Introduction to the Master's Program in Indigenous Studies

The Master's program in Indigenous Studies is a two-year, full-time program that provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding Indigenous issues. The program is designed to develop academic and practical skills, enhance critical thinking, and build knowledge, preparing students to fill an important role in an increasingly globalized world.

Program Description

The program is rooted in research conducted at UiT regarding the Sami and other Indigenous peoples. The thematic focus of the program is the historical and contemporary experiences that Indigenous peoples have faced across the globe, and the development of the international Indigenous movement. During the two years of studies, students take five thematic courses focused on key issues in Indigenous studies, and one elective course designed to give a broad base, from which students may choose a relevant research topic for the master's thesis.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 80 ECTS within social sciences, humanities, education, or the social practice of law. Applicants must have a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (2.5) in the ECTS scale. A special interest in Indigenous issues is a precondition, and experience from work related to Indigenous peoples and/or studies will be an advantage.

Learning Outcomes

Students who have successfully completed the program are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes:

• Advanced knowledge of Indigenous issues, including similarities and differences based on different cultural contexts
• The concepts of Indigenous peoples as used in areas of research and politics on global and local levels, and the scholarly and political debate on these issues
• Different scholarly theories and methods in the field of Indigenous Studies, including the challenges posed by Indigenous methodology
• The history of the global Indigenous movement and the current situation of the Sami and other Indigenous peoples
• The existing state of knowledge related to Indigenous research ethics and the responsibility of the researcher

Job Prospects

The Master's program in Indigenous Studies introduces students to Indigenous Studies as a distinctly multidisciplinary field. The objectives of the program include introducing students to the history and development of the global Indigenous movement, familiarizing students with different disciplinary perspectives on human and Indigenous rights, colonialism, decolonization, culture, and ethnicity, and equipping students with skills and knowledge to critically analyze relations between local, regional, national, and global levels.

Possible Career Paths

Our graduates thrive in work fields that require understanding of global and local Indigenous issues, international experiences, as well as analytical thinking, communication, and project implementation skills. The Master's program prepares students for exciting careers in multiple academic, public, and business environments. Job opportunities include:

• Research positions: conducting academic applied research into Indigenous issues
• Policy: preparing and coordinating policy, advising, and planning (UN, etc.)
• Implementation positions: serving as project manager or coordinator in local NGOs and other areas of the private sector
• Communication and media positions related to Indigenous issues

Academic Careers

The Master's program provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a PhD in relevant fields, such as Political Science and Governance, Anthropology, Environment and Development Studies, Language, Cultural and Religious Studies, and Education, to name just a few. Many of our graduates were successful in attaining competitive PhD positions and research fellowships.

Professional Careers

As a graduate from the Master in Indigenous Studies, you would gain general conceptual, critical, and evaluative skills which are required in many senior jobs in the government and public sectors, civil society organizations, project management, and education institutions. The skills to analyze public policy, plans, and development projects make our graduates highly qualified candidates for working both in the public and private sectors at all levels, providing institutions and organizations with knowledge, critical thinking, and advice in a wide range of processes.

Degree Name

Master of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies

Access to Further Studies

Upon successful completion of the degree program, students may be qualified for admission to a PhD program in a number of academic areas at universities in Norway, Scandinavia, and internationally.

Program Structure

The organization of teaching will depend on the character and content of each course. More information about teaching and examination is specified in the description of each individual course. Seminars in methodology, methods, and thesis writing run parallel to the other courses throughout the studies.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction and syllabi is English.

Teaching and Assessment

The courses in methodology and methods tie together the different courses and disciplinary approaches. This constitutes the basis both for the development of the students' individual research design and for the integration of Indigenous perspectives in research. Every student will be assigned a thesis supervisor in the first year of the study. Supervision is given through seminars and individual tutorials.

Outgoing Exchange

Students can carry out fieldwork/data gathering abroad with basic financial support from the Centre for Sami Studies. If you are considering an exchange period, we recommend that the exchange is combined with fieldwork during the second and/or third semester (April-December) at a partner university.

Destinations for Studies Abroad

The Master's program in Indigenous Studies has bilateral exchange agreements with universities abroad where the students may take modules that will subsequently be approved as part of the degree. We recommend our students to use these agreements. There are certain reservations concerning what modules the partner university has to offer. UiT has several open agreements that also can be used by students in Indigenous Studies.

University of Tromso: A Summary

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Overview:

UiT Norges arktiske universitet (University of Tromso) is a public university located in Tromso, Norway. It is known for its focus on Arctic research and education.