Programme-specific Section of the Curriculum for the MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen 2010 (Rev. 2018) Contents 1 Title, affiliation and language... 2 1.1 Title... 2 1.2 Affiliation... 2 1.3 Corps of external examiners... 2 1.4 Language... 2 2 Academic profile... 2 2.1 Purpose... 2 2.2 General programme profile... 3 2.3 General structure of the programme... 3 2.4 Career opportunities... 3 3 Description of competence profiles... 4 3.1 Safe Production in Horticulture (Copenhagen Catania)... 4 3.2 Agricultural Development (Copenhagen Montpellier)... 5 3.2 Food Chains and Development (Cork Copenhagen)... 5 4 Admission requirements... 6 4.1 Applicants with a related Bachelor s degree... 6 4.2 Other applicants... 6 4.3 Language requirements... 7 5 Prioritisation of applicants... 7 6 Structure of the programme... 7 6.1 Safe production in Horticulture... 7 6.2 Agricultural Development... 8 6.3 Food Chains and Development... 10 7 Exemptions... 11 8 Commencement etc.... 11 8.1 Validity... 11 8.2 Transfer... 11 8.3 Amendments... 11 Appendix 1 Tables... 12 Appendix 2 Interim arrangements... 13 Appendix 3 Description of objectives for the thesis... 13 Page 1 of 13
1 Title, affiliation and language The Agris Mundus Sustainable Development in Agriculture MSc (hereinafter referred to as Agris Mundus) is part of the Erasmus Mundus (EMMC) programme (2009-13) initiated and funded by the European Commission in the field of higher education. The Agris Mundus programme is a collaboration of six leading European universities 1 that have come together to create a joint master s programme within the frame work of Erasmus Mundus. The Agris Mundus programme has been approved for EU funding for the time period 2006-2016. A shared section that applies to all BSc and MSc programmes at the Faculty of Science is linked to this programme-specific curriculum. 1.1 Title The MSc Programme in The Agris Mundus Sustainable Development in Agriculture leads to a Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Development in Agriculture with the Danish title: Cand.scient. (candidatus/candidata scientiarum) i bæredygtig landbrugsudvikling. The graduate will be awarded a double degree. 1.2 Affiliation The programme is affiliated with the Study Board for Natural Resources, Environment and Animal Science, and the students can both elect, and be elected, to this study board. 1.3 Corps of external examiners The following corps of external examiners is used for the central parts of the MSc Programme: Corps of External Examiners for Agricultural Science (jordbrugsvidenskab). 1.4 Language The language of this MSc Programme is English. 2 Academic profile 2.1 Purpose The programme aims at supplying capacities in the fields of expertise that are questioned by rural development in the developing countries: The development of cropping systems, especially for fruits and vegetables that combine the needs of economic return to the farmers and the societal needs for the preservation of the environment; The increase of livestock production, while preserving the quality of the products and the wealth of animals; The preservation of natural resources, especially land, water, forests and biodiversity, which become scarcer and scarcer, or in competition with increasing other uses; The development of sustainable food systems and efficient food chains; The capacity to integrate all these sectors into a holistic and systemic approach to agricultural development. 1 Montpellier SupAgro, France; Wageningen University, The Netherlands; University College of Cork, Ireland; Universita degli Studi di Catania, Italy; Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Science, Univeristy of Copenhagen, Denmark Page 2 of 13
Integration of the supply at the European level is a matter of bringing together a broad range of complementary expertises on these questions, not only from the disciplinary or thematic perspective, but also from the experience of the partners in developing countries, where each partner has research commitments. Such an experience and the related international. 2.2 General programme profile The Erasmus Mundus master s programme Agris Mundus encompasses all critical aspects of agriculturally related development activities, from soil fertility management to rural livelihood strategies. The learning approach is a combination of field-related experiences, teaching in traditions and methods related to data collectionn in complex real life situations, and discipline-based specialisations. The Agris Mundus programme is a combination of: An interdisciplinary field-oriented common part which includes training in techniques for gathering data under a variety of field conditions combined with training in the research process A selective part which facilitates specialisation. The thesis, which includes fieldwork in the setting of a country with relevance to developing countries. Sustainable Agricultural Development is the key subject area of the programme. 2.3 General structure of the programme The MSc Programme is set at 120 ECTS. The MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture consists of the following elements: Specialisation, 120 ECTS, including the thesis. The student must choose one of the following specialisations: Safe Production in Horticulture (Copenhagen Catania) Agricultural Development (Copenhagen Montpellier) Food Chains and Development (Cork-Copenhagen) 2.4 Career opportunities The MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture qualifies students to become professionals within business functions and/or areas such as: A PhD programme Employment as a consultant in a Danish or international organisation working with development and / or foods, such as Danida, UN environmental and agricultural organizations, UNEP and FAO or the EU. Research work in Denmark or at an international research institution, including universities and in government research. Employment in one of the many organisations that works with developing countries. Recent graduates are working for Red Cross, CARE, DCA, Children's Fund, Save the Children etc. Employment by companies involved in fair trade, ecology and global trade, such as certification, labeling, purchasing and sales. Page 3 of 13
