COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Development and Environmental Change offers a comprehensive understanding of political ecology, environmental issues, and sustainable development. The course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze environmental and development challenges through a critical lens. The program starts with an interdisciplinary introduction to environmental change, exploring the relationships between environment and development. Students gain insight into how environmental problems are framed in both developed and developing countries, emphasizing global perspectives on environmental change. Key modules focus on practical tools used by professionals in the field, such as Environmental Impact Assessments, Climate Vulnerability Assessments, and Participatory Decision-making. These tools help students understand how to manage natural resources while pursuing sustainable development goals that protect the environment and promote equity. The program also offers modules that critically examine rural policies and politics, focusing on the rural poor, and analyzing policies related to agriculture, land, and social protection. A central component of the course is the research approaches module, which prepares students for their dissertation or development work placement by enhancing their research skills in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. In addition to theoretical learning, the program includes practical workshops, seminars, and study visits, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Students have the option to either complete a research dissertation or participate in a development work placement. This MSc provides a well-rounded education in development and environmental change, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and preparing graduates for careers in development, environmental policy, and sustainability.