Introduction to “Population and Sustainable Development” Diploma

Program Aims and Objectives

The primary goal of this diploma program is to develop students’ skills in applying multi-disciplinary analytic approaches to population and its relationship to sustainable development. It adopts a multi-perspective approach that provides an overview of the interrelationship between population and sustainable development through addressing these issues from theoretical, substantive and policy angles. It aims to provide students with a strong theoretical background on population dynamics and key issues and introduce students to practical experiences pertaining to the interplay of population dynamics and the various dimensions of sustainable development. 

By the end of the program, participants will be able to

  •      demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of major population theories and

     measurements;

  •      demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of scientific, evidence-based approaches to the

     study of population dynamics;

  •      demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of demographic behavior in social, economic

     and policy contexts;

  •      demonstrate knowledge of the new international efforts in the area of population and sustainable

     development

  •      identify causes and consequences of population change and relate these to underlying relationship

     between population dynamics and various dimensions of sustainable development;

     formulate research questions and use demographic data, and appropriate methods of analysis, to

     address them.

 

Audience

 The program targets individuals with different backgrounds who aim to understand ways in which population dynamic can influence and be influenced by different dimensions of sustainable development and intend to purse high level careers in public, private and voluntary agencies dealing with population and development issues at both the national and international levels.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out through the different courses assessments.  These assessments include formal exams, final project report as well as other assessment modules (written coursework, short written exams, practical exams, group work, presentations, essays and other methods. These tasks are designed to assess the extent to which the objectives of the program have been met.

 Learning and Teaching Methods

The program is taught through different teaching methods including: lectures, small group seminars, practical applications, and group work with peers. All elements of the program have specific learning objectives, with content designed to help students achieve these outcomes. Students are expected to learn through both directed and self-directed study.