Master's Programme in Global development Theory and Practice

The aim of this master’s programme is to train advanced professionals in the field of Global Development Theory and Practice with specialisation in either health promotion or gender and development. In either specialisation, the students write a 30 ECTS thesis and choose between an internship (30 ECTS), courses at UiB (30 ECTS) or exchange with other universities (in Norway or abroad). Students write their master’s thesis in pairs or alone. The overarching objectives of the GLODE master’s programme are to provide the students with in-depth understanding of: Global development through critical evaluation of relevant theories; integration of human rights and social justice; appraisal of global governance and the politics of aid; The practice of development, including policy and programme planning, implementation and evaluation at the levels of local organisations and communities, municipalities and states, national and international cooperation projects. The contexts of sustainable human development including culture, international cooperation and ecology/conservation (among other contextual issues). Specialisation in Health Promotion The aim of this specialisation is to give the student expertise in health promotion theory and practice in the context of global development. The general approach of all aspects of the health promotion specialisation is a resource-based perspective. The specialisation includes the 15 ECTs module on Foundations of Health Promotion, a 30 ECTs internship (or elective courses), plus 30 ECTs thesis on a health promotion topic. Specialisation in Gender in Global Development The aim of this specialisation is to enable the students to take a critical and reflective perspective on the significance of gender in global and local development. The students will analyse gendered power relations and vulnerabilities as well as processes of empowerment and social change. Emphasis is placed on cross cultural comparison, and on context-sensitive analysis of gender seen in conjunction with other dimensions of social organisation. The specialisation includes the 15 ECTs module on Theoretical perspectives on gender and development, and 30 ECTs internship (or elective courses) plus 30 ECTs thesis on a gender and development topic. In both specialisations, qualitative or quantitative research methods will be taught, and may be used by students depending on thesis topics. Many students will undertake thesis research that is part of the Advisor's research activities. Research ethics is an integral part of learning.

Living costsNOK 17,200 a month in Bergen, rent included

kr 206,400

Living costs from SiT estimate from livingcost.org city data (Nov 2026), converted from USD at the ECB reference rate of 30 Oct 2026 (1 EUR = 10.312 NOK, 1.1172 USD)

Typical requirements in Norway for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

• A completed qualification that gives access to Master's Degree study.
• Academic transcripts and any programme-specific assessment the institution asks for.
• Your advisor checks the final requirements for your education system and intake.

Taught in English.

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A typical checklist for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

The central catalogue records this programme as accredited.