Master of science (2 year) Full time
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?
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
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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