3 Description of competence profiles Students following the MSc Programme acquire the knowledge, skills and competences listed below. Students will also acquire other qualifications through elective subject elements and other study activities. 3.1 Safe Production in Horticulture (Copenhagen Catania) On completion of the programme, an MSc in Sustainable Development in Agriculture with a specialisation in Safe Production in Horticulture has acquired the following: Knowledge about: Agricultural development theories. Theories in relation to sustainable use and management of natural resources in developing countries. The theoretical basis of qualitative and quantitative data collection methodology, including interviews, questionnaires, surveys, and rapid appraisal techniques. Interdisciplinary and intercultural work. Production specific practices and constraints in high and low input horticultural production. Concepts and analytical approaches within sustainable horticultural production and development. Skills in/to: Apply field research methods, instruments and tools appropriately, as well as be able to plan, monitor and evaluate responses within sustainable horticultural production. Participate in academic discussions on agricultural development and relationships to other study programmes. Identify and critically analyse theoretical and practical approaches to horticulture and development. Undertake a research programme within horticulture and development at different international universities. Communicate effectively to diverse audiences using a range of media. Examine own practice in a critical manner and modify it accordingly. Participate in public discussions on an academic level regarding natural resource management in a global context in the role of researcher, advisor, policymaker or programme employee or manager. Competences in/to: Display independence, integrity and develop new relevant knowledge and skills when working in complex field settings on an individual basis, in teams as well as in crossdisciplinary and intercultural environments. Use interdisciplinary, multicultural real life experiences to analyse the whole context of the systems encountered. Display awareness of ethical and moral questions related to the management of different natural resources and take these into account when working in different cultural settings. Carry out research-, adviser- or policy-related activities within horticulture and development in government bodies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, development agencies or international industry bodies. Apply their knowledge and understanding and problem-solving abilities in new and unfamiliar environments within broader contexts related to their field of study. Page 4 of 13
3.2 Agricultural Development (Copenhagen Montpellier) On completion of the programme, an MSc in Sustainable Development in Agriculture with a specialisation in Agricultural Development has acquired the following: Knowledge about: Key factors and forces shaping agricultural development problems in any specific (local, national, regional, international) context, particularly in low and middle income countries where and when agriculture is a major component of the local economy. Current research and advanced theories in relation to sustainable use and management of natural resources in developing countries. The theoretical basis of qualitative and quantitative data collection methodology, including interviews, questionnaires, surveys, and rapid appraisal techniques. Interdisciplinary and intercultural work. Skills in/to: Apply relevant project planning, data collection and evaluation methodologies such as logical framework approaches in complex field settings and in research planning Participate in academic discussions on agricultural development and relationships to other study programmes. Critically analyse and describe sustainability and livelihood issues in relation to natural resource management. Undertake a research programme within agricultural development at different international universities. Communicate effectively to diverse audiences using a range of media.. Examine own practice in a critical manner and modify it accordingly. Competences in/to: Participate in public discussions on an academic level regarding natural resource management in a global context in the role of researcher, advisor, policymaker or programme employee or manager. Display independence, integrity and develop new relevant knowledge and skills when working in complex field settings on an individual basis, in teams as well as in crossdisciplinary and intercultural environments. Use interdisciplinary, multicultural real life experiences to analyse the whole context of the systems encountered. Display awareness of ethical and moral questions related to the management of different natural resources and take these into account when working in different cultural settings. Carry out research-, adviser- or policy-related activities within agricultural development in government bodies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, development agencies or international industry bodies. 3.2 Food Chains and Development (Cork Copenhagen) On completion of the programme, an MSc in Sustainable Development in Agriculture with a specialisation in Food Chains and Development (Cork Copenhagen) has acquired the following: Knowledge about: Agricultural development theories. The theoretical basis of qualitative and quantitative data collection methodology, including interviews, questionnaires, surveys, and rapid appraisal techniques. Interdisciplinary and intercultural work. Page 5 of 13
