Philosophy in Development Studies, specialising in Geography

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.

The Master's degree program in Philosophy in Development Studies with a specialization in Geography at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology offers a comprehensive education designed to deepen students' understanding of the complex interplay between philosophical perspectives, geographical contexts, and development processes. This interdisciplinary program integrates insights from philosophy, human geography, and development theory to analyze global and local development challenges, including social inequality, environmental sustainability, and urbanization.

Throughout the program, students will engage with core philosophical questions related to justice, ethics, and human rights, applying these frameworks to real-world development issues. They will explore the spatial dimensions of development, examining how geographical factors influence economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability. The curriculum includes courses such as Development Theory, Philosophy of Development, Human Geography, Environmental Ethics, and Research Methods.

Students will have the opportunity to critically analyze policy documents, development strategies, and urban planning initiatives, fostering an understanding of how philosophical and geographical considerations shape effective development policies. The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical approaches, preparing students for careers in academia, international organizations, governmental agencies, and NGOs involved in development work.

Research plays a key role in the program, with students encouraged to undertake independent projects that explore relevant issues such as sustainable development, spatial justice, and community empowerment. The program also provides international exposure through seminars, conferences, and possible exchange programs, enabling students to engage with global perspectives on development and geography.

Graduates will be equipped with advanced analytical skills, a nuanced understanding of development frameworks, and the ability to apply philosophical and geographical insights to promote sustainable and equitable development practices worldwide. The program aims to foster critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a commitment to social justice, making it an ideal choice for individuals passionate about making a positive impact in society through scholarly research, policy analysis, or practical development projects.

The financing of the Philosophy in Development Studies programme with a specialization in Geography at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is primarily structured through a combination of government funding, tuition fees, scholarships, and student loans. As an institution located in Norway, NTNU benefits from the country's strong public education funding system, which significantly subsidizes higher education costs for both Norwegian and international students. Norwegian citizens and students with permanent residence in Norway are generally eligible for tuition-free education, with the government covering most operational costs through state budgets. International students from outside the EEA/EEA countries are typically required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the specific program but are set according to university regulations.

In addition to tuition fees, students often finance their studies through various scholarship schemes offered by NTNU and national or international organizations. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or targeted at specific student groups, such as international students or students pursuing studies in particular fields. Norway also has a comprehensive student loan scheme managed by the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen), which provides financial support to Norwegian and some international students to cover living expenses and study-related costs. Grants and loans from Lånekassen are a vital source of funding, enabling students to focus on their studies without undue financial stress.

For international students, financial aid opportunities are more limited. They are encouraged to seek external funding sources, including Erasmus+ Exchanges, private scholarships, governmental grants from their home country, and other international funding bodies supporting international education. Many students also supplement their income through part-time work, which is permitted under Norwegian regulations, especially for students with residence permits that allow employment during academic terms.

The university itself offers various support services to assist students with financial planning, including advising on available scholarships, understanding loan options, and managing living costs. Student unions also play a role in advocating for financial support and organizing activities such as job fairs and funding workshops. Overall, the financial framework for this programme ensures that students who qualify for assistance have access to the necessary resources to complete their degrees successfully, fostering an inclusive academic environment.

In summary, the financing structure of the Philosophy in Development Studies programme with a specialization in Geography at NTNU relies largely on public funding for Norwegian students, with a comprehensive system of scholarships and loans supporting both domestic and international students. The combination of these funding sources aims to facilitate access to education, reduce financial barriers, and promote academic excellence within the context of Norway's high-quality, publicly funded higher education system.

The Master's program in Philosophy in Development Studies, specialising in Geography at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education aimed at understanding the complex social, political, economic, and environmental issues faced by developing regions worldwide. The program combines core philosophical questions with practical insights into development processes, emphasizing sustainable development, social justice, and global inequalities. Students will engage with various theories and methodologies from philosophy, development studies, and human geography, enabling them to critically analyze development policies and practices.

The curriculum includes courses on development ethics, political philosophy, geographical analyses of development, research methods, and project management. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on projects, students develop analytical and research skills pertinent to careers in international development organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, research institutes, and academic institutions. The programme encourages international perspectives and often involves collaboration with global partners, providing students with valuable cross-cultural insights and practical experience.

In addition to coursework, students undertake a master's thesis that allows for in-depth research on a relevant topic within development studies, often integrating geographical analyses. The program aims to foster critical thinking about global development challenges, inspiring graduates to contribute to policy-making, advocacy, and sustainable development initiatives. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and applied skills, the programme prepares students for diverse roles that require a nuanced understanding of geographic and philosophical dimensions of development issues. Graduates will be equipped to analyze the ethical and practical implications of development strategies, promoting equitable and environmentally sustainable solutions across different regions of the world.