MSc Programme in Forests and Livelihoods

Erasmus Mundus Master Course SUTROFOR - Sustainable Tropical Forestry

Master of Science (MSc) in Forests and Livelihoods

SUTROFOR – Sustainable Tropical Forestry (hereinafter referred to as SUTROFOR) is part of the Erasmus Mundus (EMMC) programme (2006-13) initiated and funded by the European Commission in the field of higher education. The programme aims to enhance the quality of European higher education and to promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through cooperation with third countries.

The SUTROFOR MSc is offered by a consortium of five European universities. The University of Copenhagen (LIFE), Bangor University, Dresden University of Technology, AgroParisTech-ENGREF (Montpellier), and University of Padova. SUTROFOR has been approved for EU funding for the time period 2006-2017.

The programme is organised in accordance with Executive Order no. 815 of 29 June 2010. The programme belongs under the Natural Science Study Board.

The programme leads to a double degree. Graduation at LIFE confers the degree Master of Science in Forests and Livelihoods.

Chapter 1. The programme’s objective and competence profile

1.1 The programme’s objective

The main objective of the programme is to educate graduates that are able to deal with the huge challenges of contemporary tropical forestry. The aim is to provide the graduates with a firm theoretical foundation and understanding of principles and processes that underpin sustainable tropical forestry development, including the social and environmental context, ability to apply theory of the sustainable management of forests and other natural resources in the tropics to real life situations, ability to function on the international scene, and openness to foreign cultures. During their studies, the students are extensively exposed to realities of the tropics – both during the compulsory Joint Summer Module in a tropical country and in relation to thesis work on tropical forestry issues.

1.2 The programme’s general profile

The SUTROFOR programme is a highly integrated international MSc programme developed and implemented jointly by the five partner institutions. SUTROFOR has an interdisciplinary approach combining the traditional aspects of biology/ecology (silviculture) and economics with livelihood concerns. During the two-year programme, all students must study at two of the consortium partner institutions. The first study year has common learning outcomes, whereas the second year comprises of the following specialisations:

· forest and livelihoods in developing countries (Copenhagen)

· agroforestry systems (Bangor)

· tropical forest management (Dresden)

· environmental management and politics for tropical forests (Montpellier)

· social and environmental responsibility in tropical forestry (Padova)

1.3. The programme’s employment prospects

The SUTROFOR programme qualifies the graduate to apply to PhD programmes or pursue a career in practice. The programme provides access to a diverse national and international sector that holds many opportunities for professional jobs within development and sustainable management of forest and other natural resources in developing countries. Sectors of particular relevance are 1) universities and research institutions, 2) development agencies with national and international scope, e.g. Danida, FAO or UNEP, 3) government bodies where graduates are involved in policy related activities, and 4) private companies, consultancies and industries dealing with developing country issues or products.

1.4. The programme’s competence profile

During the SUTROFOR programme students must obtain the knowledge, skills, and competences described below. These qualifications are obtained partly through participation in course work, fieldwork, and the preparation of a master’s thesis.

Common first year learning outcomes

Based on the European Qualifications Framework and the Dublin Descriptors, with focus on level 7 learning outcomes and second cycle qualifications, the first year programme provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following specific learning outcomes:

1.4.1 Knowledge (theoretical/factual)

• Forest ecosystems. World forests, forest ecology
• Interactions between physical and biological environments of forests
• Deforestation processes
• Functions and impacts of tropical forests
• Multiple benefits of forests; forest reliance; social and environmental implications of forestry
• Forest policy and economics

• Sustainable forest management. Forest management planning; forestry practice

1.4.2 Skills (cognitive/practical)

• Develop independent learning skills necessary for the foundation of lifelong learning
• Assess the possibilities and limitations of theories and methodologies

• Tackle problems by collecting, analysing and evaluating and interpreting appropriate qualitative and quantitative information and using it creatively and effectively
• Plan and execute research or development work, evaluate the outcomes and draw valid conclusions

1.4.3 Competences

• Display the competence, key skills, behaviour and attitudes required in an intercultural professional working life
• Communicate clearly, concisely and confidently in spoken and written format
• Understand the principles and processes that underpin purposeful sustainable tropical forestry development
• Write field based reports to meet the objectives of multitudinous stakeholders

1.5 Second year learning outcomes

The SUTROFOR students spend their second study year at one of the five consortium institutions. The educational objectives in terms of subject specific knowledge of the five possible specialisations are listed below.

1.6 Study track Copenhagen: Forests and Livelihoods in Developing Countries

1.6.1 Specific educational objectives

To provide graduates with a thorough understanding of the conditions of rural livelihoods in a micro economic context, and ability to apply theory to the sustainable management of forests and other natural resources in the tropics. Emphasis is on natural forests and decentralised (participatory) management.