Structure and functioning of local and global food chains. The importance of food chains for food security and development. Concepts and analytical approaches within food business analysis and management, global and national food politics and marketing. Skills in/to: Apply field research methods, instruments and tools appropriately, as well as be able to plan, monitor and evaluate responses within food business management and food chains. Participate in academic discussions on agricultural development and relationships to other study programmes. Identify and critically analyse theoretical and practical approaches to food chains and agribusiness development. Undertake a research programme within food chains and development at different international universities. Communicate effectively to diverse audiences using a range of media. Examine own practice in a critical manner and modify it accordingly. Competences in/to: Participate in public discussions on an academic level regarding natural resource management in a global context in the role of researcher, advisor, policymaker or programme employee or manager. Display independence, integrity and develop new relevant knowledge and skills when working in complex field settings on an individual basis, in teams as well as in crossdisciplinary and intercultural environments. Use interdisciplinary, multicultural real life experiences to analyse the whole context of the systems encountered. Display awareness of ethical and moral questions related to the management of different natural resources and take these into account when working in different cultural settings. Carry out research-, adviser- or policy-related activities within food chains and development in government bodies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, development agencies or international industry bodies. Apply their knowledge and understanding and problem-solving abilities in new and unfamiliar environments within broader contexts related to their field of study. 4 Admission requirements There is no BSc Programme with reserved access for this programme. 4.1 Applicants with a related Bachelor s degree Applicants with a Bachelor s degree in an area relevant to agricultural development e.g. agriculture, animal science, biology, geography, rural development, environmental science and economics are directly academically qualified for admission to the MSc Programme. 4.2 Other applicants The Faculty may also admit applicants who, after an individual academic assessment, are deemed to possess educational qualifications equivalent to those required in Subsection 4.1. Page 6 of 13
4.3 Language requirements 4.2.1 Applicants from Nordic universities Applicants with a Bachelor s degree from Nordic universities must as a minimum document English language qualifications comparable to a Danish upper secondary school English B level. 4.2.2 Non-Nordic applicants Applicants with a non-nordic Bachelor s degree must be able to document English proficiency corresponding to an IELTS test score of minimum 6.0 or a TOEFL test score of minimum 83 (Internet-based). 5 Prioritisation of applicants If the number of qualified applicants to the programme exceeds the number of places available, applicants will be prioritised as follows: Only eligible applications are assessed, this includes passing the language threshold (IELTS 6.0; TOEFL 560, IBT 83), and completion of all fields in the application form, relevant BSc degree etc. Native English speakers are exempted from the language requirement, or applicants who have taken their latest degree in English Assessment is done using four criteria: Academic performance. Work experience. Motivation. Recommendations. Each criterion is assessed using a scale of 0-5 (5 = excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = acceptable, 0= poor); used in steps of 0.1. Evaluation always starts with the academic excellence criterion (counting for 60% of the aggregate score). This process leads to an absolute ranking of all applicants. Students are then selected from the top. Students with scoring below 1 are not admitted to the program. Cut off for scholarships are usually around 4.5-4.7. 6 Structure of the programme The compulsory subject elements, restricted elective subject elements and the thesis constitute the central parts of the programme (Section 21 of the Ministerial Order on Bachelor and Master s Programmes (Candidatus) at Universities). Before the beginning of the MSc Programme the student must choose the first specialisation. 6.1 Safe production in Horticulture The specialisation is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following: Compulsory subject elements, 65 ECTS subject elements, 25 ECTS Thesis, 30 ECTS Page 7 of 13
