Development and Natural Resource Economics - master

120 credits, taught in english. Contact: UMB School of Economics and Business, www.umb.no/ior/

There is a great need for policy-oriented economists who are able to integrate and apply knowledge from resource, environmental, agricultural and development economics. This programme has an applied profile, and the students get knowledge, training and practical experience in using economic methodologies, as a bridge between theories and real-world problems.Graduates of this programme may work in teaching and research institutions, in national ministries or regional departments of agriculture, forestry, environment, and development planning, or in international organizations and development/environment NGOs. Candidates also qualify for other positions where a Master? degree in Economics is required. This programme qualifies for Ph.D. studies.

Admission requirements
A Bachelor\'s degree or equivalent degree with a major or specialisation in economics (minimum of 60 credits). This includes microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. Introductory courses in mathematics and statistics are also required. This general rule can be exempted from in case of other, relevant academic backgrounds.

Internationalisation, studies abroad and exhange agreements
This is an international Masters programme with students from many parts of the world. Many students will go on field work in a developing country during their Master studies. Students can also choose to study abroad for one semester as a part if their degree.The students on this Masters programme will have the opportunity to do field work for the thesis research in a developing country. This field work is a core aspect of this Masters programme. It enables the students to get first hand experience with working and doing research in a developing country. Students can also choose to study abroad for one semester as a part if their degree.

Students from cooperating universities can transfer into this programme or take selected parts of the course portfolio as a guest student at UMB.

Related studies
This programme has the same academic basis as other MSc programs in Economics, both in Norway and internationally.

Learning goals
A candidate who has completed the education is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined in competence, knowledge and skills: Competence: - Has acquired in-depth and specialized disciplinary competence through the education in economics. - Has the required basis for participation in research projects and for doctoral studies. - Is able to resolve work-related tasks with high-level skill requirements. - Is able to use his/her theoretical and methodological skills in new areas. Knowledge: - Has advanced knowledge of economic theory as well as having solid skills in mathematical and econometric methods. - Has comprehensive knowledge at a high level in applied development economics and environment/resource economics. Skills: - Methodological skills: The candidate is able to evaluate and analyze relevant sources of information in a critical manner. The candidate is able to generate independent assessments and develop projects under supervision. - Analytical skills: The candidate is able to formulate relevant research questions in an independent manner as well as analyze large amounts of information through the application of appropriate methods and according to ethical norms in research. - Dissemination of information: The candidate is able to present information and ideas in an instructive manner to both researchers and the general public. - Work-related skills: The candidate is able to carry out analytical and management tasks as well as assume responsibility for such tasks in the public sector, private businesses, and voluntary organizations.

Teaching and evaluation methods
The programme relies on varied learning methods, including lectures, tutorials, group assignments, presentations and fieldwork. The program has an emphasis on student participation and on problem based learning, with a special focus on developing the students ability to apply economic theory and methodology to real world problems.A variety of assessment methods are used, including final examinations, semester papers and assignments.

Programme content
The programme consists of compulsory courses in the following fields of study: Mathematics for Economists, Econometrics, Micro Economics, Resource and Environmental Economics, Research in Development Economics, Decision Modelling, Development Economics Micro, Development Economics Macro, Development and Environment Economics. This comes in addition to compulsory field work, the master? thesis and elective courses.

Spesialisation requirements
All formal requirements regarding specialisation are met by the programme\'s compulsory courses.

Student advising

Evaluation