Goals of the double degree programme
The Agroecology programme is aimed at international students with a strong interest in sustainable agriculture and agroecosystem management.
Students will get the opportunity to understand structure and function of complex agroecosystems. They will learn to apply systems approaches in studying, designing and evaluating (agricultural) systems and food production chains, and to develop creative solutions for sustainable farming and food systems. The programme teaches a multidisciplinary approach in which natural science is combined with social science and economics.
Action learning and action research through cooperation with farmers, food system professionals and consumers will shorten the distance between practice and theory. The proposed programme exploits the strengths of the two co-operating institutes, including specialist knowledge in agroecosystems management and application of agroecological science in real-world situation.
Structure of the programme
The Master of Science Agroecology is designed as a two-year programme curriculum including a practical thesis project. The programme combines 4 semesters with different options. Semester 1 takes place in Norway at the University of Life Sciences (NMBU), the semester 2 includes different options, and semester 3 is offered at ISARA in Lyon, France. The master thesis (semester 4) will be carried out under the major responsibility of one of two partners, and will be co-supervised by the other partner. The double degree programme is coordinated by a consortium consisting of ISARA, France and NMBU, Norway. For the two-year programme a double degree is delivered.
