Geography and Spatial Planning

The study is based on in-person gatherings with the majority of the gatherings at Nord University’s campus Levanger, but some gatherings are held in other places in Trøndelag. It is most common with 3 gatherings per semester (2 gatherings of 3 days with attendance and 1 digital gathering). The teaching at the gatherings consists of lectures, seminars, group work and excursions. Excursions and gatherings in new places, provide opportunities for insight into local and regional characteristics, differences and challenges. The opportunities to explore new places geographically inspire and challenge the students and it stimulates increased learning outcomes. The third year will also be an opportunity to apply and compare the knowledge on a longer gathering / excursion.

Participation in the gatherings is, unless otherwise specified, compulsory. Geography is a practice-oriented subject where knowledge and understanding of the interaction between human activity and the resource base presupposes that the theory can be applied in field work, excursions, etc. Exemption from gathering can be granted for special reasons such as illness, granted top sports status or similar. Application with documentation is sent to the study program manager as soon as it is relevant. Study work as an alternative for the gathering must be expected.

In the periods between the gatherings, there is digital teaching, webinars and exercises. Feedback is given on submitted exercises individually.

Applicants must fulfil the requirements for Norwegian General Study competence as well as language proficiency requirements in Norwegian and English language. See Teaching Sessions for more information about the BAGEO courses that are offered in English.

Read more about admission requirements

The program facilitates exchanges in the 4th semester (spring semester) in the 2nd year of study. Nord University has several current partner institutions that can offer compatible topics and which could be incorporated in the 4th semester curriculum. Students who are interested in going abroad can contact their study adviser and/or the international coordinator at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

A bachelor’s degree in geography provides opportunities for studies in geography at the master’s level at other Norwegian universities and at foreign educational institutions. At Nord University, a flexible, gathering-based master’s degree in social analysis is offered from autumn 2022, with relevant topics for geography. This can also be taken as a full-time master’s degree at campus Bodø.

After completing the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• has broad knowledge of basic geographical theories and concepts, and of key perspectives and issues of geography
• has broad knowledge of spatial planning on different levels with a specific focus on public planning
• has knowledge of the prerequisites and methods for planning
• has knowledge of geographic information systems and spatial analysis
• has knowledge of sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals
• has knowledge of planning on European and global level
• has knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods in social sciences
• has knowledge of scientific theory and of research areas in geography.

Skills:

• can apply spatial methods and theories within spatial planning
• can make use of geographic information systems to describe and perform spatial analyzes
• is able to apply geographic theories and concepts related to nature and societal contexts on local, regional and global levels
• can account for important change processes in population, mobility, environment, working life, economy and globalisation
• can apply and relate to geographic knowledge on different geographic levels and how these levels interact
• can assess the use and quality of different research methods related to his or her own research question
• can facilitate and conduct a geographic excursion in a professional didactic setting

General competence:

• can understand and independently reflect upon natural and societal challenges and changes on various geographic levels
• can communicate geographic perspectives in different contexts
• is familiar with new thinking and innovation processes within geography and spatial planning.

You must expect costs for semester and copy fees and curriculum literature. The students must cover their own expenses for food, accommodation and travel in connection with the gatherings. If there are expenses for transport in connection with excursions at the gathering, this will be covered by Nord University.

In the 5th semester, there will be a gathering that takes place in or outside Norway. Costs that must be expected for this must also be covered by the students. Participation is voluntary, and an alternative arrangement is offered for those who do not have the opportunity to participate