Graduates enrolled on the Master [120] in Population and Development Studies programme are working towards becoming experts in the analysis of demographic and development issues and the relationships between them, with a critical and ethical outlook, capable of understanding local and global contemporary changes and issues and intervening in an informed and effective manner.
On completion of the Master in Population and Development Studies programme, graduates will:
- have an in-depth and critical knowledge of the fundamental theoretical concepts and frameworks in demographics and development;
- be capable of using pertinent analytical processes and suitable methodological tools to conduct an in-depth and robust analysis of demographics and development problems in different parts of the world, including their interactions and spatial and temporal developments;
- have developed an interdisciplinary approach incorporating complementary disciplines such as anthropology, economics, political sciences, sociology, geography and history into a perspective of contextualisation and global analysis;
- be capable of combining analysis, research and action;
- be capable of devising and conducting a research project;
- be capable of intervening appropriately in practical issues relating to demographics and development, including the development of solutions and contextualised courses of action;
- be capable of analysing 21st century demographics and development issues from a critical and ethical perspective and of bringing them to the attention of civil society and politicians.
Through their choice of focus, graduates undertake specialist training to extend their knowledge of demographics or development issues.
Aware of the responsibility that goes with the role of expert, on completion of the course graduates will have adopted a critical academic approach, being able to make decisions and choices while with civic and ethical values being core concerns. They will be committed to continuous learning, enabling them, as professionals, to demonstrate expertise, multiple skills and the ability to adapt and evolve positively in their social and professional environment.
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
1. Display a command of and apply, in a critical manner, the fundamental concepts, theoretical frameworks and analytical strategies to study, using an interdisciplinary approach, population and development trends, including their spatial and temporal changes and their interactions in different parts of the world.
1.1. Display an in-depth and critical command of the fundamental demographics and development concepts and theoretical frameworks, as well as the relationship between population and development.
1.2. Master and apply, in a critical manner, an analytical strategy for population trends using the basic population analysis concepts and tools, taking account of the causes and consequences (social, economic and political) and the contexts in which they exist.
1.3. Master and apply, in a critical manner, a development strategy based on a multidimensional (gender, culture, environment, basic needs, poverty, etc.) and interdisciplinary analytical framework , with particular focus on the analysis of stakeholders and their strategies, as well as on the development concepts and the conditions under which they are produced.
1.4. Master and apply, in a critical manner, an analytical approach to the population–development relationship, based on specific analytical tools and taking into consideration the potential impact of population changes on the economic and social development of a country and vice versa.
1.5. Demonstrate the ability to incorporate knowledge from other disciplines into the analysis of population and development trends with a view to global and contextualised analysis ( interdisciplinary approach).
1.6. Use critical expertise to analyse real-life questions and problems related to population and development trends, by:
- analysing their relationships;
- analysing their spatial and temporal variations;
- analysing their interactions, causes and consequences, with various contextual elements (social, economic, political, ideological, etc.);
- having a critical and ethical outlook;
- bringing a fresh perspective to the theoretical and practical population and development frameworks;
- in different parts of the world.
2. Master and use the methodological tools which are essential to any robust analysis of demographics and development problems, in order to form an objective and critical analysis leading to a pertinent and well-argued conclusion.
2.1. With regard to the initial question, define the theoretical framework(-s) of analysis and conceptualise the problem.
2.2. Select a suitable epistemological approach to the problem raised.
2.3. With regard to the problem raised, accurately identify and formulate the questions, select a suitable methodology and identify the variables (and their function/status) for consideration in the analysis.
2.4. With regard to the problem raised and the questions and variables identified, collect or identify sources of pertinent qualitative and quantitative data, having identified the ethical issues related to the collection of data on the ground.
2.5. With regard to the problem raised and the questions and variables identified, select a pertinent quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis strategy, apply it and interpret the results correctly.
2.6. Using this analysis, create an objective, critical and personal analysis leading to a pertinent and well-argued conclusion.
2.7. Demonstrate autonomy in the use of data analysis software.
3. Devise and implement a personal research project adopting a robust and critical scientific and methodological approach in order to conduct a detailed analysis of an issue related to demographics and development studies.
3.1. Define and explain a research subject, making sure that it is placed in the proper context.
3.2. Prepare a critical report on the literature relating to this issue, making active, critical and pertinent use of information tools and primary and secondary sources (questioning the validity and relevance).
3.3. Analyse research questions, demonstrating conceptual abstraction, for example by creating a theoretical plan, identifying an empirical analysis model and formulating hypotheses.
3.4. Construct and implement a robust and pertinent methodological mechanism to examine this issue.
3.5. Devise and carry out a quantitative and/or qualitative empirical research project using suitable analytical tools.
3.6. Develop a robust analysis and the ability to summarise so as to enable the relevant parameters to be put into perspective and pertinent conclusions to be formed.
3.7. Incorporate into their approach social sciences research principles and the rules and practices of the scientific process in population and development.
3.8. Demonstrate, in general terms, an attitude of critical detachment with regard to their own work and the knowledge and skills deployed.
4. Apply their expertise when intervening appropriately in practical demographics and development issues: provide robust and pertinent clarification, advise on political action, contribute to the development of contextualised solutions and courses of action and raise awareness of demographics and development issues.
