“NRI's mission is to discover, apply and share knowledge in support of global food security, sustainable development and poverty reduction”"Knowledge to feed the world"
“NRI's mission is to discover, apply and share knowledge in support of global food security, sustainable development and poverty reduction”"Knowledge to feed the world"
This programme focuses on deepening understanding of the social and economic aspects of development, including institutional and organisational issues, and their link with technical aspects of rural development service delivery and innovation - a recognised international strength of the Natural Resources Institute. The developing world faces exceptional challenges and many approaches to development are having insufficient impact on reducing levels of poverty, particularly prevalent in rural areas and for women. There is growing awareness and practice of considering human needs and interactions in rural development and the programme addresses the identified need for improved capacity in project design, particularly in research to test the impact of development interventions. The programme comprises in-depth investigation of rural change with study of core concepts and their application as well as a research methods core providing advanced training in social science methodologies and particular applications of these approaches. This includes substantial training in social research principles, approaches and methods, applied research tools for use in diagnostic and baseline studies, situation and gender analysis, process monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment.
Candidates also select two options from a range of specialist courses. Individual interests are further developed through the independent research project, submitted as a dissertation
Core courses:
Specialty courses (a total of 30 credits to be selected from the following):
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Assessment:Each course will include a mix of formative and summative assessments and examinations as appropriate to the subject being studied. These will be drawn from examinations, critical analyses of case studies and problem-solving assignments, presentations and essays.
Career options:Graduates can pursue careers with national and international organisations e.g. NRI, Development NGOs, private sector organisations, university and government sectors. The programme is also a route to obtaining an MPhil/PhD studentship.
How to apply:Applications should be made on-line, using the University application form. This is available from the Enquiry Unit or International Office or can be downloaded at www.gre.ac.uk/apply.