Development Studies — Specialising in Geography

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Are you interested in development issues, developing countries, North-South relations? Would you like to understand the relationship between growth and poverty, globalisation and processes of marginalisation? Would you like to know more about the significance of social changes occurring in poor and developing countries today? Who wins and who loses in the developing process? Then the MPhil in Development Studies, specialising in Geography is the perfect programme for you.

The MPhil in Development Studies, specialising in Geography exposes students to development studies as an interdisciplinary subject. Attention is paid to empirical examples, exercises and assignments built on studies and development strategies of the South. The aim is to provide students from the South with expertise that can be used in the development process in their home countries, and to give students from the North knowledge that will make them capable of assisting the development process, either through working in Norway or abroad. Together this makes a good ground for learning.

Fieldwork is an important part of the programme. The fieldwork is usually carried out in a developing country (in the home country for students from the South) in the beginning of the third semester (2-3 months).

Programme structure The programme is structured around core courses, elective courses (some of which are offered by other Departments) and the writing of a master's thesis. The thesis is a substantial individual research project.

Learning outcomeThrough the M. Phil programme "Development Studies", specialising in geography, students should:

* Gain a thorough understanding of key concepts and theories within the field of development studies and geography
* Acquire robust/suitable methodological and analytical skills
* Be able to identify and formulate relevant and feasible research objectives for a scientific study
* Be able to carry out an independent research project by:
* Identifying an appropriate research design, collecting and analysing data
* Applying relevant theories and when analysing empirical data
* Writing a scientific text and disseminating scientific knowledge
* Complying with established ethical norms for research and dissemination.
* Acquire skills relevant for employment in public and private sectors and in academic research.

Career prospects The MPhil in Development Studies gives you a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures and the complex issues of social change, making you well-equipped to work in other countries after your studies.

The programme is intended for students interested in pursuing careers in the development sector and gives you a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures and the complex issues of social change. Both international and national organisations working on development issues actively seek candidates with an academic background. The programme thus prepares you for both further research and jobs in a variety of sectors, including advisory organisations, aid programmes, planning and policy, resource management, teaching and research.

In Norway NORAD, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and various Ministries (Foreign Affairs etc) are relevant workplaces for candidates who have completed an MPhil in Development Studies.

Programme components The Master's degree in Development Studies - specialising in Geography is a 2-year programme that is structured around core courses, electives and a Master's thesis.

The MPhil in Development Studies specialising in Geography is an interdisciplinary degree rlevant for students with backgrounds in different social sciences and development studies. The normal workload for a full-time student for one academic year is 60 credits.

Fieldwork Individual fieldwork as part of the master's thesis is an important part of the study programme. The fieldwork is usually carried out in a developing country (in the home country for students from the South) in the beginning of the third semester.

The fieldwork is thoroughly planned in the beginning of the third semester together with a supervisor. The length of the fieldwork is usually 2 ½ - 3 months. Fieldwork is carried out individually, but with the supervisor's approval of the student's fieldwork plan.

Study environment We aim to listen to voices from the South. Teachers from different countries in Africa and Asia are involvd in the programme. The Norwegian teachers have long and varied experience from research and teaching in the South. You will study together with students from all over the world and have access to excellent facilities such as a modern library, study rooms and computer labs.

As a student at the MPhil in Development Studies, you will get close follow up from both academic and administrative staff. You will also be integrated with Norwegian students pursuing the degree. In addition you will be part of a large group of international students at NTNU. The Office of International Relations arranges various activities for international students. You will get the chance to not only meet Norwegian students, but students from all over the world.

New students will be invited to participate in an introductory programme involving several academic and social activities in the beginning of the semester.

Study abroad The Department of Geography collaborates with several institutions all over the world, and there might be possibilities for student exchange. For more information, please contact the student advisor at the Department.

Applicants should preferably hold a Bachelor of Social Science. The degree should include at least 60 ECTS (one year full time study) of studies within geography, planning, or development studies. Possible admission to the study programme requires a minimum of an average grade of C. C is, however, not a guarantee for admission. Deadlines The programme is open to both international and Norwegian students. The preliminary application deadline for international students is 1 December, and the final application deadline is 1 February the following year. Applicants who are Norwegian or Nordic residents, and who do not need to apply for a visa or residene permit in Norway, should apply through the Admissions Office at NTNU. The application deadline for Norwegian applicants is 15 April. Other applicants must apply through the Office of International Relations. The application deadline is 1 December. Self-funded students It is required that self-funded students must cover the field work and travel cost of approximately NOK 35 000 in addition to the documented funding source(s) in their application (presently a minimum of NOK 94 400 for 2013/2014 per academic year). Language of instruction The language of instruction is English, and the applicants must document their English proficiency. For admission to the M.Phil. programmes the minimum scores are TOEFL is 600/90 paper based /computer based/internet based or IELTS with 6.5 or better.Pre-recognized educational background If you are applying for admission to MPhil in Development Studies and your educational background is from Norway, but from another institution than NTNU, you have to apply for recognition of your educational background. However, if you find your education on the list below, it will not be necessary to apply for recognition. * Geografi, bachelorstudium fra Høgskolen i Nord-Trøndelag * Sosialantropologi, bachelorstudium fra Universitetet i Tromsø * Geografi, bachelorstudium fra Universitetet i Bergen * Sosialantropologi, bachelorstudium fra Universitetet i Bergen * Utviklingsstudier, bachelorprogram fra Universitetet i Bergen * Utviklingsstudier, bachelorstudium fra Universitetet i Oslo * Samfunnsgeografi, bachelorstudium fra Universitetet i Oslo * Utviklingsstudier, bachelorstudium fra Høgskolen i Agder * Internasjonale miljø- og utviklingsstudier, bachelorstudium fra Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige Universitetet English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

NTNU charges no tuition fees, but regulations from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration state that

all international students who are not citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA countries must document that they have enough money to live in Norway. For the 2017 intake this amount is NOK 103 950. Successful applicants who are given an offer of admission will later be asked to transfer this amount to NTNU's deposit account. 

NTNU offers no scholarships.