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
Master - International Environmental Studies
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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.
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.
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 Tribhuvan University, Nepal. 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
Global Environmental Change
Political Economy - Institutions and the Environment Research Methods
Methods in Environment and Development Research
Environmental Management in the Field (field course)
Recommended Elective Courses:
Economics for Environment and Development
Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment
Statistical Analysis
Linking Ecological and Social Resilience
Agricultural 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.
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.
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.
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: 21.12.09
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