1.6.2 Knowledge

§ The general role of forests and trees in rural livelihoods and development, including poverty prevention and reduction

§ The role of forest products in household current consumption, as safety nets, and in providing pathways out of poverty

§ Account for and critically evaluate research and theories in relation to forests and livelihoods in developing countries

§ Familiarity and understanding of interdisciplinary and intercultural work

1.6.3 Skills

§ Critically apply relevant qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments

§ Appropriate use of standard economic analyses to address sustainable tropical forestry development problems in relation to livelihoods

§ Fieldwork design, empirical data collection, preparation of guidelines for livelihood related sustainable tropical forest management

§ Participate in academic discussions of issues related to forests, livelihoods and development

1.6.4 Competences

§ Display the competences, key skills, behaviour and attitudes required in an interdisciplinary and intercultural professional working life

§ Communicate clearly, concisely and confidently in spoken and written formats with both academic audiences and in public discussions with non-specialists

§ Manage research, advisory and management activities in relation to tropical forestry in general, and forests and livelihoods in particular

§ Carry out research, advisor and/or policy related activities related to tropical forestry, and in particular forests and livelihoods, in international development organisations, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, industry bodies and research institutions

1.7 Study track Bangor: Agroforestry Systems

1.7.1 Specific educational objectives

To provide graduates with a thorough integrated education in natural resource management, combining ecological, economic and social dimensions of agricultural and forest sciences, focused on application to real world tropical systems where trees interact with agriculture at a range from micro to macro scale.

1.7.2 Knowledge

§ Key aspects of the contributing disciplines of economics, social science, and animal and plant ecology as they are applied in agricultural and forest management

§ The integration of knowledge across disciplines in natural resource management, with emphasis on agro-ecosystem services and properties

§ Agroforestry practices and their role in farming and forest systems

§ The biology, domestication and management of multipurpose trees

1.7.3 Skills

§ Critically apply relevant qualitative and quantitative data collection methods

§ Appropriate use of standard analyses to address sustainable tropical forestry development problems in relation to agroforestry

§ Fieldwork design, empirical data collection, preparation of guidelines for agroforestry related sustainable tropical forest management

§ Participate in academic discussions of issues related to agroforestry and development

1.7.4 Competences

§ Display the competences, key skills, behaviour and attitudes required in an interdisciplinary and intercultural professional working life

§ Communicate clearly, concisely and confidently in spoken and written formats with both academic audiences and in public discussions with non-specialists

§ Manage research, advisory and management activities in relation to tropical forestry in general, and agroforestry in particular

§ Carry out research, advisor and/or policy related activities related to tropical forestry, and in particular agroforestry, in international development organisations, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, industry bodies and research institutions

1.8 Study track Dresden: Tropical Forest Management

1.8.1 Specific educational objectives

To provide graduates with a thorough understanding of forest management practices, ability to apply the theory to the sustainable management of natural forests, forest plantations and urban forestry.

1.8.2 Knowledge

§ A holistic diagnosis of the state of tropical natural forests, forest plantations, and urban trees and parks

§ The role of natural forests, forest plantations, and urban trees and parks for development in the tropics, considering property situation, organisational system and actor constellations

§ Account for and critically evaluate research and theories in relation to forest management in the tropics

§ Familiarity and understanding of models for the implementation of management planning under different framework conditions

1.8.3 Skills

§ Critically apply relevant qualitative and quantitative data collection methods

§ Appropriate use of standard analyses to address sustainable tropical forestry development problems in long and short term management systems

§ Fieldwork design, empirical data collection, preparation of guidelines for sustainable tropical forest management

§ Participate in academic discussions of issues related to tropical forest management and development

1.8.4 Competences

§ Display the competences, key skills, behaviour and attitudes required in an interdisciplinary and intercultural professional working life

§ Communicate clearly, concisely and confidently in spoken and written formats with both academic audiences and in public discussions with non-specialists

§ Manage research, advisory and management activities in relation to tropical forestry, including natural forests, forest plantations, and urban trees and parks

§ Carry out research, advisor and/or policy related activities related to a wide range of tropical forest systems, in international development organisations, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, industry bodies and research institutions

1.9 Study track Montpellier: Environmental Management and Policies for Tropical Forests

1.9.1 Specific educational objectives

To graduate individuals who have a thorough understanding of the interactions between human and biological processes that drive the structure and functioning of tropical forests from the local to global scales, and who are able to implement or appraise environmental actions targeted at tropical forest ecosystems.

