Circumpolar and Nordic Studies
See study programmeThe major in circumpolar studies, minimum 90 ECTS, can be combined with any other major or electives of 90 ECTS. We strongly advise students to use electives to develop a secondary major, which will provide better opportunities for admission to Master degree studies within the UArtcic network.
The major in Circumpolar studies consists of 4 introductory courses (60 ECTS) and 3 advanced courses (30 ECTS). The following main courses are all available on-line:
- BCS105X An Introduction to the Humanities and to the Circumpolar World (15 ECTS)
- BCS115X Land and Environment of the Circumpolar World I and II (15 ECTS)
- BCS125X Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World I and II (15 ECTS)
- BCS135X Contemporary Issues of the Circumpolar World I and II (15 ECTS)
The advanced courses at Nord University are:
- SA210S Nordic Politics, 10 ECTS
- SA212S Nordic Societies, 10 ECTS
- SA218S History, Politics and Northern resources, 10 ECTS
These are available to take on-line or on campus.
The remaining 90 ECTS of elective courses can be taken at Nord University or at another educational institution. Courses taken at other institutions needs to be recognized, or pre-recognized, by Nord University. Note that Nord University don't offer all the remaining 90 ECTS of electives online or as distance learning.
International candidates who wish to complete the full degree at Nord should plan to move to Norway in the second year, in order to take courses delivered on-site. The faculty can adjust the programme structure to enable international students to take year 3 entirely online.
The programme provides knowledge of and insight into social, cultural, economic and political conditions in the Circumpolar North.
Knowledge
Upon completion, the candidate:
- has a broad knowledge of key concepts, themes and theories, issues, processes, tools and methods
- has a critical understanding of how society both shapes, and is shaped by, people's experiences, interests and actions
- is familiar with the different areas of research concerning the High North
- is able to identify and distinguish between different methods used to study societal and social processes.
Skills
Upon completion, the candidate:
- is able to collect data and apply social science theories and approaches to analysis of High North topics
- is able to make use of relevant research methods
- is able to address ethical challenges in their scientific practice.
General Competence
Upon completion, the candidate:
- is able to communicate course content both orally and in writing
- is able to work independently on a given problem
- is able to consider issues from different perspectives and make research-based choices and reflect ethically on such choices.
The specialized courses are delivered both at Nord University and at other UArctic member institutions located both in Norway and abroad. Students who wish to take specialized courses at UArctic partners may apply for a scholarship (North2North). It is recommended that students go on exchange from semester 4.
Northern Arctic Federal University (Russia):
- Spring semester
- Autumn semester
- University of British Columbia (Canada)
- University of Saskatchewan (Canada)
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (USA)
To qualify for exchange, students must have successfully completed a minimum of 60 ECTS with a weighted grade average of C.
The examinations on the elective will depend on which courses that are chosen.