Studieprogram: MASV-MEHA Master's Programme in Geographies of Sustainable Development - Vår 2018
Namn på grad
The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Philosophy in Development Geography. It is a two year programme (120 ECTS credits).
Omfang og studiepoeng
120 ects
Undervisningsspråk
All courses are taught in English.
Studiestart - semester
Autumn (August)
Mål og innhald
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.
Læringsutbyte
On completion of the Master study in Development Geography the candidate should have a total learning outcome as outlined in knowledge, intellectual and practical skills and transferrable skills:
Knowledge
- 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
- Analyse geographical issues on the basis of history of geographical thought and theory of science
- Apply contemporary theories, methods and interpretations in development geography, and work independently and in teams with practical and theoretical problem solving
Intellectual and Practical Skills
- Establish and develop professional relationships with relevant actors in society.
- 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.
- Select and evaluate relevant methods for collection of empirical data, and give an epistemological account of the methodological choices.
- Delimit, plan and carry out collection of empirical data through various forms of field work.
- Search systematically in libraries, scientific and other data bases and interpret and evaluate data and literature critically.
- Discuss and analyse different sources of information critically, analyse empirical data and present geographical arguments and analyses.
- 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.
Transferrable Skills
- The ability to carry out field work and treat data in accordance with good ethical norms and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) practice.
- The ability to disseminate research results as publications, articles in media and oral presentations.
- The ability to present research findings as academic writing, in public media and in oral form
Opptakskrav
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.
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.
Omfang masteroppgåva
The thesis is normally based on field collection of data in the country of origin, carried out between the first and second year of study. The master's thesis itself, and course options, will be adapted to the individual academic backgrounds and interests of the students. For the sake of the flexibility, the students may choose to split the second and the third semester between thesis work and courses in order to attend elective courses only available in autumn semester and vice versa.
Rekkefølgje for emne i studiet
The programme consists of the following courses. All courses are compulsory and must be taken in the order listed.
Autumn 1st semester;
- GEO308: Theory of science and research design for geographers, 10 credits
- GEO310: Writing workshop and draft project proposal, 10 credits
- GEO326: Geographical perspctives on food, 10 credits
Spring 2nd semester;
- GEO306: Methods in social science, 10 credits
- GEO309: Term paper, 10 credits
- GEO337: Myths, narratives and institutions: Critical perspectives on environment and development, 10 credits or
- GEO338: Theories about development and migration,10 credits
Summer
3rd and 4th semester;
- GEO350: Master's Thesis in Geography, 60 credits
The courses (60 credits) must be completed before the thesis can be submitted. The students must also accomplish and pass 3 milestones before submitting the master thesis.
- 1. Milestone (1. autumn): GEO310 - Project presentation for the supervisor and an opponent. Fellow students, PhDs and academic stab can also be present. Takes place the 2nd week of December.
- 2. Milestone (1. spring): GEO309 - a draft of the term paper shall be presented and discussed in a research group. Takes place 3 weeks before submitting deadline May 15th
- 3. Milestone (2. autumn): After fieldwork. The student shall produce a short report of data, main findings and methodology. Presentation and discussion in a research group. Takes place last week in September.
Delstudium i utlandet
The field work is normally conducted in South.
Undervisningsmetodar
The teaching consists mainly of lectures and seminars with assignments.
Vurderingsformer
Department of Geography uses a variety of assessments.
- Written exam
- Oral exam
- Take home exam, often in combination with oral exam
- Portfolio
Karakterskala
At the University of Bergen the student's academic performance is assessed both through final examinations as well as various term assignments.
The grading system has either
- a descending scale from A to E for passes and F for fail, or
- pass/fail
Grading A-F is most commonly used.
Grunnlag for vidare studium
A master's degree in Resources and Human Adaptations qualifies for studies at a PhD level.
Administrativt ansvarleg
Department of Geography
Studieveileder@geog.uib.no