It is emphasized that research is the major part of the training, and both MSc and PhD level research should be based on actual problems of the rural areas in different parts of Vietnam, with interaction and sharing of results with different stakeholder groups. While considerable capacity for Rural Development research and higher training already exists in Vietnam further support to research training is necessary to reach the visions outlined initially in this proposal. We propose support at:

• MSc level training
• PhD level training

MSc training on Rural Development

A training programme at MSc level will be developed jointly in the first year with an international degree awarded by SLU for the first batch of 2005-06. In the last two years of the period the activities will concentrate on joint development of curricula, training material and a strategy to make it possible for Vietnamese institutions to offer a local M Sc in 2008. The MSc programme will be based at CRD/HUAF (Hue City), but it will draw on resource persons nationally and internationally. Pedagogical and scientific details of the MSc programme will be developed jointly in 2004 and it is expected that the first batch will start training in Feb. 2005. A batch for the MSc training will consist of 10 candidates, who will be proposed by the participating institutions and interviewed and approved by SLU. The MSc programme will take two years to complete and will include one academic year of training courses followed by 6-months research and 6- months analysis and writing of a thesis. A suggested outline of the theoretical part of the proposed MSc programme is attached (Appendix V). Expected outputs of this activity are 30 MSc graduates with their 30 publications and MSc curriculum including training materials such as books, guidelines etc.

PhD training

It is proposed that initially 3 PhD candidates go to SLU, Sweden and 3-5 other go to international universities in the region such as AIT, Changmai, Khonkaen (Thailand) that are well known for their Rural Development research training. PhD candidates (Attached CV's candidates in Appendix VI.1-VI.7) can initially be selected from existing staff and at a later point from those who have completed their MSc training. Individual supervisors must approve candidates for research training at SLU and funding assured before hand. It should be emphasized that the research will be carried out in Vietnam, and focus on issues of current concern. The thesis will consist of 4 or 5 articles published in international journals or a monograph depending on the theme. MSc and PhD research can be a part of a larger collaborative research project and the specific details of the research training will then be agreed upon during the first year. The PhD programs are generally expected to take 4 years to complete. Expected outputs are 5-8 PhD graduates with at least 8 publications.

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