Duration: 16 months.

Location: Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Ireland and Sokoine University, Tanzania.

Award: MA Degree*, a Level 9 award in the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (www.nfq.ie).

Who is this programme for? <back>

This unique programme is targeted at present and future policy makers, development practitioners and staff within international agencies, especially those whose work is concerned with supporting dryland communities, as well as people who are interested in pursuing a career working in the drylands. It is run in collaboration with Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania (www.suanet.ac.tz) with support from Mekelle University, Ethiopia (www.mu.edu.et); The University of Nairobi, Kenya (www.uonbi.ac.ke), and the International Institute of Environment and Development (IIED) (www.iied.org), UK.

What is this programme about? <back>

Breaking the cycle of impoverishment of vulnerable communities in the drylands of Africa in the face of climate change is the ultimate goal of this new MA. This is of particular urgency not only because geographical location puts drylands' communities on the front-line of global climate change, but also because of the acute lack of understanding policy-makers have of the dynamics of local livelihood systems in these areas and the opportunities they offer for adaptation to climate change.

Policy making in many of these regions (which comprise more than 43% of the inhabitable land in Africa) does not sufficiently benefit from the lessons of past failure or existing knowledge of the dynamics of human-ecological processes, nor does it benefit from the participation of local communities that have learnt over time how best to exploit the ecological and economic dynamics of local environments to lead sustainable livelihoods. The combination of inadequate understanding of local livelihood systems and the inability of local communities to influence livelihood decisions and to hold government to account is undermining the broader development of these areas as well as the capacity to adapt to climate change.

For the future development and realisation of rights in drylands areas, it is critical that the capacities of both communities and advocates are built. This will help to challenge prevailing misconceptions about livelihoods,  to shape policy and to enable more effective participation  in decision-making.  The MA in Drylands Policy and Climate Change Adaptation will contribute to this important process.

What you will get from this programme <back>

Learning – a critical understanding of contemporary development issues at local, national and global levels and their relevance to drylands communities, through participation in courses such as:

• Political Economy of Development
• Drylands Policy, Economics and Governance
• Planning for Development
• Sociology of Development
• Climate Change and Development

Skills – skills in development planning, natural resource management, social research, group facilitation and community development processes, through exploration of:

• Research Methods
• Project Cycle Management
• Pastoralist Systems
• Sustainable Livelihoods
• Conflict Management
• Natural Resource Management
• Community Based Adaptation

Experience – undertaking primary research in a development related field.

Course Delivery – courses are delivered through participatory methods, enabling participants to understand the complexities of development and to critically reflect on their experience.

Intercultural Learning Environment – the opportunity to build long lasting relationships and friendships with a dynamic and diverse group of committed people.

Facilities and Accreditation – access to the full resources and facilities of KDSC and Sokoine University, and to the fine reputation both institutes enjoy in East Africa and elsewhere, as well as an internationally recognised HETAC (www.hetac.ie) accredited qualification.

Schedule <back>

Participants are accepted on to a common postgraduate programme commencing in mid September. Participants will be expected to attend the first semester in Kimmage DSC in Dublin and the second in Sokoine University, Tanzania.  Participants who meet the required standard at the end of the taught course work (end of May in the following year) will be permitted to continue towards an MA award (equivalent to 90 credits under the European Credit Transfer System).  They then have an additional 7 months to undertake research in a drylands area, with the support of one or more of the partner institutes and to complete a final dissertation.

Participants who do not meet a minimum standard, or who choose to complete, at the end of the course work stage, will be registered for the exit  award of Post Graduate Diploma in Drylands Policy and Climate Change (60 ECTS credits).  

Successful completion of the full programme earns participants an MA in Drylands Policy and Climate Change Adaptation.  Both the MA and the Post Graduate Diploma are Level 9 awards validated by HETAC, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council,  under the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (www.nfq.ie).

Course Content <back>

Click on subjects for course outlines:

Expected Outcomes <back>

By the end of the programme, participants will have gained:

• Improved understanding of the dynamics of dryland environments, economies and societies and of challenges faced by dryland communities
• Enhanced awareness of the wider significance of dryland systems to global climatic and economic systems
  
• Increased understanding of policy options and strategies for influencing decisions to support dryland communities and enhance their capacity to build resilient livelihoods
• Acquired skills to undertake and manage drylands research
• Contributed to the body of knowledge on drylands livelihoods and policy making
• Enhanced South-South-North linkages, setting precedents for further collaboration
  

Assessment <back>

Assessment is by a combination of continuous assessment, project work, examinations and final dissertation.

Entry Requirements <back>

An Honours Degree in science or social science, or equivalent qualification from an accredited third level institution and at least 2 years relevant experience. Holders of a Pass Degree or Advanced Diploma  in a relevant subject and a minimum or 3 years relevant experience may be considered. In these cases, a qualifying assessment and/or interview may be required. A minimum competency in English language is also a requirement for all candidates- the minimum requirement is a score of 6.0 in internationally recognised tests, e.g. IELTS.

Funding: <back>

Neither Kimmage DSC or Sokoine University are able to offer any direct scholarships for this programme. Responsibility for securing financial support rests with the applicant. If you are working in a field related to Drylands, Pastoralism or Climate Change Adaptation, it is advisable to seek support from your employer(s), or from a donor agency with whom your employers already have a partnership. Candidates working with partner agencies of Irish Aid in certain countries (incl. Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique) may be eligible to apply for an Irish Aid Fellowship to study on this MA programme. For further information see: http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/partners_fellowships.asp. The Centre may be able to supply information to help you with a funding request to certain agencies when you have applied and told us about you work experience, etc.

Application Forms & Downloads <back>

Course Brochure 
Downloadable Application Form (.doc)
Additional Post Graduate Form (.doc)
Online Contact Us Form
Downloadable Reference Form (.doc)
Downloadable Visa Requirements (.doc)
Course Fees (.pdf)

Further Information <back>

contact:

Course Coordinator, Dr. Fiona Meehan,
Kimmage Development Studies Centre
Kimmage Manor
Whitehall Road
Dublin 12, Ireland
Tel: +353-1-4064386
E-mail: Fiona.meehan@kimmagedsc.ie