Why study Agroecology? • You are concerned about long-term sustainability of agriculture and food systems. • You want to link knowledge with action to make a difference. • You want to work in international teams solving complex problems.
Master of Science in Agroecology
Photo: Bartrand Monney
How do Agroecologists use what they learn? The programme prepares students for a wide range of positions concerning conventional and organic agriculture and food systems, including advisory services and extension, development projects, management of agricultural and natural resources, environmental protection, and further education and research.
Contents of the programme In the first semester (30 credits) there is a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to ecological, economic and social issues in farming and food systems.
The focus is on agroecosystems, on holistic methodology for their study, evaluation and improvement, on attitudes, ethics and values, and on individual and groupbased learning. Learning is based on exploring real-life farm and food systems cases.
The casework experience is supported by lectures, seminars and supervision, and the goal is to develop competency for responsible action by linking theory and practice. After the first semester, you can develop an area of concentration on various topics constituting 30 or 60 credits.
The programme offers many options for individual tailoring of the students’ subject profiles and for studying abroad at universities that cooperate with UMB.
The programme concludes with a master degree thesis constituting 30 or 60 credits. A 60 credits thesis must include a special syllabus of 5 credits. The MSc degree requires 120 credits in a programme approved by the advisors.
The Master’s degree study programme is planned in conjunction with the relevant study coordinator.
The way forward With real-life experiences as starting point, the programme provides knowledge and methods transferrable to a wide range of situations, as well as the personal skills to become a life-long learning agroecologist.
Requirements Applicants must demonstrate English language ability in accordance with the UMB regulations for programmes taught in English.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from university- level studies in agriculture, ecology, biology or a relevant social science
When applying for the program, you are asked to write a letter of motivation and submit it with the application. Please read the article titled "Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of an Agroecologist" (found on the sidebar to the right) and address at least the following questions: - Why do I apply? - What are my main reasons for applying? - What do I bring to the program in terms of skills and experiences? - What are my expectations?
For further information • Information about application and general questions about the study: Students Information Office, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway tlf: +47 64 96 61 00, e-mail: opptak@umb.no • http://www.umb.no/ • More information about the content of the study Study Coordinator Ingrid Bugge, tlf: +47 64 96 55 25