1.9.2 Knowledge

§ Tropical forest ecosystems as a result of human and other ecological interactions: ecological processes underpinning structure and functioning of tropical forests

§ Theoretical and methodological frameworks for environmental management and policies applied to tropical forests

§ Account for and critically evaluate research and theories in relation to environmental management of tropical forests

§ Familiarity and understanding of models for the implementation of environmental management of tropical forests

1.9.3 Skills

§ Critically apply relevant qualitative and quantitative data collection methods

§ Appropriate use of standard ecosystem and social science analyses to address sustainable tropical forestry development problems

§ Fieldwork design, empirical data collection, preparation of guidelines for sustainable tropical forest management

§ Participate in academic discussions of issues related to tropical forest management and development

1.9.4 Competences

§ Display the competences, key skills, behaviour and attitudes required in an interdisciplinary and intercultural professional working life

§ Communicate clearly, concisely and confidently in spoken and written formats with both academic audiences and in public discussions with non-specialists

§ Manage research, advisory and management activities in relation to tropical forest ecosystems and evaluate options for their environmental benefits

§ Carry out research, advisor and/or policy related activities related to environmental aspects of tropical forest systems, in international development organisations, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, industry bodies and research institutions

1.10 Study track Padova: Social and Environmental Responsibility in Tropical Forestry

1.10.1 Specific educational objectives

To graduate individuals with a thorough understanding of the main theoretical concepts, international framework and practical tools related to Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) in forestry, ability to apply them to production and marketing of forest products and services, and who understand the potentialities and consequences of promoting a responsible use of forest resources worldwide.

1.10.2 Knowledge

§ Fundamentals of business and governmental ethics; international initiatives in promoting a responsible use of forest resources

§ Forestry in a global economy; responsible trade of tropical products and services

§ Fundamentals of societal marketing, initiatives and instruments for environmental and social responsibility; processes and procedures of forest certification

§ The global forest policy debate; new models of governance; conflict management in tropical forestry

1.10.3 Skills

§ Critically apply relevant qualitative and quantitative data collection methods

§ Appropriate use of standard instruments for social and environmental responsibility in forest management as well as in timber and other forest products and services supply

§ Fieldwork design, empirical data collection, preparation of guidelines for sustainable tropical forest management

§ Participate in academic discussions of issues related to ethics in forest management and development

1.10.4 Competences

§ Display the competences, key skills, behaviour and attitudes required in an interdisciplinary and intercultural professional working life

§ Communicate clearly, concisely and confidently in spoken and written formats with both academic audiences and in public discussions with non-specialists

§ Manage research, advisory and management activities in relation to social and environmental responsibility in tropical forestry

§ Carry out research, advisor and/or policy related activities related to social and environmental responsibility in tropical forestry, in international development organisations, government bodies, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, industry bodies and research institutions

Chapter 2. Degree programme content

2.1 Content

All SUTROFOR students must study at two Consortium institutions – 60 ECTS at each. The first year of study must take place in one of three institutions: Copenhagen, Bangor or Dresden.

In the first study year, the compulsory Joint Summer Module (7.5 ECTS) is developed and implemented jointly by all SUTROFOR institutions, gathering students and teaching staff from all of the consortium institutions. The responsibility for overall theme, location and implementation will rotate among the partner institutions.

2.1.1 First year

In the following, the first year modules of the three first year institutions (Copenhagen, Bangor, Dresden) are described.

At University of Copenhagen, First year module

Year 1	Block 1	Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development	Applied Socio-Economics in Tropical Forestry
	Block 2	Participatory Forest Management	Agroforestry
	Block 3	Interdisciplinary Land Use and Natural Resource Management
	Block 4	Development Economics	Joint Summer Module

To fulfil the objectives of the first year at LIFE, the student must complete the following courses:

250002 Agroforestry – 7.5 credits

290004 Applied Socio-Economics in Tropical Forestry – 7.5 ECTS

290006 Development Economics – 7.5 credits

310017 Participatory Forest Management – 7.5 ECTS

400006 Interdisciplinary Land Use and Natural Resource Management – 15 ECTS

400022 Qualitative Methods in Agricultural Development – 7.5 ECTS

Joint Summer Module – 7.5 ECTS

At Bangor University, First year module

To fulfil the objectives of the first year at Bangor University, the student must complete the following courses:

Ecological Sampling, Analysis and GIS for Foresters - 5 ECTS

Forest Biometrics – 5 ECTS

Forest Products – 5 ECTS

Natural Resource Economics and Policy – 5 ECTS

Tropical Silviculture and Management – 5 ECTS

Forest Ecology – 5 ECTS

World Forest Resources and their Management – 10 ECTS

Specialist Topic – 2.5 ECTS

UK Field Trip – 10 ECTS

Joint Summer Module – 7.5 ECTS

At Dresden University of Technology, First year module

To fulfil the objectives of the first year at Dresden University of Technology, the student must complete 60 ECTS from the following courses (must include the Joint Summer Module):

