Double degree between the RICS master’s degree course and the Master Programme in African Studies at Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden

All courses of the Master Programme in African Studies focus on the African continent through multidisciplinary teaching delivered by qualified faculty from Dalarna University and guest lecturers from European Union universities.

Students gain in-depth knowledge and a theoretical and critical understanding of the political, social, and economic characteristics of African societies from the nineteenth century to the present day. In particular:

• they examine the interrelationships between cultures, religions, and politics, independently applying the knowledge acquired to specific African countries and regions
• they gain awareness of the importance of gender policies, the socio-economic impact of food issues, and education, relating factors such as urbanization processes, human rights, and governance

The educational goal is to develop critical skills to evaluate different types of sources and information, thereby individually acquiring an overall picture of the relevance of issues in various countries, so as to be able to apply this knowledge and these skills in transdisciplinary teams working in research and project management. Students are required to formulate research questions and to communicate them both orally and through written papers discussed with faculty and fellow students.

Students can apply the knowledge they have acquired in many fields, both in the public and private sectors, in both profit and non-profit organizations:

• as administrators, aid workers, or consultants in governmental and non-governmental organizations that promote development programs, especially in the environmental and educational fields, and manage humanitarian aid
• at Agencies and Multilateral Organizations, ministries, and cultural institutes
• at Think Tanks, organizations, and companies involved in media and new forms of communication.

Students can spend a period of structured work experience as interns in various sectors, such as Think Tanks and development organizations, including NGOs, humanitarian agencies, development consulting firms, and social enterprises.

They can experience work shadowing, observing and asking questions to employers, or be directly assigned to a project through constant interaction with a supervisor or mentor assigned within the host organization.

Gaining valuable work experience and developing professional skills will allow students to pursue their career goals and passions. The internship experience can also provide a foundation for the degree thesis.

To obtain an internship, students can contact the mentors of the double degree program or apply for an Erasmus internship, scheduled according to the University's application deadlines.

Students are encouraged to be proactive, networking and seeking out opportunities according to their fields of interest by looking for organizations that can offer a useful experience.