Bachelor's Programme in Development Studies

Study programme code BACUTV

ECTS credits 180

Admission requirements Completion of general upper-secondary education.

Recommended previous knowledge A good knowledge of English.

General description and profile of the programme

The study programme aims to create an increased understanding of the conditions that lead to differences in social and economic development in various countries and regions. Its goal is to provide knowledge of global relations and development processes from an interdisciplinary perspective and social science point of view. In addition to the compulsory courses, there is a 40 ECTS elective component in the study programme (see the course structure diagramme). The elective component will give students a broader competence within another subject area and is a useful supplement in a multi-disciplinary bachelor degree in development studies.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

During the study programme, students should have:

• developed a basic understanding of global development and under-development with a focus on poverty, economic growth, and social and political change
• an understanding of global social and economic differences and be able to analyse which factors create and maintain these differences in development
• knowledge of different theoretical approaches and practical strategies for development and change
• the ability to analyse critically different strategies and practises in connection with aid and development cooperation between North and South
• an understanding of the role different development agencies play, such as multilateral organizations, bilateral partners and non-governmental organisations in development cooperation
• an understanding of how internal and external factors influence development processes in different countries with unequal economies
• obtained necessary theoretical and methodological insight and skills to carry out a field work, collect data and write a thesis in a development related topic
• an overview of cultural variations and ethnographic knowledge of different countries and regions an understanding of the impact of economic, political, social and cultural conditions for development and change in a global perspective

Teaching methods Teaching will be given as lectures, group work, seminars and discussions, and visits to projects, organisations and institutions during the field course UT-109 and field work UT-200, and supervision in connection with the field course report, field work UT-200 and the bachelor thesis UT-201. Most of the teaching will be in Norwegian, but some courses or modules can be taught in English. See separate course descriptions for further information.

Assessment methods See separate course descriptions for further information.

Student exchange

There are possibilities for study exchange abroad during the fourth semester of the programme.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies This programme prepares students for positions in development projects, work in either developing countries or for national and international humanitarian organisations and foreign aid administration and international co-operation. In addition, the programme provides a sound basis for teaching, journalism, work in relation to immigration issues, the foreign affairs and work in private companies and/or the public sector. A Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies qualifies for further studies as e.g. the master programme in Development Management at University of Agder.

Qualification awarded Successful completion of the programme awards the graduate the degree of Bachelor in Development Studies on the condition that the university's requirements for a Bachelor's degree are fulfilled.

Other information

Field course in a developing country (former study tour) UT-109)

The students take part in a 4 week field course during the second semester of the study programme. The field course is in January and Februray and has normally been in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Indonesia or Bolivia. During the course students visit different projects, organisations and institutions, and stay some days with a local family. The course is an important part of the study programme and should give students an experience of the Third World - and how it is to live in a developing country. The field course should also give the students an opportunity to apply theories they learn during their studies and how theory relates to reality. The students have to cover the costs of the travel (approximately NOK 18 000 - 20 000), but can apply to Lånekassen for additional loans/scholarships.

Field work UT-200)

A three month field work in a developing country takes place during the last semester of the study programme. The field work lasts for a minimum of three months and is organised in collaboration with partner universities in Tanzania, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bolivia. Students who choose to do field work in Bolivia need to have adequate knowledge of Spanish. Students are on exchange this semester and can apply for a scholarship through Lånekassen according to current regulations. Students doing field work in Bolivia may apply for additional support for a 4 week language course in the beginning of the semester before the field work starts. The field work can also be carried out in Norway and in the Dominican Republic in collaboration with the Falcondo Foundation.

Contact person Arne Olav Øyhus