Agroecology

Agroecology

Master of science (2 year) Full time

Master i Agroecology

Master i Agroecology

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Benjamin A. Ward

Do you want to work in international teams solving complex problems? Are you concerned about longterm sustainability of agriculture and food systems? Do you want to link knowledge with action to make a difference?

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Application deadline:

April 15th
International applicants:
December 1st

Study start
Autumn 2023
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Contact info

Admission office

opptak@nmbu.no
Phone:  67 23 01 11

 

The first semester (30 cr.) is a transdisciplinary approach to ecological, economic and social issues in farming and food systems. The focus is on agroecosystems, on holistic methodology for their study, evaluation and improvement, attitudes, ethics and values, and on individual and group-based learning. Learning is based on exploring real-life farm and food systems cases.

The casework experience is supported by lectures, seminars and supervision, and the goal is to develop competency for responsible action by linking theory and practice.

After the first semester, elective courses (30 or 60 cr) give options for tailoring the students’ subject profiles. A master thesis (30 or 60 cr) concludes the MSc. program of 120 cr in total, approved by the advisors, may also include studies at cooperating universities.

Job opportunities

The program prepares students for a wide range of positions concerning conventional and organic agriculture and food systems, such as in advisory services and extension, development projects, management of agricultural and natural resources, environmental protection, and further education and research.

Read more about employment opportunities here: Graduate careers

Learning outcomes

Students learn about farming and food systems, being good communicators and facilitators, and to able to turn theory into action.

Students also learn how to reflect and to open up to new ideas while recognizing the goals, needs and interests of their co-workers.

The program is designed to develop agroecologists that will be successful contributors to future food systems including production, economy, environmental impacts, and social equity issues.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in agriculture, horticulture, economics, natural resources, biology, food science, nutrition, engineering, rural sociology, or other field related to agricultural production or the food sector.

The following compulsory requirements must be in place for the application to be considered:

  • A motivation letter specifically aimed at the program
  • A weighted, average grade of minimum C (from the Bachelor's degree) is required at NMBU to be qualified for applying to Master's degrees
  • English language ability in accordance with the NMBU regulations

 

I feel fortunate to have found a program where I am learning about modern challenges in farming and food systems. Here at NMBU I am part of a personalised university experience, where teaching and research are integrated in the student experience.

Fredrik Fongen, masterstudent

Study structure

Education plan master in Agroecology

  • The master program has a double and single degree option.
  • Master’s degree is awarded on 120 credits (2 years fulltime study)
  • 40 credits compulsory courses at 300-level in the single degree
  • Courses at 200 and 300 level are accepted in the master
  • Master thesis of 30 or 60 credits is compulsory

 

Agroecology wins 2016 Education Quality Award

 

 

Study content

Social relevance:

Learning outcomes:

A candidate who has completed the programme is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge:

  • Describes and analyzes structure and function of conventional and alternative farming and food systems.
  • Maps and analyzes different dimensions of complex farming and food system in case studies.
  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge of systemic methods of analysis of farming and food systems.

Skills:

  • Applies methods for systems analysis and improvement on issues related to sustainable development of farming and food system, based on a participatory action research approach.
  • Carries out interdisciplinary analyses of farming and food systems and evaluates solutions related to sustainability in collaboration with colleagues from other academic fields.
  • Analyzes existing theories, methods and interpretations within agroecology.
  • Compares different interpretations and methodologies within the field of agroecology.
  • Describes the role of agroecology in relation to sustainable farming in food systems in Norway and globally.
  • Reads scientific articles.
  • Accesses multiple sources of information and uses these critically and creatively in analysis of issues related to the development of farming and food systems.
  • Carries out systems oriented action research and reflection in collaboration with academics and stakeholders in farming and food systems.
  • Maps and analyzes conflicting goals and values in relation to sustainable farming and food systems in the interplay between economic, social and ecological factors.
  • Identifies and explains ethical issues related to stakeholder involvement in research and development (action research).
  • Contributes to sustainable development of farming and food system through action research including visioning, rich picturing and action planning.

Competence:

  • Directs one`s own learning by:

    • Exploring and defining learning goals and needs
    • Making a strategy for how to achieve this
    • Continuous reflection on one`s own learning process and reframing of one`s own goals and actions.
  • Works independently on practical and theoretical problems, including the linkages between the two.
  • Applies knowledge and skills in new and complex situations in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.
  • Communicates and collaborates in academic work in an international and multi-cultural class context and also involving diverse stakeholders in an extra-university context.
  • Carries out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics in collaboration with stakeholders in farming and food systems.
  • Communicates the master`s thesis work using the language and terminology of agroecology, both orally and in writing.
  • Communicates about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field, both with specialists and the general public.
  • Contributes to strategic development related to the complex development of farming and food systems.
  • Takes responsibility for contributing professionally in a work or study environment.
  • Reviews the strategic performance of teams when collaborating with stakeholders in farming and food systems.

Contents and structure:

The program consists of the following parts: Core courses in agroecology emphasising farming and food systems (PAE302, 30 credits), and PAE306 - Agroecology: Action oriented research (10 credits). Five credits at 100 level in foreign language is accepted in the degree for students at the M-AE program `European master`. The master`s thesis is normally at 30 credits, alternatively 60 credits

Learning activities:

The programme starts with a semester introducing students to the structures and functions of agroecosystems, methodology for describing, analysing and improving such systems, and individual and group-based learning. The didactic approach is experience-based learning supported by lectures, seminars and supervision related to project work on real-life cases. The instruction methods in later semesters depend on which courses are chosen.

Evaluation:

The evaluation of students` learning is treated as an integral part of the learning process. Evaluation emphasises the student`s` ability to develop action competence by linking theory and practice. In the first semester, this is evaluated on the basis of written group and individual assignments, the student`s` contribution to the class and oral exams. Evaluation in later semesters depends on the courses chosen.

Admission requirements:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in agriculture, horticulture, economics, natural resources, biology, food science, nutrition, engineering, rural sociology, or other field related to agricultural production or the food sector.

The following compulsory requirements must be in place for the application to be considered:

  • A motivation letter specifically aimed at the program
  • A weighted, average grade of minimum C (from the Bachelor's degree) is required at NMBU to be qualified for applying to Master's degrees
  • English language ability in accordance with the NMBU regulations

Cooperation with other institutions:

The program is part of a double degree program in collaboration with ISARA, France.

Arrangements, incoming exchange students: