Master of Philosophy in Gender and Development

Start-up Date

Autumn 2013. Normally, students will be admitted every second year

The Degree

The Master´s programme leads to the degree of Master of Philosophy in Gender and Development. It is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives / Contents

The main aims of the programme are (1) to provide comprehension of multi-level processes of development and the significance of gender in such processes, and (2) convey understanding of the concept of gender in a cross-culturalperspective and its complex analytical applications.

The programme offers a critical and contextual perspective on both development and gender. It emphasises global and ethical reflection, while at the same time retaining a perspective from below which is sensitive to local values and ideas. The programmes approach to methodology is gender sensitive and draws on feminist epistemologies and ethics. The emphasis is mainly on qualitative methods, but training is offered in interpreting quantitative data material. Research ethics is an integral part of the teaching throughout the course.

Programme profile

The programme aims to offer a critical and contextual perspective on both development and gender. The programme focuses on developing your ability to reflect in both global and ethical terms, while at the same time retaining a perspective from below which is sensitive to local values and ideas. Methodologically, the focus will be on qualitative research techniques, but you will also be trained in the reading and interpretation of quantitative material.

Start-up Date

Autumn 2013. Normally, students will be admitted every second year

Admission requirements

Prospective students for the Masters programme in Gender and Development must have completed a first degree (Bachelors degree) of at least three years duration at a recognised institution of higher education or an equivalent education approved by the University Board. The candidate must document special competence equalling one and a half years of study (90 ECTS) in a field or specialisation relevant to gender and/or development issues. Other specialisations may be deemed to be equivalent.

Applicants must document proficiency in the English language in accordance with specified requirements, as English is the language used in teaching, examinations and the thesis.

http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad/english-language-requirements

Application procedure

The Quota Scheme: 

Students from developing countries and certain countries in Eastern Europe are eligible for scholarships from the Quota scheme. The deadline for application is 1st of December 2014. How to apply: http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad

International Master´s degree students:

Master's degree students who are financing their own studies can apply for a full Master's degree programme at the University of Bergen. The deadline for application is 1st of December 2014. How to apply: http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad

Norwegian residents:

Norwegian residents have to apply directly to the Faculty of Psychology. The deadline for application is 15th of April 2013. How to apply: http://www.uib.no/psyfa/en/education/master#howtoapply

A letter of motivation should be attached to the application.

Study Period Abroad

Students are encouraged to do fieldwork abroad, but this is not a requirement.

More information

www.uib.no/studieprogram/MAPS-GADstudierettleiar@psyfa.uib.no / Tel: (+47) 55 58 27 10

The Degree

Master of Philosophy in Gender and Development.

Credits

2-year Master programme (120 ECTS).

Language of Instruction

English

Start-up Date

Autumn 2013. Normally, students will be admitted every second year

Objectives / Contents

The main aims of the programme are (1) to provide comprehension of multi-level processes of development and the significance of gender in such processes, and (2) convey understanding of the concept of gender in a cross-culturalperspective and its complex analytical applications.

The programme offers a critical and contextual perspective on both development and gender. It emphasises global and ethical reflection, while at the same time retaining a perspective from below which is sensitive to local values and ideas. The programmes approach to methodology is gender sensitive and draws on feminist epistemologies and ethics. The emphasis is mainly on qualitative methods, but training is offered in interpreting quantitative data material. Research ethics is an integral part of the teaching throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the study programme, the students should be able to:

Knowledge:

• Examine gendered patterns of social organisation on selected scales (household, community, national, transnational) and their inter-relationships.
• Trace the conceptual and policy trajectory from economic growth to human development and beyond
• Discuss gender in a cross-cultural perspective and understand the potential of gender for empowerment and political mobilisation

Skills:

• Account for and critically apply key concepts relating to gender analysis
• demonstrate an understanding of the gendered aspects of poverty and vulnerability, their intersections with global socio-economic and political processes, as well as the role of the various institutional players involved
• Demonstrate skills in formulating research questions, and plan, carry out and report on an independent research project
• Draw a critical picture of the gendered consequences of more specifically targeted development policies

General competence:

• Relate to and engage in public debates on gender in a development context
• Communicate and assess own research and that of others

Admission Requirements

Prospective students for the Masters programme in Gender and Development must have completed a first degree (Bachelors degree) of at least three years duration at a recognised institution of higher education or an equivalent education approved by the University Board. The candidate must document special competence equalling one and a half years of study (90 ECTS) in a field or specialisation relevant to gender and/or development issues. Other specialisations may be deemed to be equivalent.

Applicants must document proficiency in the English language in accordance with specified requirements, as English is the language used in teaching, examinations and the thesis.

http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad/english-language-requirements

Recommended previous knowledge

It is an advantage that the students have more than 90 ECTS in a field or specialization relevant to gender and/or development issues, or relevant work experience.

Compulsory courses

GAD301 Gender Analysis: Critical cross-cultural approaches (15 ECTS)

GAD302 Critical Perspectives on Development Processes: From economic growth to human development and beyond (15 ECTS)

GAD306 Theory of Knowledge and research ethics (10 ECTS)

GAD307 Practical research methodologies (10 ECTS)

GAD304 The project proposal (5 ETCS)

GAD350 Master thesis

Recommended electives

Optional courses equivalent to 5 ECTS at the Dept. of Health Promotion and Development

MABARN310: Childhood and parenting in diverse contexts (5 stp)

GAD308: Social justice, equity and welfare in a comparative perspective (5 stp)

The students may in special cases be allowed to follow MA-level courses available at other departments and faculties at the University of Bergen instead of the courses offered at the Department.

Master thesis credits

The Masters thesis (60 ETCS) should be based on data collected through fieldwork carried out in the summer/early autumn between the 2nd and 3rd semesters.

Sequential Requirements - courses

Each compulsory course is taught once during a two year period.

Stipulations regarding progress

GAD301, GAD302, GAD304, GAD306, GAD307 and elective course must be completed before starting on the Master thesis, GAD350.

Study Period Abroad

Students are encouraged to do fieldwork abroad, but this is not a requirement.

Teaching methods

The programme combines different forms of teaching and educational tools, including lectures, seminars and workshops. Emphasis is placed on developing students ability to critically read their own and others work. Moreover, it is considered important to give the students training in academic writing skills, various research techniques and research ethics.

Assessment methods

The students will be subject to different forms of assessment: written exam, oral exam, take-home exam and portfolio assessment based on written assignments. The Master thesis is evaluated separately.

Grading scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Further studies

A Masters degree in Gender and Development formally qualifies for further studies at PhD level.

Professional Prospects

A Master's degree in Gender and Development gives the candidates a broad competence within the gender field, and should qualify for jobs in a broad spectrum of development aid organisations, within the UN system: with bilateral donors and NGOs, as well as in different parts of national and local public administration.

Evaluation

The Programme Committee will evaluate the results of student evaluations in accordance with the Faculty of Psychologys evaluation and quality system

Programme committee

The Programme Committee for Gender and Development at the Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, is responsible for the academic content, the structure and the quality of the study programme

Contact information

Faculty of Psychology,

Information Centre: studierettleiar.psyfa@uib.no

Tlf: (+47) 55 58 27 10