Ecological sampling - 5 ECTS

Forest Related Development and Land Use Policy – 5 ECTS

Inventory and Assessment of Forest Resources – 5 ECTS

Forest Culture and Extension – 5 ECTS

Forest Plantations and Agroforestry – 5 ECTS

Forest Utilization – 5 ECTS

Forest Ecosystems, Silviculture and Forest Protection – 5 ECTS

Economics and Management of Forest Resources – 5 ECTS

Organisation and Management Systems – 5 ECTS

Project Planning and Evaluation – 5 ECTS

Complex Thematic Seminars – 5 ECTS

Tropical Soils, Soil Degradation and Rehabilitation – 5 ECTS

Management of Protected Areas, Wildlife and Tourism 5 ECTS

Joint Summer Module – 7.5 ECTS

2.1.2 Second year

At all SUTROFOR institutions, the second study year consists of 30 ECTS of coursework and a 30-credit thesis within the subject area. The thesis can be purely theoretical, based on fieldwork in a developing country, or combined with an internship at international organisations, NGOs, universities or similar. LIFE second year students will obtain financial support in connection with thesis fieldwork in a developing country.

University of Copenhagen: The study track in Forests and Livelihoods in Developing Countries

At University of Copenhagen, Second year module

Year 2	Block 1	Natural Resource Sampling and Modelling	Research Planning
	Block 2	Applied Forest and Natural Resource Economics	Written Assignment
	Block 3	Thesis (incl. Field Data Collection)
	Block 4

To fulfil the objectives of the second year at the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

280008 Natural Resource Sampling and Modelling - 7.5 ECTS

290003 Applied Forest and Natural Resource Economics - 7.5 ECTS

400027 Research Planning – 7.5 ECTS

Written Assignment – 7.5 credits

Bangor University: The study track in Agroforestry Systems

To fulfil the objectives of the second year at Bangor University, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

Natural Resource Management – 5 ECTS

Agroforestry Systems and Practices – 5 ECTS

Agroforestry Trees and their Management – 10 ECTS

Research Planning – 10 ECTS

University of Dresden: The study track in Tropical Forest Management

To fulfil the objectives of the second year at Dresden University of Technology, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

Management Systems in Natural Forest of the Tropics – 5 ECTS

Management Systems of Forest Plantations in the Tropics – 5 ECTS

Urban Tree Management in the Tropics – 5 ECTS

Integrated Land Use Management in the Landscape - 5 ECTS

Scientific Methods of Work and Research Plan - 10 ECTS

AgroParisTech, Montpellier: The study track in Environmental Management and Policies for Tropical Forests

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at AgroParisTech-ENGREF, Montpellier, the student must complete 30 ECTS from the following courses:

Tropical forest ecology – 3 ECTS

Tropical forests and global change – 3 ECTS

Ethno-Ecology – 2 ECTS

Negotiation for the management of natural resources – 2.5 ECTS

Tropical forest policies – 4 ECTS

Research plan – 2 ECTS

Tropical silviculture – 2 ECTS

Dendrometry and inventory – 2 ECTS

Geographic information systems – 2 ECTS

Humid tropical forest – 4 ECTS

Technology and industry of tropical woods – 1 ECTS

Forest conservation: from international conventions to local management – 3 ECTS

Survey methods for human sciences – 2.5 ECTS

Agroforestry – 1 ECTS

Forest management – 3 ECTS

Systems dynamics – 2 ECTS

University of Padova: The study track in Social and Environmental Responsibility in Tropical Forestry

To fulfil the objectives of the programme at University of Padova, the student must complete the following compulsory courses:

Business and Government Ethics in Forestry - 4 ECTS

Forest Policies and Conflict Management in Tropical Forestry - 4 ECTS

International Timber, NWFPs and Forest Services Trade - 4 ECTS

Societal Marketing Applied to the Forestry Sector - 8 ECTS

Research & Project Development Methodology - 10 ECTS

Chapter 3. Admission requirements and admission

3.1 Admission requirements

In accordance with the Erasmus Mundus programme requirements, the SUTROFOR Consortium has developed joint admission requirements and procedures in respect of national legislations.

Admission requirements:

A good first university degree in a relevant area, e.g. forestry, agriculture, biology, geography, or economics.

High proficiency in English (IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: IBT 83, or equivalent).

3.2 Admission

Students are admitted to the Erasmus Mundus master’s programme in Sustainable Tropical Forestry once a year (1 September).