Master of Science in Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management
Programme Rationale
A number of graduate training programs initiated in the country like Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources from Makerere University, Uganda, have produced graduates with capabilities to solve environmental problems. However, the number of practicing professionals in the highly dynamic and evolving discipline of environmental science is still inadequate. There is need for more graduates to undertake action-active research on the environment in order to inform policy and achieve sustainable development.
Through this program Master of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources Management (MSE), graduates will be trained with knowledge and skills required to integrate environmental and natural resources management into planning, informed decision making, policy and sustainable development. This program also integrates the community in the learning process as they are key stake holders in addressing challenges of environmental degradation and sustainable livelihoods in Uganda. By offering this course, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Management will be implementing the mandate of Gulu University to play a leading role in the provision of skilled human resources for national development in the areas of environmental sciences, research, technology & other services for community transformation. Read More
Overview
| Code | MSE |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Study time | Weekday |
| Intake | August |
Entry Requirements
Second Class Bachelor degree in any of the following disciplines: Science in Agriculture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, General Sciences, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Botany, Land Economics and Physical Planning from recognised Institution. Those holding second class Lower degrees should have at least two years work experience in related fields from the time of graduation.
The general requirements for Gulu University and also for the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment shall apply. In addition, for admission to the MSE, applicants should possess an honours degree in any of the following qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Land use & Management, Bachelor of Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science (general), Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, Bachelor of Botany, BSc. Wildlife Health & Management, BSc. Conservation Biology, Bachelor of Science in Land Economics or their equivalent qualifications from a recognised University.
Fees Structure
| Tuition Fees per Semester (East African) | Tuition Fees per Semester (Non East Africans) |
|---|---|
| 1,300,000 | 3,250,000 |
Programme Structure
- LH Lecture Hours
- CH Contact Hours
- TH Tutorial Hours
- CU Credit Units
The duration of the revised programme remains 2 years. The programme shall be full-time and conducted by course work and research. It shall be run on a semester system, each semester lasting 17 weeks with 15 weeks of effective teaching and 2 weeks for examinations. A student shall be required to register for a total of 4 semesters, with a possible extension by a maximum of four semesters.
Coursework
The programme is designed to have courses that cover the major fields in environmental sciences, community engagement and research tools. Consequently, the courses shall be designated as below:
a) Core course
A core course is a course which is essential to this program for purposes of having specific knowledge, understanding, and competencies, thus giving the program its unique features. It is offered and has to be passed by all students registered to this program.
b) Elective course
An elective course is one selected from a given group of courses at the convenience of the student to allow an in-depth understanding of a particular field or to allow for specialization and research.
c) Remedial course
A remedial course is course used to rectify knowledge disparities in a particular academic field generated as a result of students being trained under different backgrounds. The remedial course(s) help students having problems with advanced concepts to fully understand the basics of a subject or catch up on material after a long break from education.
d) Audited course
An audited course is a course offered by a student and whose grade point is not entered in the calculation of a CGPA but reflected in the students’ academic transcript as GP.
Research
Research work contributes a significant part of the programme (75 Contact Hours) and shall be used to test the students’ ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the coursework. Consequently, research is compulsory and shall be dedicated for the third and fourth semester of the programme. However, it may be spread over the entire duration of the programme when long-term research must be carried out (e.g., long-term longitudinal or impact studies). A student shall write a research proposal and defend it before the Department for evaluation before being submitted to IRGS for approval. Guidance on choice of research areas shall be done in conjunction with the students’ supervisors duly appointed by IRGS.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is an essential component of the MSE programme (45 Contact Hours). It is designed to enable the student acquire skills and experience in working with the community. It shall be dedicated to the long vacation period following completion of the course work in first year before the second year of the programme commences. Each student is attached to a community group in a well-defined locality for a period of two months. The students, together with the group identify a specific environmental problem and work with the group to find solutions to the problem. In addition, the student shall make use of the student-community interaction to identify the problem for his/her research. Each student shall be assigned a supervisor. The supervisor shall monitor, follow-up the student in the field and make a supervisory report.