Master Programmes 2 years
This program provides students with the skills needed to study local to global environmental problems and to formulate policies and strategies for sustainable development. They learn to engage with the issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Oppstart
Autumn 2019
Contact info
Study coordinator:
studieveileder-landsam@nmbu.no
Admission Office:
opptak@nmbu.no
Phone: 67 23 01 11
The program consists of a set of core courses – Introduction to International Environmental Studies, Foundations of Sustainability Science, and Research Methods – a broad variety of electives, and a 30-credit master thesis. The core courses present fundamental concepts and analytical tools in environmental and sustainability science, and provide knowledge on the use of scientific methods. Elective courses include e.g., Agroecology and Development; Climate Change and Development; Environmental Governance; Global Environmental Change; Global Food Security; Linking Ecological and Social Resilience; and Political Ecology. Both the elective courses and the master thesis allow students to specialise and tailor their course plan accordingly.
What can you use this qualification for?
Graduates can work in national and international agencies, ministries and environmental organisations, development aid agencies, education, research organisations, media, consulting companies and international non-governmental organisations.
What will you learn?
Students will learn about society and environment interactions related to climate and other global environmental changes, loss of biodiversity and ecological life-support systems, land degradation, water and natural resource extraction, unsustainable agri-food systems, energy and pollution. The program provides an in-depth understanding of the relationship between social and natural processes, and how governance and economic structures influence current trends.
Detailed requirements
Requirements: A Bachelor degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Depending on your planned specialization, your background may be from environmental sciences, ecology, resource management, agriculture, forestry, geography, economics, humanities, political science or a relevant social science. Applicants must meet the university’s requirement for English language proficiency, and include a 1-page (A4) motivation letter.
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"I give support to our Congolese partners in their implementation of projects. My master program at NMBU was highly relevant for the job I have now". Stefan Kistler, Rainforest Foundation
More information
The program is interdisciplinary and uses a socio-ecological approach, with courses that focus on both natural and social aspects of the environmental challenges of our time. Students with both natural and social science backgrounds are accepted into the program.
The role of international political bodies, nation states and state policies, intergovernmental organizations, markets and civil society are emphasised. Poverty alleviation, health, human well-being, and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources are core aspects of sustainable development that are extensively covered in the program.
The program has an international scope, with a curriculum that covers topics that are relevant for countries across the globe, and utilises research-based knowledge from a wide set of geographical contexts. The program also covers global environmental issues as well as international initiatives for sustainability, and attracts students from all over the world.
Studiets oppbygning
Programme structure
Showing programme structure for students starting 2020
Study year: 1
Semester: autumn
Emne | ECTS | |
---|---|---|
Introduction to International Environmental Studies | 5 | Compulsory Course |
Research Methods | 15 | Compulsory Course |
Sustainability Science: Ecological, Social, and Economic Dimensions | 10 | Compulsory Course |
Semester: spring
Emne | ECTS | |
---|---|---|
Political Ecology | 10 | Choose at least 2 Courses |
The Politics and Governance of the Environment | 10 | Choose at least 2 Courses |
Agroecology and development | 10 | Choose at least 2 Courses |
Climate Change and Development | 10 | Choose at least 2 Courses |
Study year: 2
Semester: spring
Emne | ECTS | |
---|---|---|
Master's Thesis | 30 | Choose one Master Thesis |