6.1.1 Compulsory subject elements All of the following subject elements are to be covered (45 ECTS) (University of Copenhagen): LOJK10292U Agricultural Value Chains in Developing Countries 7.5 ECTS NIFK18003U Thematic Course: Interdisciplinary Land Use and Natural 15 ECTS Resource Management LFKK10258U Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development 7.5 ECTS LPLK10367U Tropical Crop Production 7.5 ECTS NIGK14000U Conservation and Management of Genetic Resources 7.5 ECTS All of the following subject elements are to be covered (20 ECTS) (University of Catania): Ecophysiology 5 ECTS Vegetable and ornamental crops 5 ECTS Entomology applied to agrosystems 5 ECTS Cultural, biological and chemical plants disease management 5 ECTS 6.1.2 subject elements 15 ECTS are to be covered as restricted elective subject elements from the following list (University of Copenhagen): NPLK14011U Tropical Botany B 7.5 ECTS NPLK14030U Climate Change and Land Use 7.5 ECTS NPLK14020U Sustainable Agricultural Development Pathways 7.5 ECTS 10 ECTS are to be covered as restricted elective subject elements from the following list (University of Catania - 2 nd year, semester 1): Citriculture 2 ECTS Irrigation systems Methods and processes for vegetable and ornamental crops 3 ECTS Oliviculture 2 ECTS Specialty vegetable and ornamental crops 3 ECTS Viticulture 2 ECTS Animal pests 2 ECTS Biological control and biotechnologies applied to pest control Farm mechanisation Technologies in phytopathology 6 ECTS 6.1.3 Thesis The MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture includes a thesis corresponding to 30 ECTS, as described in Appendix 2 to the shared curriculum. The thesis must be written within the academic scope of the programme. The thesis must be based on at least three months of fieldwork in a developing country. The data for the thesis are expected to be collected during this period. The fieldwork may be combined with an internship at international organisations, NGOs, universities or similar. Students will obtain financial support from the supervising department in connection with thesis fieldwork under reservation of fulfilment of course requirements. 6.2 Agricultural Development The specialisation is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following: Compulsory subject elements, 37.5 ECTS Page 8 of 13
subject elements, 52.5 ECTS Thesis, 30 ECTS 6.2.1 Compulsory subject elements All of the following subject elements are to be covered (37.5 ECTS) (University of Copenhagen): LPLK10367U Tropical Crop Production 7.5 ECTS LOJK10292U Agricultural Value Chains in Developing Countries 7.5 ECTS NIFK18003U Thematic Course: Interdisciplinary Land Use and 15 ECTS Natural Resource Management LFKK10258U Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development 7.5 ECTS 6.2.2 subject elements (University of Copenhagen) 22.5 ECTS are to be covered as restricted elective subject elements from the following lists: 15 ECTS are to be covered as restricted elective subject elements from the following list: NPLK14030U Climate Change and Land Use 7.5 ECTS NPLK14020U Sustainable Agricultural Development Pathways 7.5 ECTS NIFK18002U Interdisciplinary Approaches to Rural Livelihoods 7.5 ECTS LPLK10287U Agroforestry 7.5 ECTS NPLK14011U Tropical Botany B 7.5 ECTS 7.5 ECTS are to be covered as restricted elective subject elements from the following list: NIGK14000U Conservation and Management of Genetic 7.5 ECTS Resources NIFK14015U Topics in Development Studies 7.5 ECTS LNAK10010U Environmental Impact Assessment 7.5 ECTS 6.2.3 subject elements (Montpellier) The student must choose one of the two following specialisations (Second year, block 2): Specialisation A: Resources, Agricultural Systems and Development (30 credits) Agrarian Systems and Agricultural Development 9 ECTS Designing and Supporting Changes on Farms 6 ECTS Agro-Ecosystems, Ecologic Intensification and Natural Resource 6 ECTS Management Approaches, Methods and Tools for Intervention with Groups 5 ECTS Sustainable Development Reference Systems, Indicators and 2 ECTS Assessment Professional Practice: Group Internship in Response to a Request 2 ECTS Specialisation B: Markets, Organisations, Quality and Services in Developing Country Agricultural Systems (30 credits) Understanding Smallholder Farms 6 ECTS Supporting Smallholder Farming Systems Involvement in Development Policies Analysing Territorial Projects, Supporting Collective Action Agricultural Systems Integration into Markets Managing development Projects 3 ECTS Understanding and Working with Agricultural and Rural 2 ECTS Page 9 of 13
Organisations Co-construction of Support Services with Smallholder Farms Professional Practice Group Internship 2 ECTS 6.2.4 Thesis The MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture includes a thesis corresponding to 30 ECTS, as described in Appendix 2 to the shared curriculum. The thesis must be written within the academic scope of the programme. The thesis must be based on at least three months of fieldwork in a developing country. The data for the thesis are expected to be collected during this period. The fieldwork may be combined with an internship at international organisations, NGOs, universities or similar. Students will obtain financial support from the supervising department in connection with thesis fieldwork under reservation of fulfilment of course requirements. 6.3 Food Chains and Development The specialisation is set at 120 ECTS and consists of the following: Compulsory subject elements, 42.5 ECTS subject elements, 47.5 ECTS Thesis, 30 ECTS 6.3.1 Compulsory subject elements All of the following subject elements are to be covered (35 ECTS) (University College, Cork, Ireland): Food Business 15 ECTS Food Business Analysis 10 ECTS Food Business Project 10 ECTS All of the following subject elements are to be covered (7.5 ECTS) (University of Copenhagen): LFKK10258U Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development 7.5 ECTS 6.3.2 subject elements (University of Copenhagen) 25 ECTS are to be covered as restricted elective subject elements from the following list (University College, Cork, Ireland): Advanced Food Business Management 5 ECTS Global Food Policy 5 ECTS Advanced Food Marketing 5 ECTS Food Security and the Developing World 5 ECTS Co-operative Business and Food Supply 5 ECTS Food Choice and Innovation 5 ECTS Food Retail Marketing 5 ECTS 22.5 ECTS are to be covered as restricted elective subject elements from the following list (University of Copenhagen): NIFK18001U Planning Interdisciplinary Research 7.5 ECTS NIFK14023U Advanced International Trade 7.5 ECTS NFOK15011U Food Quality Management and Control 7.5 ECTS NIFK14022U Industrial Organization 7.5 ECTS Page 10 of 13
