Master of Science in International Environmental Studies
Department of Academic AffairsWhy 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.
- Complete Decription of Programme
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 local environmental management and project management is given by Makerere University, Uganda, and a course in state and civil society in environmental governance is given by Institute of Development Studies in Jaipur, India.
The field course is normally followed by field research for the master thesis.
Most students do their research in a developing country. Students will write their thesis in the final spring semester at UMB.
Compulsory Courses:
• Introduction to Environmental Studies
• Linking Ecological and Social Resilience
• Political Economy - Institutions and the Environment
• Research Methods I and II
• Environmental Governance at the Local Level or State and Civil Society in Environmental Governance in India (field course)
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
• Management of Genetic Resources: Law and Policy
• Political Ecology
• National Environmental Governance
• International Environmental Governance
• Management of Dryland Resource Systems
• Climate Change and Development
• Conflict and Development
• Coastal and Aquatic Resource Management
• 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
• Ecotechnology
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 gives an in-depth understanding of how governance structures and power relations influence current trends. 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 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, ministries and environmental organisations.
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 specialisation, your background may be from environmental sciences, ecology, resource management, agriculture, forestry, geography, economics, political science or social science.
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: 27.10.11
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Del med en venn:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB)
PO Box: 5003, N-1432 Ås
Phone: (+47) 64 96 61 00
Fax: (+47) 64 94 75 05
E-mail: opptak@umb.no
PO Box: 5003, N-1432 Ås
Phone: (+47) 64 96 61 00
Fax: (+47) 64 94 75 05
E-mail: opptak@umb.no