SciDev.Net

What will future health and agricultural systems look like? Who will benefit from genetically modified crops or new vaccines? With climate change, will there be enough water for people to survive the twenty-first century? What are the implications of global pandemics of HIV/AIDS or bird flu? What does a global knowledge economy and society mean?

Focusing on such pressing practical and policy questions in health, environment and agriculture, this programme provides students with a solid grounding in development concepts and theories, in combination with an understanding of the politics and governance of scientific knowledge and policy processes. Through exploring a combination of theoretical and practical perspectives, the course asks how science and technology can contribute to poverty reduction, social justice and environmental sustainability in the developing world.

The programme, hosted by the IDS Knowledge, Technology and Society (KNOTS) Team, is linked to a new IDS-SPRU (Science and Technology Policy Research) research centre called Social, Technological and Environmental Pathways to Sustainability (STEPS). Throughout the programme students work closely with individual supervisors from the KNOTS team, which encompasses a wide range of disciplinary and professional backgrounds, all with extensive experience in the developing world.

Over three terms there are four compulsory courses and a series of shorter options. The lecture-based courses are combined with tutorial and supervisory support and a series of workshops, focusing on themes such as research methodology and professional skills. Students are assessed primarily through term papers (of 3,000 to 5,000 words) and a dissertation (10,000 words).

At the end of the course, students will have gained:

• knowledge of the main theories, concepts and debates in development situating them in their historical and contemporary contexts;
• a specialised focus on science, society and policy interactions, and particularly the political and governance concerns arising around health, agriculture and environment;
• a practical understanding of research and analytical methodologies and their application in diverse policy contexts; and
• the ability to engage in critical policy analysis on science, society and development issues, with the professional skills required for a diverse range of career paths in development.

Fees

For entry in October 2008, fees are £10,700 for all students. Two scholarships are available for applicants from African members of the Commonwealth through a joint scheme between IDS and Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. For funding sources please see the University of Sussex funding advice. 

Application Forms

The university's postgraduate prospectus and application form can be downloaded from:

Sussex paper application

Sussex online application

Or obtained from: Postgraduate Admissions, Sussex House, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RE, UK.
Email: pg.admissions@sussex.ac.uk

Alternatively, if you require a hard copy of the prospectus and application pack, please order one online.