Master of Philosophy in Development Studies, specialising in Geography

Objective
The main objective of the programme is to provide higher education in social science, specialising in the field of Geography, for students who want to work with development in the South. The programme was from the beginning especially designed for students from developing countries, and eventually also for Norwegian students who want to work with development issues.

The programme gives students experience in independent research and critical thinking in the social sciences. It aims at providing the students with training and experience in independent reflection, rather that just knowledge reproduction. The learning is problem orientated and students have to work on specific problems themselves. Empirical examples, exercises and assignments build on studies and development strategies of the South.

Furthermore, the programme encourages interdisciplinary thinking. This is sought through an interdisciplinary introductory course and elective courses in several departments. Another aim is to listen to voices from the South. Accordingly, the MPhil in Development Studies programme uses teachers from developing countries. The Norwegian teachers on the programme have extensive work experience from the South. The programme is relevant for a great variety of jobs, including research, planning, resource management, and teaching, as well as for doctoral studies in Geography, other social sciences and interdisciplinary studies such as development studies and natural resource management.

Course content and organisation
The programme is structured around compulsory courses (45 credits), electives (30 credits) and a Master's thesis (45 credits). 60 credits indicate the normal work load for one academic year for a full time student.

Name of course/modules/seminars	Course category*	Credits	Terms **
Theories of Social Change	C	15	1 Autumn
History of Geographical Thought	C	15	1 Spring
Research Methodology	C,F	15	1 Spring
Geography, Health and Development	E/S	7,5	1 Autumn
Landscape and Planning	E/S	15	1 Autumn
Geographical Information Systems – Principles and Application (GIS)	E/S	15	1 Autumn
Humanitarianism: theory and practice	E/S	7,5	1 Autumn
Gender and Social Change	E/S	7,5	1 Autumn
Childhood and Culture	E/S	15	Autumn
Planning and Construction in Developing Countries	E/S	7.5	1 Spring
Remote Sensing	E/S	15	1 Autumn
Environment, development and changing rural livelihoods	E/S	7.5	1 Autumn
Master’s thesis	C, I/R, F	45	2 Autumn

(* Compulsory courses = C, Elective/Supplementary courses = E/S, Individual courses/Research seminar = I/R, Fieldwork = F)

"Theories of Social Change" is interdisciplinary and gives a first presentation to the development discourse.

"History of Geographical Thought" focuses on the historical development of central geographical ideas and approaches. "Research methodology" gives an introduction to research methodology and methods. A 1 week field course is a compulsory part of this course. Students choose electives from a number of departments.

The following courses are offered at the Department of Geography:

• Geography, Health and Development
• Landscape and Planning
• Geographical Information Systems
• Remote Sensing
• Gender and Social Change
• Humanitarianism: theory and practice
• Environment, development and changing rural livelihoods

Examples of courses offered by collaborating departments:

• International Political Economy
• Childhood and Culture
• Planning and Construction in Developing Countries

All courses offered by other departments must be approved by the Department of Geography.

Credits: 120

Degree: Master

Discipline
200 Social Sciences

Sub-discipline
250 Anthropology Development Studies Political Science, 290 Geography Resource and Environment

Duration
2 years, from mid-August 2006 - end of June 2008

Number of semesters: 4 semesters (2 years)

Application deadline
1. December 2005

Application requirements
Applicants should preferably hold a BA in Geography or other equivalent education. Candidates with a BA in other Social Sciences are also considered for admission if their first degree includes studies within Geography or Development Studies. Candidates must pass an English proficiency test (TOEFL, min. score 550 or IELTS, min score 6.0). The results must be enclosed with the application.

Course curriculum
N.A.

Thesis and examination
In the thesis work students are encouraged to focus on problems and issues relevant for their home countries. The fieldwork is carried out in their home countries during the summer between the second and the third semester. Students start working on their thesis at the beginning of the second semester, and the compulsory courses (especially History of Geographical Thought and Research Methodology) actively link theories and methodologies to the students' own research problems. The fieldwork is thoroughly planned in the second semester together with the supervisor. The length of the fieldwork is usually 2 ½ months. Fieldwork is carried out individually, but with the supervisor's approval of the student's fieldwork plan, interview guides and preliminary questionnaires prior to the data collection. Examinations vary from course to course. In two of the compulsory courses there is a compulsory assignment, several compulsory presentations/seminars by the students, and an oral exam based on the assignment at the end. In one of the elective courses there are several compulsory exercises and an oral exam, whereas most of the other courses have written exams, some with a compulsory assignment and presentation prior to the exam. For the final master's exam, the students have to defend their Master's thesis in an oral exam.

Student information
Available student places for Norad Fellows: 5

Course management
Academic: Ragnhild Lund, Professor
Administrative: Jorunn Reitan, Senior Executive Officer

Place
Department of Geography
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Norway

Research and study support
All course materials are provided (except from literature on the supplementary reading lists). There are also good library facilities, both at the University library and the Department library. Students are given supervision and guidance in course work, assignments and seminars by the faculty in charge.

Personal support
The administrative co-ordinator assists the students in matters related to the studies as well as practical and personal matters. She also assists students with getting in touch with other institutions when necessary (e.g. hospital, dentist, social secretaries, etc.). There are also two social secretaries at the International Office at NTNU who assist students in practical and personal matters.

Supervision
At the beginning of the second semester the students will be assigned an individual advisor for their thesis work. The student will have the same supervisor throughout the thesis work, i.e. until the end of the fourth semester.

IT-support
The Department has two computer labs, one for all master students, and one especially for students working with Geographical Information Systems. In addition, there are several computer labs at the campus, open to all master students. All students will have his/her personal e-mail address and access to Internet. The students will be given several introductory courses to computing (word, search on Internet, use of statistical programmes) during the first semester. The Department has also a small number of laptops that can be lent out to students with special needs.

Reading room facilities
The students will have reading rooms available. Personal study places may be assigned upon application.

Excursions
Local and regional excursions are offered. In addition there is a compulsory field course lasting from 1-2 weeks. This field course is a part of the study plan.