna, Austria; University of Bonn, Germany; Charles University of Prague, Czech Republic; Nagoya University, Sophia University, and Waseda University, Japan; Third World Studies Centre, University of the Philippines; and the UN Commission on Human Security.

  • Diverse Student Body in an Intimate Class Environment

    All M.A. and Ph.D. courses are taught using a seminar format to provide a forum for dialogue and discussion. The M.A. and Ph.D. students, coming from a wide range of countries and backgrounds, have a unique opportunity to share their experience and discover new cultural perspectives. Since its inception, the program has hosted students from Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Cambodia, China (and Taiwan), Costa Rica, Finland, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Korea (Republic of), Lao PDR, Moldova, Myanmar, Nepal, Palestinian State, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vietnam. Most students have had previous work or volunteer experience in international development, and some even hold graduate degrees.

  • Academic Resources

    The university has modern and fully-equipped libraries and resource centers to support learning and exchange. Some of the research and multidisciplinary institutes include the Energy Research Institute, the Center for Ecological Economics, the Environmental Research Institute, the Social Research Institute, and the Asian Migration Resource Center. Students can also access the resources of other Thai universities and institutions in Bangkok .

  • Field Visits

    The M.A. and Ph.D. in International Development Studies takes full advantage of its location in Southeast Asia and the Greater Mekong Sub-region; close to neighboring Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam and China's Yunnan province. Every year students - accompanied by some of their lecturers - go on field visits to discuss current development challenges with villagers, government officials and development experts. Past field visits included destinations such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand, to Songkhla and Pattani in the deep south, and to Vietnam, Myanmar, and Lao PDR.

  • Bangkok: A Hub for International Development in the Heart of Southeast Asia

    Chulalongkorn University is located in the center of Bangkok, close to the regional seat of numerous United Nations agencies, among them the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Development Program (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). International organizations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) and prominent civil society organizations such as Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia), which also have offices nearby. Development practitioners from these organizations regularly come to Chulalongkorn to share their knowledge and experience with students. These contacts will be crucial for students wishing to work in the region after their studies. These organizations also provide a wealth of resources for the students' research projects, and possible internship and work opportunities.

    Bangkok is regarded as a very safe and livable city. Bangkok is a vibrant metropolis, renowned for its endless glittering Buddhist temples, weekend market, sporting and cultural venues, which provide ample opportunities for recreation. “Krungthep”, as Bangkok is known in Thai language, is also one of the world's most affordable cities. In 2005, it ranked 125th in the Worldwide Cost of Living Survey conducted by Mercer Human Resource Consulting. Bangkok is cheaper than any European or North American city, and also more affordable than most Asian cities, such as New Delhi, Singapore, Jakarta , and Kuala Lumpur. 

    Chulalongkorn University is easily accessible by public transport. Most of our students live in comfortable and private apartments only 15 – 20 minutes from campus.