Final Phase Regional Development and Innovation
Bachelor of Rural Innovation
Content programme
First year
The first semester of your study is used to enhance your competence in innovation, communication, organisation, planning, networking and facilitation of group processes. In the role of a facilitator you learn how to do interactive research and planning activities in different settings, for example: For the coastal zone in Kerala (India) you formulate a development plan taking into account the interests of the different stakeholders. Or with help of GIS you recommend for a certain area an improved land usage. Within the context of an existing interactive village development programme, you learn how to apply PRA-tools.
During your second semester, you will undertake a work placement of twenty weeks at an organisation for regional/rural development. In the past years, students did their placement amongst others in India, the Netherlands, Ghana, Uganda. Laos and Nicaragua.
Second year
The second year also consists of two semesters, the first one focusing on your minor, and the second one on your thesis. The minor comprises a 20-week period you will use either to broaden your scope or for further specialisation. Based on your planning for their future career you select your minor . Suitable minors can be found both within Van Hall Larenstein as well as within other universities. Minors frequently chosen by RDI students are in the field of Communication studies, Media use, Disaster studies, Development studies, Natural resource management and Interactive planning.
Your last semester culminates in your graduation project. This starts with a project proposal for an applied research. The research topic should be in the interest of a rural or regional development organisation or programme you chose in The Netherlands or abroad After approval of the proposal you carry out the applied research, And during your final exam you defend the outcomes. You will start to think about your final thesis and it is time for practice.