University of Agder

university of agder Kristiansand • Grimstad

www.uia.no

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The University of Agder - introduction Regional Development Internationalisation Research and Centres Study programmes Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences Faculty of Engineering and Science Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences Faculty of Humanities and Education Faculty of Fine Arts Teacher Education Unit Location Southern Norway Grimstad Kristiansand Facilities Map

Photos: Iris Engen Skadal, except for: Øyvind Andreas Strømme: p. 5 Olav Breen: p. 23, 28-29, 32-33 Tor Erik Schrøder: p. 36-37

University of agder Kristiansand • Grimstad Post box 422 | NO-4604 Kristiansand | Norway Tel. + 47 38 14 10 00 | post@uia.no | www.uia.no June 2010

The University of Agder is a public institution mandated to provide higher education, conduct research and development, disseminate knowledge, and contribute to the development of society. Research is the foundation of all activities at UiA. Research projects are connected to the faculties and cover a variety of disciplines. Close to 300 of the university’s academic staff are professors or associate professors.

The profile reflects important characteristics of new European universities that are regionally embedded, engaged in innovative activities and groundbreaking in their use of pedagogical tools and methods. The university is focused on regional, national and international cooperation.

UiA offers 10 PhD programmes, 22 master’s programmes and about 45 bachelor’s

programmes. Semester and one-year programmes, as well as lifelong learning courses, are also available.

There are five faculties and one Teacher Education Unit: > Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences > Faculty of Humanities and Education > Faculty of Engineering and Science > Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences > Faculty of Fine Arts > Teacher Education Unit (organised inter-disciplinarily)

UNIVERSITY OF AGDER

The University of Agder (UiA) is situated on the southern tip of Norway and has locations on two campuses, Kristiansand and Grimstad. The university has approximately 9000 students and 1000 academic and administrative staff members. It is the most recently established university in Norway, but its history goes back to 1839.

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UNIVERSITETET REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 4

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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A central ambition of the University of Agder is to take active part in the development of the public and private sectors of the region.

The university owns shares in a technological research institute, Teknova, and Agder Research, an interdisciplinary social science research institute.

Researchers from the university and its partner institutes are involved in a wide range of research projects in regional and urban management and development, in kindergartens and schools, in the municipal health care system and in joint projects with researchers from the regional hospital.

degree of local clustering: oil and gas, material production and metal processing, and information and communication technologies. There is an emerging industrial cluster in renewable energy focused on offshore wind and photovoltaic energy. Students on all levels frequently take part in R&D projects with these industries.

The region of Agder has leading companies in world niche markets. There are three major sectors all exhibiting a significant

>>> The region is fast becoming a leader in renewable energy, and UiA´s study programmes are evolving to reflect this.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

INTERNATIONALISATION 46

INTERNATIONALISATION Internationalisation is a focus area at UiA. In addition to research collaboration the university cooperates with over 175 partner institutions through student, faculty and staff exchange.

The university has fulfilled the requirements of the Bologna Process by adopting the Bologna degree structure, implementing the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), increasing internationalisation, and establishing a comprehensive quality assurance system.

UiA is the only higher education institution in Norway to have been awarded both the ECTS and DS labels by the European Commission. The ECTS label is awarded to European universities and university colleges which organise their student exchanges in accordance with a set of quality assured requirements and have presented their complete course catalogues in English. The DS label is

earned by institutions which issue a Diploma Supplement to all graduates based on a set of formal requirements and a set model developed by the European Commission, Council of Europe and UNESCO/CEPES. Internationalisation is reflected in student life on campus, in meetings with international students and professors, and as an integrated topic in several courses.

>>> Each year, UiA receives about 250 students from abroad and sends about 350 Norwegian students to destinations all over the world.

Research RESEARCH AND CENTRES 8

Ongoing research forms a basis of most pedagogic activity at the university.

The most visible research areas are associated with the university’s PhD programmes and funded by block grants from the government. External funding of research comes primarily from the Research Council of Norway but UiA also participates actively in the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme and other EU and

EEA research programmes. Other financial sources for research activities include regional funds, central ministries and directorates, private organisations, and other partners. The number of scientific publications is steadily increasing. ”Teft” is the name of UiA’s research magazine, published twice a year.