4.1. Adopt a critical and analytical approach to contemporary demographics and development issues.
4.2. By speaking pertinently and using constructive dialogue, bring the attention of civil society and politicians to major demographics and development issues.
4.3. Highlight the pertinence and limitations of their analytical interpretation using a robust, science-based and contextualised approach.
4.4. Contribute to the development of pertinent solutions and courses of action from a civic and ethical perspective, providing evidence of their methodological validity (using the analysis) and the contextual relevance.
4.5. Advise on political action, demonstrating expertise.
4.6. Interact and negotiate constructively with the different stakeholders present, including colleagues, political decision-makers and target populations.
5. Communicate in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing, while adapting to the target audience and context, as well as collaborating respectfully and constructively with the different stakeholders involved in a given situation.
5.1. Communicate pertinently, both verbally and in writing, on complex demographics and development topics/situations:
- Select relevant information relating to the problem.
- Present the information in an accurate, structured, clear, precise and well-argued manner; in particular, communicate the results of analyses and the conclusions by creating relevant and illustrative plans, graphs and tables (highlighting the key points).
- Adapt the communication (content and form) to the target audience (according to their level of expertise) and to the intended purposes according to the communication standards specific to the context (popularising, etc.).
5.2. Communicate and interact respectfully and constructively with different stakeholders.
5.3. Liaise and collaborate effectively within a team and network effectively with other agencies involved in a given situation.
6. Act as academics and critical and responsible players committed to continuous questioning and learning.
6.1. Embark on a socio-professional practice using a well-founded academic approach (from a theoretical and methodological perspective) characterised by a considered and analytical attitude.
6.2. Demonstrate an ability to detach themselves from their own views, prejudices and cultural values.
6.3. Work, make decisions and act independently and responsibly with regard to the framework, work context and other people while respecting civic and ethical values.
6.4. Adopt an attitude of critical detachment (to their knowledge, skills, presuppositions (particularly disciplinary), limitations, achievements and actions) and the continuous learning and questioning required to evolve in their socio-professional environment.
AA-DVLP. If they pursue the Professional focus in Development, students will be able to: develop expert knowledge and a high level of skills in the analysis of development problems and issues, using an approach that incorporates theory, research and action.
AA-DVLP.1. Master and use, in a critical manner, the main development paradigms and theories.
AA-DVLP.2. Analyse a development problem in an in-depth and critical manner:
- by identifying and analysing the processes of change and the relationships between stakeholders, conceptualising the problem and proposing explanatory and forward-looking hypotheses;
- using an interdisciplinary, intercultural and comparative approach;
- in different parts of the world.
AA-DVLP.3. Analyse the interactions between local realities and global dynamics in the field of development.
AA-DVLP.4. Develop a critical approach to the different issues related to development by robustly analysing the interactions between specific thematic approaches (culture, gender, migration, popular economy, natural resources, environment, etc.).
AA-DVLP.5. If they pursue the Analysis of Development by Geographical Areas option, students will be able to analyse development issues by geographical area:
- applying a robust approach, through comparative and critical analysis;
- using pertinent theoretical and methodological elements;
- applying an interdisciplinary approach;
- in its international forms.
AA-DVLP.6. If they pursue the Projects and Programmes option, they will be able to devise, formulate, implement, manage and evaluate a development project or policy:
- using pertinent methodological elements;
- applying a global approach that takes account of the technical, environmental, organisational, social, financial, cultural, economic and political aspects;
- thinking and acting as critical and innovative development actors;
- having a critical approach to assessment, aware of the scope of these issues and in an effort to bring about change.
AA-DEMO. If they pursue the Professional focus in Demographics, they will be able to develop expert knowledge and a high level of skills in the collection, analysis and computerised processing of sociodemographic data and in the study of the major contemporary population issues, enabling them to respond to research questions and queries from stakeholders on the ground in demographics.
AA-DEMO.1. Master and use, in a critical manner, the main population paradigms and theories.
AA-DEMO.2. Master and use specialist tools, methods and approaches for the collection, analysis and computerised and statistical processing of sociodemographic data.
AA-DEMO.3. Master and use the tools required for the practice of demographics geared towards the practical aspects of support for decision-making (public management, business management, consumer studies, etc.).
AA-DEMO.4. Demonstrate knowledge of and critical thinking on population trends, their development over time and their variations in space.
AA-DEMO.5. Analyse in detail the cause and consequences (political, economic, social, health, etc.) of population trends and behaviour.
AA-DEMO.6. Analyse population problems in order to take a well-argued position and develop proposals for intervention.
AA-DEMO.7. Define and create population projections and perspectives which inform policies.
AA-DEMO.8. If they pursue the Populations and Societies option, they will be able to analyse problems related to major contemporary issues in a robust and critical manner, using the pertinent theoretical and methodological elements: urbanisation and migration, health, old age, families and households, intergenerational relationships and population policies.
AA-DEMO.9. If they pursue the Methodology of Data Collection and Analysis option, they will be able to develop specialist skills in the collection, analysis and computerised processing of data (including: mixed methods, online survey, demographic and sociological survey, database management, longitudinal analysis).
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