– This master is opening doors we didn’t even know existed

Looking for a master’s program that prepares you for the future while taking you to new parts of the world?

Then the Sustainable Leadership and Arctic Perspectives master program at Nord University might be the perfect choice!

The program is designed to equip students with the skills and experiences needed to tackle real-world sustainability challenges while offering hands-on learning and international exposure.

For Karoline Lund Johansen (29) and Renan de Jesus Ferreira (33), the program has expanded their career options in ways they never expected.

– This master’s introduced me to opportunities I hadn’t considered, Karoline says.

For Renan, this master’s meant a career shift.

– I was a lawyer, but I wanted something different. This program gave me that new direction!

Here are five reasons why this program stands out:

1. Learn skills companies really need

Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. More and more companies need people who understand how to integrate sustainable solutions into business and policy.

In this program, students:

• Work directly with businesses on real-life projects
• Learn what companies actually need to implement sustainability
• Get hands-on experience that makes them job-ready

– We’ve visited businesses and seen how sustainability is applied, Karoline explains.

Even their master’s thesis is connected to industry.

– We’re working with a company we met through the program. It’s not just an assignment—it’s something that could actually be used, Renan says.

2. Make international friends

With students from around the world, the program creates a dynamic learning environment that encourages new perspectives.

– Half of our classmates are international, and that makes the discussions much more interesting, Renan shares.

You get different perspectives, and that changes how you think

The program is structured around group work and company collaborations, helping students develop teamwork skills essential for any career.

– I used to hate group work, Renan admits.

– But here, working with people from different backgrounds made our projects stronger.

3. Travel the world (with funding!)

International experience is an important part of the program.

Students can go on exchange in their third semester, choosing from Shanghai, Chennai, and European SEA-EU partners—all with financial support.

Karoline took the chance to study in China.

– I first planned to go somewhere in Europe. Then I realized this maybe was my last real chance for a real adventure, she says.

Her time in China challenged her expectations.

– I think we all have these ideas in our head about what China is like. But after five months there, I realized how much we have in common.

4. Be part of exciting research

The master is also about contributing to cutting-edge research. In the program you can:

• Work together with other researchers on exciting research projects
• Help solve real-world problems and societal challenges
• Get a scholarship to work on your thesis (if it's part of a research project). The best theses even get nominated for awards - great for your resume!

5. Understand the big picture of sustainability

Instead of focusing narrowly on one aspect, this program gives you a comprehensive view of sustainability and leadership.

You'll learn about creating better communities, developing sustainable businesses, implementing clean energy solutions, and incorporating indigenous knowledge.

For Karoline, the problem-solving approach of the program is what makes it so valuable.

– The global aspect makes it fun, but the problem-solving and sustainability focus is what makes it useful when applying for jobs, she says.

As they approach graduation, both see a wide range of job opportunities ahead.

–  I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up, but I know I’ll be working on something meaningful, Renan concludes.

Interested in learning more? Read more and apply.