Centres The following centres have been established at the University of Agder: > CenSe - Centre for Sustainable Energy > Centre for eHealth and Health Care Technology > Centre for International Economics and Shipping > Centre for Norwegian Studies Abroad > Centre for Didactics > Achieving Accountability in School Practice > Centre for European Studies > Centre for Development Studies > Centre for Entrepreneurship > Centre for Cultural Studies > Centre for Innovation and Work Life Studies > Centre for Real Estate > Centre for Business Systems > Centre for Gender Equality > Centre for Research in Care of the Ill and Elderly > Praxis-Sør > Metochi Study Centre, Lesvos, Greece > Educational Development Centre (PULS)

STUDY PROGRAMMES 10

STUDY PROGRAMMES UiA offers 10 PhD programmes, 22 master’s programmes and about 45 bachelor’s programmes. The language of instruction of most programmes is Norwegian, but UiA also offers programmes in English.

PhD Programmes: > PhD Programme in Information and Communication Technology > PhD Programme in Information Systems > PhD Programme in International Management > PhD Programme in Mathematics Education > PhD Programme in Public Administration > PhD Programme in Mechatronics > PhD Programme in Religion, Ethics and Society > PhD Programme in Popular Music Performance > PhD Programme in Literature > PhD Programme in Linguistics Programmes taught in English Master´s programmes: > Master’s Programme in Information and Communication Technology > Master’s Programme in Business Administration, International Management > Master’s Programme in Music Performance, African-American Music > Master’s Programme in Music Performance, Western Classical Music > Master’s Programme in Development Management > Master’s Programme in Mathematics Education > Joint Nordic Master’s Programme in Mathematics Education > Master’s Programme in English

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STUDY PROGRAMMES 12

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One-semester programmes (30 ects):

> European Integration, summer semester > Outdoor Education and Nature Guiding > Comparative Educational Studies > NORSEC - Norwegian Society, Education and Culture > Course Package in Humanities and Education

Courses taught in English:

In addition, courses in English are offered for exchange students in: > Business Administration > Information Systems > Political Science > Social Sciences (Welfare studies, Development studies) > English > History > Religion > Mathematics > Engineering > Music Performance > Sport > Education

An updated overview is available at www.uia.no/studyprogrammes

the faculties Kristiansand • Grimstad

THE FACULTIES 14

FACULTY OF

ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES The Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences has about 150 academic and administrative staff members and approximately 2600 students.

The faculty is organised into five departments and one centre: > Sociology, Social Work and Welfare Studies > Working Life and Innovation > Information Systems > Economics and Business Administration > Political Science and Management > Centre for Development Studies The faculty educates tomorrow’s leaders in business administration, international management, information systems, development studies, politics, public administration, economics, social work and welfare studies.

Research and teaching focuses on central societal challenges, including commercial development, internationalisation, globalisation, the public sector, ICT use, Europe and the EU and developing countries. The faculty’s international profile is reflected in all activities, instruction, student and staff exchange and research cooperation. The faculty is involved in a range of bilateral and multilateral exchange programs for students and staff at universities across the world.

THE FACULTIES 16

FACULTY OF

ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE The Faculty of Engineering and Science has about 200 academic and administrative staff members and approximately 1700 students.

The faculty is organised into four departments: > Natural Sciences > Mathematical Sciences > Engineering Sciences > Information and Communication Technology There is strong emphasis on research in each of the departments, which are organised into the following research groups: mechatronics, renewable energy and electrical power, aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, industrial economy and management, multimedia, mobile communications, information systems, systems and security, functional ecology, bio-technology, natural science in teacher education, mathematics didactics, pure mathematics and mathematics in teacher education. UiA is the seat of the Nordic Graduate School in Mathematics and offers a joint Nordic Master’s Programme in Mathematics Education. The field of engineering science is growing in terms of student influx, research efforts and programmes offered. The faculty has a strong international focus and works closely with the public sector and industry in the region.

THE FACULTIES 18

FACULTY OF

HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES The Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences has about 115 academic and administrative staff members and approximately 1700 students.

The faculty is organised into three departments: > Department of Public Health, Sport and Nutrition > Department of Health and Nursing Science > Department of Psychosocial Health The faculty offers studies in nursing, social education, sport, physical education, outdoor activities, public health, nutrition, food and culture (domestic science), community mental health, health science and health informatics. Most programmes at the faculty offer international student exchange. At present the faculty has exchange agreements throughout Scandinavia and Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand and several African countries. Through teaching, research and dissemination the faculty aims to promote knowledge in its areas of expertise. Candidates educated at the faculty work as health personnel and teachers, as well as in other positions in the public sector.

