Master - International Environmental Studies

Department of Academic Affairs

Why study International Environmental Studies?
• Because you want to contribute towards an environmental healthy and just world
• Because you want to learn more about the environmental challenges facing the world today, e.g. in relation to policy, power and governance, climate change, water distribution and sound management of natural resources
• Because you want to study at a university in a developing country as part of the study programme

Photo: Jon Kr. Øiestad Foto: Jon Kr. Øiestad

What can you use this qualification for?
You may be qualified to work in national and international agencies, such as ministries and environmental organisations. You may find jobs in development aid agencies, schools, research institutions, media and consulting companies.

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, earth sciences, resource management, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, geography, economics, political science or social science.

What will I learn?
You will learn about causes and effects of environmental issues related to, for instance, climate change, biodiversity, desertification, water and land degradation. You will explore how problems and solutions are linked to governance, power relations and international cooperation.

The role of international bodies and policy implications of environmental conventions are covered. Development and sustainability are important elements of the programme. You will have opportunities to study environmental issues in relation to economic growth, welfare, health, poverty, rights and conflicts.

During the programme, you will tackle a wide range of questions, such as:
• How do international environmental conventions influence people’s livelihoods?
• Can changes in land use reduce greenhouse gases?
• What are the effects of privatisation of land on poverty and the environment?
• How can poor communities reach their parts of the Millennium Goals regarding water and sanitation?
• Does grazing of drylands lead to desertification?
• Why is it so difficult for national park staff to work in harmony with local people?

The programme consists of courses, field research and thesis writing. There is an option for field studies at universities in the South (Uganda and Nepal). Students joining this programme have varied educational backgrounds and come from all parts of the world. The student diversity creates an inspiring learning environment.

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: noragric@umb.no
http://www.umb.no/noragric
e-mail: noragric-masterinfo@umb.no

Updated: 29.12.06
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