Master of Global Development, Crisis & Change

University of Agder
Global Development, Crisis & Change
Masters
Social & Behavioural Science
Public University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time international master’s degree program taught in English. Designed as a blended-learning program combining virtual classrooms with physical gatherings (typically hosted in Kristiansand and an international partner location such as Sri Lanka), it explores how environment, society, economy, and politics either promote or hinder development. The curriculum focuses on understanding rapid structural shifts, complex socio-economic crises, poverty, climate change, and institutional responses through an interdisciplinary lens combining political science, sociology, anthropology, and geography.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Kristiansand
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	1-December,
Fee Per Year	63000
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://www.uia.no/studentliv/studiestart/
Deadline Link	https://www.uia.no/english/studies/programmes/global-development-crisis-and-change-master/index.html
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.0. TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Minimum score of 80 (internet-based), 550 (paper-based), or 213 (computer-based). (Note: For tests taken after January 21, 2026, the updated TOEFL iBT minimum score requirement is 4). Pearson PTE Academic / Academic Online: Minimum score of 62. Cambridge English Exams: B2 First (with grade "A"), C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency. The European Language Certificate (telc): telc English B2, telc English B2-C1 University, or C1-level certificates. International Baccalaureate (IB): IB Diploma with English at Higher Level (HL) with a minimum score of 4.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, specifically: Development Studies / International Development (preferred) Political Science / International Relations Sociology / Social Anthropology Economics (with development focus) Geography (with human/development focus) History (with contemporary/global focus) Peace and Conflict Studies Humanitarian Studies / Crisis Management Social Work (with international focus – less common) Law (with human rights focus – less common)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for professional, analytical, and management careers—such as project coordinator, humanitarian worker, public administrator, NGO advisor, corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialist, migration consultant, and multilateral diplomacy officer—across national and international organizations, government bodies, and the private sector, as well as eligibility for doctoral (PhD) studies.
Program entry requirement	The general requirements is completed bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years' duration (180 ECTS). Other requirements: Either: a major subject of at least 80 ECTS within the social sciences. Or: an integrated programme of at least two years duration within social sciences. Examples of relevant fields of study: Development Studies, Planning, Geography, Sociology, Social Anthropology, Politics and Business Administration. Social science methods, at least 7,5 ECTS. A weighted, average grade of C or better is required. 140 annual hours of English from Norwegian secondary school with the grade 4 or above. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550 for the Paperbased test, 213 for the Computer-based test and 80 for the Internet-based test. A score of at least 6.0 in the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) PTE Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE) with a score of no less than 62. Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), Proficiency (CPE) or First (FCE), passed with grade A. Other approved documentation of knowledge of English at an equivalent level after individual assessment
Required GPA	A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.7–3.0/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No – GRE is not required for this program.
GMAT Required	No – GMAT is not required for this program.
Application Process	1. Apply to an accredited Norwegian higher education institution and secure full-time admission. 2. Receive your official unconditional admission letter confirming your study program. 3. Transfer required living expenses and tuition fees to the university's deposit account or an approved Norwegian bank account. 4. Create an account on the UDI Application Portal Norway and complete the online study permit application. 5. Pay the required UDI residence permit application fee online and download your cover letter. 6. Prepare supporting documents: passport, admission letter, deposit receipt, housing documentation, and insurance. 7. Book a submission appointment at the nearest Norwegian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Centre. 8. Attend your appointment to submit your document checklist, give biometric data, and submit your passport. 9. Track your application status on the UDI portal and await the official decision. 10. Travel to Norway after permit approval and register with the local police station to obtain your Residence Card.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	Accredited by NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education) under the Norwegian university system.
Living expenses	Living Expenses: Average living costs range from NOK 12,000–16,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Students should budget around NOK 150,000–170,000 per year.
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with required validity and blank pages (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: Applicant ID and family relationship documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Recent biometric passport-sized photos (Mandatory). 4. Offer letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition fee receipt: Deposit, tuition payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic documents: Transcripts, degrees, and required attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language test proof (Conditional). 8. CV / resume: Updated resume with education and gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / motivation letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial documents: Bank statements, income proof, and source of funds (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor documents: Sponsor ID, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation proof: Housing booking, contract, or university letter (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel and health insurance coverage (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police certificate: Character clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical certificate: Medical clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 16. Translations / legalization: Certified translations or legalization if required (Conditional). 17. Previous refusals: Visa refusal letters and explanation if applicable (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel history: Copies of previous visas and travel stamps (Conditional). 19. Family / home ties: Return proof such as FRC, property, or job ties (Recommended). 20. Country-specific: UDI application portal cover letter (Country-specific). 21. Country-specific: Funds deposit in a Norwegian or student bank account (Country-specific). 22. Country-specific: Housing documentation if required (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-time Work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays. Many students find part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, customer service, and campus roles.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunity: After graduation, eligible students can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to stay in Norway and search for employment. Once they secure a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which can lead to long-term residence if eligibility requirements are met.

What are the entry requirements for the Master's program in Global Development, Crisis, and Change at the University of Agder?

To be eligible for the Master's program, applicants must have a completed bachelor's degree of a minimum duration of 3 years (180 ECTS). This includes at least 80 ECTS in social sciences and a weighted average grade of C or better. Additional requirements include proficiency in English through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

How long does the Master's program in Global Development, Crisis, and Change last?

The Master's program has a duration of 2 years, which amounts to 120 ECTS credits spread over 4 semesters.

What is the tuition fee for the Master's program at the University of Agder?

The tuition fee for the Master's program in Global Development, Crisis, and Change is NOK 63,000 per year. There is no application fee required.

Can international students work while studying at the University of Agder?

Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays. Many students find part-time jobs in sectors such as retail and hospitality.

What post-study work opportunities are available for graduates of the program?

After graduation, eligible students can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to stay in Norway and search for employment. Once they secure a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which may lead to long-term residence if eligibility requirements are met.