Public health and healthcare-related technologies are important, strategic focus areas for the faculty. The faculty cooperates closely with various sports organisations, the school sector and health and social services in the Agder region.

Several of the programmes involve different forms of practical placements, varying from short observational practice, practical courses and laboratory practice, to supervised clinical placements in various areas of the public health system. The faculty also offers study programmes off campus. This has given the faculty exciting challenges in developing a range of part-time and decentralised programmes.

THE FACULTIES 4 20

FACULTY OF

HUMANITIES AND EDUCATION The Faculty of Humanities and Education has about 170 academic and administrative staff members and approximately 1800 students.

The faculty is organised into four departments and two centres: > Modern Languages and Translation > Nordic and Media Studies > Education > Religion, Philosophy and History > Centre for Gender Equality > Centre for Norwegian Studies Abroad (SNU) The faculty offers studies in Nordic language and literature, English, French, German, Spanish, education, religion, history, translation, media, and philosophy. Through these studies, the faculty promotes the understanding of humans and society in the past and in the present, and strengthens the students’ ability to reflect upon themselves and contribute to critical and value-oriented thought and action.

Through studies of dissemination and educational processes of the past and present, the faculty also aims to increase insight and practical skills in knowledge development.

The faculty emphasizes international cooperation through student exchange, internationalisation at home, teaching Norwegian abroad and multi-cultural curriculum development.

THE FACULTIES 22

FACULTY OF

FINE ARTS The Faculty of Fine Arts has about 80 academic and administrative staff and approximately 450 students.

The faculty is organised into two departments: > Music > Visual Arts and Drama The faculty is responsible for education and research in the fields of drama, music and arts and crafts. Performance programmes in western classical music and AfricanAmerican music are a core part of the faculty´s activity. Other study offerings include bachelor’s programmes in music education, drama education, arts and crafts and music.

Shorter programmes and courses are also offered as elective subjects in the university’s teacher education programmes.

The programmes on offer qualify students to work in nursery schools, kindergartens, schools, culture schools, community cultural services or the performing arts, in various capacities. In addition to providing education, the Faculty of Fine Arts stresses the importance of creative artistic work. International cooperation projects include NORADsupported programmes in Tanzania and Nepal, and Peace Corps exchanges in Nepal, Palestine and Zanzibar.

>>> Norway´s first ”Professor of Rock,” Bjørn Ole Rasch, applies his experience as a performer to his teaching at the Faculty of Fine Arts.

UNIVERSITETET 17

THE FACULTIES

TEACHER EDUCATION UNIT Teacher education has the longest history of any discipline at the University of Agder, reaching back more than 170 years.

24 The Teacher Education Unit is organized inter-disciplinarily with activities in Kristiansand, Grimstad and decentralised programmes throughout the region.

1100 students are enrolled in programmes in: > General Teacher Education > Pre-school Education > Specialist Education in Music, Dance and Drama > Integrated Master in Mathematics Education > Postgraduate Certificate in Education The Dean of the Teacher Education Unit is the professional and administrative head of the different teacher education programmes, with academic programme coordinators for each study programme. The five faculties at the University of Agder are responsible for the actual delivery of the courses and subjects which form part of the programmes.

location Kristiansand • Grimstad

When Norwegians think of sun and beautiful scenery, Sørlandet often comes to mind. Located at the southernmost tip of Norway, including the two counties of Vest-Agder and Aust-Agder, the region represents the warmest and most inviting part of the country. Not just a summer haven, Agder also has a reputation for innovation, internationalisation and adaptability.

With hundreds of years of experience in international trade and shipping, Agder has a solid track record of being one of the most internationally-oriented parts of Norway.

Still a stronghold for Norwegian exporters and ship-owners, Agder has also turned its international attention elsewhere. From the internationalisation of the university, to investment in telecom technology, renewable energy and the development of a large petroleum technology cluster, Agder is adapting to a globalised world.

The local communities also strive to cater to an international workforce, notably through the creation of international schools in both Arendal and Kristiansand. Sørlandet is a top holiday

resort for Norwegians, and also welcomes many tourists every year.

While hundreds of thousands of natives are enticed by the beautiful coastline, with small islands and summer sunshine, foreign tourists have discovered other parts of Agder. The unique lowland wooded hills covering most of inland Agder draw huge numbers of foreign hikers, trekkers and campers. Although, arguably, at its peak of beauty in summer, Agder is well situated for winter tourism as well. Highstandard ski resorts and cross-country facilities can be found nearby, and during wintertime snow can almost always be found just a short drive from campus.

