Development Studies

Case Study

Andrew Scanlon completed the taught postgraduate degree MSc Environment and Development at the University of East Anglia in 2004. He now works for the Jiuzhaigou Management Bureau in the Jiuzhaigou National Park, Sichuan Province, China.

As part of his degree Andrew studied major course units in Understanding Environmental Change, Research Techniques and Analysis, Policies and Issues in Environment and Development, Tools and Skills in Environment and Development. Students also have a broad range of optional topics that can form the basis of postgraduate degrees in the area of Development Studies with International Relations, Social Development, Education, Conflict and Governance, Rural Development, Economic Development, Gender Issues in Development.


Andrew’s work builds on the skills and knowledge he acquired during his MSc. The School of Development Studies believes in interdisciplinary teaching, raising awareness of social, political, economic and environmental issues. This has been useful to Andrew in exploring the potential of the Jiuzhaigou National Park and environs for community development and raising environmental awareness. Jiuzhaigou is a World Heritage Site with endangered species, plants and animals, as well as being home to Tibetan minority communities. Balancing nature conservation needs with cultural and heritage protection is important as rapid economic development in China brings new pressures. These issues are central to the MSc in Environment and Development. Andrew hopes to use his studies to continue with his career in the field of environmental conservation and development.

Photo: Jiuzhaigou National Park