NFOK14019U Microbiology of Fermented Food and Beverages 7.5 ECTS NIFK14025U Contracts and Cooperatives 7.5 ECTS NIFK18002U Interdisciplinary Approaches to Rural Livelohoods 7.5 ECTS 23271 Risk Analysis in Food Safety (at Technical 7.5 ECTS University of Denmark) LNAK10073U Rural Landscapes: Methods and Approaches in Policy Making 7.5 ECTS 6.3.3 Thesis The MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture includes a thesis corresponding to 30 ECTS, as described in Appendix 2 to the shared curriculum. The thesis must be written within the academic scope of the programme. The thesis must be based on at least three months of fieldwork in a developing country. The data for the thesis are expected to be collected during this period. The fieldwork may be combined with an internship at international organisations, NGOs, universities or similar. Students will obtain financial support from the supervising department in connection with thesis fieldwork under reservation of fulfilment of course requirements. 7 Exemptions In exceptional circumstances, the study board may grant exemptions from the rules in the curriculum specified solely by the Faculty of Science. 8 Commencement etc. 8.1 Validity This subject specific section of the curriculum applies to all students enrolled in the programme see however Appendix 2. 8.2 Transfer Students enrolled on previous curricula may be transferred to the new one as per the applicable transfer regulations or according to an individual credit transfer by the study board. 8.3 Amendments The curriculum may be amended once a year so that any changes come into effect at the beginning of the academic year. Amendments must be proposed by the board of studies and approved by the Dean. Notification about amendments that tighten the admission requirements for the programme will be published online at www.science.ku.dk one year before they come into effect. If amendments are made to this curriculum, an interim arrangement may be added if necessary to allow students to complete their MSc Programme according to the amended curriculum. Page 11 of 13
Appendix 1 Tables Table MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture with a specialisation in Safe Production in Horticulture Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 1st year Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development Tropical Crop Production Interdisciplinary Land Use and Natural Resource Management (incl. field trip to developing country) Agricultural Value Chains in Developing Countries Conservation and Management of Genetic Resources 2nd year University of Catania Compulsory Abroad The table illustrates the recommended academic progression. The student is allowed to plan an alternative progression at UCPH within the applicable rules. Table MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture with a specialisation in Agricultural Development Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 1st year Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development Tropical Crop Production Thematic Course: Interdisciplinary Land Use and Natural Resource Management Agricultural Value Chains in Developing Countries 2nd year University of Montpellier Compulsory Abroad The table illustrates the recommended academic progression. The student is allowed to plan an alternative progression at UCPH within the applicable rules. Table MSc Programme in Sustainable Development in Agriculture with a specialisation in Food Chains and Development Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 1st year University College, Cork, Ireland 2nd year Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development Thesis (incl. Field Data Collection) Compulsory Abroad The table illustrates the recommended academic progression. The student is allowed to plan an alternative progression at UCPH within the applicable rules. Page 12 of 13
Appendix 2 Interim arrangements The Shared Section of the BSc and MSc Curricula for Study Programmes applies to all students. Appendix 3 Description of objectives for the thesis After completing the MSc thesis at the University of Copenhagen, the student should have: Knowledge about: Bordering subject areas to main specialization. Alternative approaches or methods. Skills to: Collect empirical data using preselected tools. Analyse collected data using appropriate framework, including statistical methods. Present objectives, methods and results in a clear and comprehensive way. Discuss results in relation to literature in the subject area. Draw general conclusions from results, and respect the limitations of the specific data set. Competences to: Plan, perform and evaluate an empirical study in a developing country. Critically evaluate data quality and appropriateness of methods. Operationalize an objective, via development of testable research questions, selection of appropriate methods and relevant sources of information. Put an empirical study into a wider development perspective. Page 13 of 13