MSc European Rural Development

As a student I have found that one of the greatest strengths of this course is the communication with professors that can seem quite unusual for a Central European student. Professors are always available for any query and will always highlight that the Masters level is about being critical and analytical about policies, programs and information found in the literature, or provided by different actors. Furthermore, a good learning relationship between professor and student is considered natural. As a student I feel I can ask any question, and experiences and opinions are openly discussed.
Recent graduate from Central Europe

ERD Residential School, Romania, May 2009

Study for a Post-Graduate Award

The CCRI currently offers a programme of study in European Rural Development

• Study individual modules to develop specific expertise or knowledge
• Study for a Post-graduate Certificate of Higher Education
• Study for a Post-graduate Diploma
• Study for a full Master of Science Degree

If you have a relevant level of prior study you could 'top-up' your existing award to a Master's degree by taking the dissertation and one or two other modules (such as Research Methods).

Key points about the programme

• Distance learning - which enables:
• Part-time or full time study
• Residential schools held around Europe
• A network of rural development professionals
• An opportunity for reflective study
• Development of critical and analytical skills

• You are working in rural development for the public or voluntary sectors or in LEADER-type projects or groups,
• You wish to further develop your career and take on a leadership role in managing rural change
• You want to move into rural development from a different discipline or work area
• You want to understand more about rural development in Europe

Why study rural development?

The reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and recent expansion of the European Union means there is a growing demand for rural development practitioners. This course is designed to help you develop understanding of the social and economic theory of change, and will prepare you for acting in a key role to guide and shape development opportunities in rural Europe.

This course brings together staff from a range of disciplines including geography, sociology and economics. Staff teaching on the programme are engaged in active research on various aspects of rural development. In addition, most staff have also had experience of working in rural development in a professional capacity.

The course offers an integrated inter-disciplinary programme that combines the theoretical context for understanding the dynamics of rural change with more practical approaches to the delivery and management of change through project and partnership-based action. The approach focuses on the effective transfer of knowledge to those who want to be active in the sustainable transformation of Europe's rural areas.

About the Programme

You can complete the full MSc programme in 18 months if you are studying full time, with 6 modules taking up one year of time and the dissertation taking six months.

If you study part-time you are allowed up to 4 years to complete the programme enabling you to fit your studies around work and home commitments.

The programme is delivered through distance learning, enabling you to study from your home or place of work. The course is designed to encourage the development of an on-line community through shared learning with other students on the course. There are also residential sessions held in different parts of Europe to enable you to get together with other students and share experiences.

We currently have students spread out across Europe many of whom have full-time jobs and are studying on a part-time basis. This provides you with a ready-made network of people working in rural development.

The University of Gloucestershire has wide-ranging experience of running distance taught programmes, which allow those otherwise unable to access study programmes to develop the skills and understanding to become key actors in rural Europe. If you would like to know more about this course, please contact Dr. John Powell who is the Course Leader, telephone +44 (0) 1242 714129 E-mail: jpowell@glos.ac.uk. Alternatively you can contact the Course Administrator, Jill Harper, telephone +44 (0) 1242 714122.

"During the residential school in Cheltenham (often held at the beginning of the student year in September) a new student could be surprised by the invitation to dinner organised in the home of one of the professors. This is an opportunity for informal and relaxed chat, not just about issues concerning studies, but also about our everyday life and realities in the countries we live in. A long day of discussions and work can even finish in a local pub where students can talk and laugh with the professors".
New MSc Student

Summary of Details

• To be delivered in the English language, by 'Distance Learning'. No special equipment or software required (although access to broadband is helpful)
• Pre-sessional briefings and residential schools
• Applicants are welcome from anywhere in Europe
• Most students will work from home and probably be in relevant employment
• Average of three years of part-time study (less for a diploma or certificate)
• Meets requirements of the Bologna Accord
• Applications accepted at any time
• You may formally start the course in September and January
• The course is delivered by the Countryside and Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire.

Modules in:

• Rural Economic Development
• European Rural Policy
• Europe's 'Rural Mosaic'
• Project Planning and Management
• Designing Rural Research
• Rural Social & Community Development
• Food, Farming and Society
• International Project work
• Dissertation

Residential Schools

Sardinia
Romania

Bursaries

The University of Gloucestershire offers a number of bursaries for international postgraduate students. Please see http://www.glos.ac.uk/international/fees/Pages/scholarships.aspx for more details.

Download ERD Brochure

Download Flyer for Certificate of Higher Education

Download application form

For informal discussions or more information contact either the Course Leader Dr. John Powell, or the Course Administrator, Jill Harper

Application and Prospectus Requests should be made to: Student Recruitment Office postgrad@glos.ac.uk