Master's Programme in Development Geography

Presentation

Semester

August

The Degree

The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Philosophy in Development Geography. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives and content

The aim of the programme is to provide the candidates with theoretical and methodological skills enabling them to qualify for a Master's Degree. The topics are related to issues of relevance for the study of livelihoods and environmental problems in the global South. The courses aim at introducing the candidates to contemporary scientific discourses on human-nature relations and development, and provide them with analytical skills and critical thinking. The thesis is normally based on data produced though fieldwork in the country of origin, carried out between the first and second year of study.

Programme profile

The topics are related to issues of relevance for the study of processes affecting urban and rural livelihoods and wellbeing, and environmental problems in the global South.

Programme structure

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters), and starts in the autumn. In the first semester, you are required to complete a writing workshop and develop a project proposal. In addition you complete a course on theory of science and a research design for geographers, and finally, one elective thematic course. In the second semester you will complete one methodological course, write a term paper and take a thematic course. In the third and fourth semester you concentrate on the practical/theoretical master's thesis in geography.

Method

The methods to be applied will depend on the topic you choose, and will often imply combinations of qualitative and quantitative methods. The programme includes a course in methods in social science. Students, who have taken part in the programme as distance learning students, may choose other methodological courses as electives.

Required Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed his or her programme should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate

• can analyse and present advanced knowledge in geographical research in Development Geography in relation to themes such as development and migration, human ecology, political ecology, environmental discourses and institutions in developing countries
• can analyse geographical issues on the basis of history of geographical thought and theory of science
• can apply contemporary theories, methods and interpretations in development geography, and work independently and in teams with practical and theoretical problem solving

Skills

The candidate

• can establish and develop professional relationships with relevant actors in society
• can choose and delimit a researchable theme for a Master´s thesis and develop a research problem which can be carried out within the time limits and resources available for the study
• can select and evaluate relevant methods for collection of empirical data, and give an epistemological account of the methodological choices.
• can delimit, plan and carry out collection of empirical data through various forms of field work
• can search systematically in libraries, scientific and other data bases and interpret and evaluate data and literature critically
• can discuss and analyse different sources of information critically, analyse empirical data and present geographical arguments and analyses
• can write a research report within given time and resource limits, apply geographical terminology and good academic writing, with exact, updated and systematic use of references, with due credit to secondary sources

General competence

The candidate

• has the ability to carry out field work and treat data in accordance with good ethical norms and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) practice.
• has the ability to disseminate research results as publications, articles in media and oral presentations.
• has the ability to present research findings as academic writing, in public media and in oral form

Admission

Semester

August

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted to the program, the applicant must normally have obtained a Bachelor degree of 3-4 years¿ duration, or have an equivalent educational background. The degree must include at at least 1,5 years of full time studies in Geography. For applicants residing abroad, there are two options.

Applicants for Quota Scholarship Program must have a 4 year bachelor degree with major in geography or a master degree in geography from one of these partner universities: Tribhuvan University in Nepal, Pontificia Universidad Católica in Peru, University of Ghana in Ghana and Kumaon University in India.

Self-financed applicants must have a Bachelor´s degree with at least 1,5 years of full time studies in Geography.

Non-native English speakers must document their English language proficiency in order to be considered for admission to Master's degree programmes at the University of Bergen.

Who may apply

The programme is primarily aimed at candidates exchanged via collaborative programmes between University of Bergen and the following partners:

• Tribhuvan University, Nepal,
• Pontificia Universidad Catolica, Peru,
• University of Ghana, Ghana,
• Kumaon University, India,

Students who fulfill the academic requirements can apply. We welcome both applicants to the quota scholarship as well as selffinancing students with relevant academic background.

Study Period Abroad

Study period abroad

The field work is normally conducted in South.