LOCATION

Southern Norway - Sørlandet

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location

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GRIMSTAD GRIMSTAD

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GRIMSTAD GRIMSTAD 31 9

GRIMSTAD Small, white wooden houses, narrow cobbled streets, tiny cafes and bakeries are scattered around the centre of idyllic Grimstad.

Ask any one of the 20,000 natives in Grimstad to boast about their town, and they will probably tell you about the beautiful coastline covered with islands, skerries and small tucked away beaches. Then the natives usually go on to proudly declare Grimstad’s record of most sunny days in Norway. They might even adhere to the town council marketing strategy and call Grimstad the ‘town of poets’.

traditionally a maritime town, home to some of the most successful ship-owners in Norway.

Today, however, few poets occupy the small, white wooden houses, but Grimstad has a proud history. A titan of 19th century theatre, Henrik Ibsen started writing plays while an apprentice in Grimstad. Knut Hamsun resided in Grimstad for the better part of his life, maintaining the beautiful farm ‘Nørholmen’. Grimstad, only half an hour´s drive from Kristiansand, is

Recently, Grimstad has experienced a revival of its cultural past with the Enjoyment Festival, the Norwegian Short Film Festival, and the microbrewery Nøgne Ø winning the World Beer Championship. Grimstad also boasts the beautiful open-air theatre Fjæreheia and the new campus of the University of Agder.

In addition to the shipping industry, Grimstad is a centre for offshore and telecommunications technology. Telecom giants Telenor and Ericsson have both invested heavily in Grimstad, and cooperate with the University of Agder.

CAMPUS GRIMSTAD 32

>>> The new campus in Grimstad was built in cooperation with local enterprise and is a symbol of innovation in the region.

KRISTIANSAND

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KRISTIANSAND

KRISTIANSAND The heart of Vest-Agder is a fast growing, modern city with a long history of trade. Many Norwegians spend their holidays in this sunny and picturesque area.

Kristiansand is the administrative, commercial and cultural capital of the Agder region - the southernmost region in Norway. Kristiansand grew into a major port during the 18th century and is still today an important regional transportation hub. Kristiansand is often referred to as ’the coolest Riviera’ by the media and is a modern city with a cosmopolitan history. Many Norwegians enjoy their summer holidays in this part of Norway and tourism is an important economic activity.

The region is among the fastest growing in Norway. With a population of more than 125,000, greater Kristiansand also includes the surrounding municipalities of Søgne, Songdalen, Iveland, Vennesla, Birkenes and Lillesand.

Surrounded by picturesque scenery – from

tiny rocky islands in the fjords to snow-covered mountains inland – the region can offer a rich variety of recreational activities.

Kristiansand is also known for its cultural life. A new culture house is being built, and the town hosts several festivals. Performances by the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and regional theatre are very popular. The cinema hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year.

Flourishing businesses around Kristiansand attract engineers and professionals from around the world. Some of the largest companies are energy-based, supplying the oil and gas industry, global metal markets or the emerging energy sector, for example, the solar power industry.

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CAMPUS KRISTIANSAND 36

>>> The campus in Kristiansand is within walking distance of the city centre.

FACILITIES UNIVERSITETET 12 14 38

FACILITIES Modern design on consolidated campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad provides an excellent environment for learning.

The Kristiansand campus opened in 2001, and has a sleek, contemporary design. The state-of-the-art Grimstad campus (opened in 2010) is the newest and one of the most innovative campuses in Norway. Classroom and auditorium facilities on the campuses are designed for use by large and small groups of students, resulting in a versatile environment and intimate study atmosphere.

The computer labs offer up-to-date, and often even state-of-the-art, equipment.

The library has an extensive collection of books, includes a wide selection of digital information resources, and is linked to a

national and international library network.

Both campuses have attractive day-care centres for the children of students and university staff. The cafeteria is ranked as the most popular student cafeteria in the nation. Student housing is of high quality and many of the buildings are on or close to the campuses.

The Student Association of Agder (SiA) also runs bookshops, pubs and training studios.

Both campuses are within walking distance of the city centres, yet close to recreational areas such as parks, beaches and forests for climbing, biking, hiking and other activities.

facilities UNIVERSITETET 13 15 39

UNIVERSITY OF AGDER

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