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

On successful completion of the programme, the student should be able to:

Knowledge

• have basic knowledge of global development issues, focusing on poverty, economic growth, vulnerability to climate change and resource base, social, cultural and political change as well as knowledge about the connections between power, aid and conflict
• have knowledge of global social and economic inequalities and the ability to analyze the factors that create and maintain such differences in development
• have knowledge of the various regional development contexts
• have knowledge of different theoretical approaches and practical strategies for development and change and be able to critically analyze the various strategies and practices in relation to aid and development cooperation between the north and south
• have knowledge of social science methodological and epistemological foundation issues in a cross cultural context

Skills

• be able to find, produce and facilitate relevant knowledge given approach and context, and have acquired comparative skills to see similarities and differences between countries and regions
• be able to produce information and knowledge through social scientific field studies of foreign or Norwegian contextworking with development-related and cross-cultural issues in the public sector, private companies or organizations
• be able to analyze and assess the impact of economic, political, social and cultural conditions for development and change in a global perspective, how internal and external factors affecting the development processes in different countries with different economies and governance, the importance of cultural diversity, and environmental and resource challenges

General competence

• gain insight into the general ethical, political, and epistemological issues that are central to the development field
• be able to use interdisciplinary forms of collaboration and using this in a cross cultural context
• be able to carry out a social science field work

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