Study Options
Master of Science in International Environmental Studies
Department of Academic Affairs
Why study International Environmental Studies?
- You are concerned about environmental challenges of our time.
- You believe environmental solutions require combining natural and social sciences.
- You want qualifications to contribute to sustainable development internationally.
For updated information for 2012-2014
Master of Science in International Environmental Studies
Photo: Neil Palmer (CIAT)
Contents of the programme The first year consists of course work covering natural and social issues, research methodology plus elective subjects.
A two-month field course in either Development and Environment in Practice in Tanzania, given at Sokoine Agricultural University, or State and Civil Society in Development and Environmental Governance in India, given at the Institute of Development Studies in Jaipur, will give you valuable field experience.
The field course is normally followed by field research for the master thesis.
Most students do their research in a developing country, but this is optional. You will write your thesis in the final spring semester at UMB.
Compulsory Courses:- Introduction to Environmental Studies
- Political Economy - Institutions and the Environment
- Research Methods
-Development and Environment in Practice in Tanzania (field course) or
State and Civil Society in Development and Environmental Governance of India (field course)
Profiles:You can choose between three different study paths, which consist of 15 credits in different profile courses.
The three profiles are as follows:- Environmental Governance
- Sustainable use of Natural Resources
- Elective Profile
Recommended 300-level Courses:- Management of Genetic Resources: Law and Policy
- Political Ecology
- National Environmental Governance
- International Environmental Governance
- Climate Change and Development
- Coastal and Aquatic Resource Management
Recommended Elective Courses:- Economics for Environment and Development
- Global Environmental Change
- Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment
- Statistical Analysis
- Agriculture and Development
- Development Aid and Politics
- Land Rights: An Introduction to Theory, Applications, and Policy
- Ecology
- Tropical Ecosystems and Biodiversity
- Global Change Ecology
- Tropical Field Ecology
- Project Evaluation and Environmental Valuation
- Global and Local Pollution
- Biogeochemistry, Global Change
- Appropriate Sanitation for the Developing World
Students will design individual study plans during the first semester. Compulsory courses can be waived for students with a strong background in the subject.
What will I learn? Students will learn about causes and effects of global environmental problems related foremost to climate change, loss of biodiversity, desertification, water availability and land degradation.
The programme focuses on of the different ways how environmental change and nature-society interactions can be understood and studied, and in particular how we respond and manage change.
The programme gives an in-depth understanding of how governance structures and power relations influence current trends and options for achieving more sustainable development pathways.
Roles of international political bodies, national states and state policies, markets and civil society are emphasized.
Poverty alleviation and health issues are also core aspects of sustainable development with strong links to environmental qualities.
International setting The students attending the programme each year typically represent around twenty-five nations from all continents. The teaching staff has also been recruited internationally.
What can you use this qualification for? The programme qualifies for work in national and international agencies, national and local government administrations and environmental organizations.
It also qualifies for jobs in development aid agencies, education, research institutions, media, consulting companies and international firms.
Admission and Requirements A bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in a relevant field is required for admission.
Depending on your planned specialization, your background may be from environmental sciences, ecology, resource management, agriculture, forestry, geography, economics, humanities, political science or other relevant social sciences.
Applicants must meet the university’s requirement for English language proficiency.
For more information • Information about application and general questions about the study:
Student Information Office, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway
tlf: +47 64 96 61 00, e-mail:
opptak@umb.no • More information about the courses:
Noragric, the Department of International Environment and Development Studies
P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway
phone: +47 64 96 52 00
e-mail:
stuideveileder-noragric@umb.no http://www.umb.no/noragric
Updated: 11.12.12
Printerfriendly version
Del med en venn: