Welcome to Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences

Transcription

1 Welcome to Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences 1

2 Table of Contents Welcome to HiOA 3 About HiOA 4 New Knowledge, New Practice 7 Faculty of Health Science 8 Faculty of Education and International Studies 9 Faculty of Social Sciences 10 Faculty of Technology, Art and Design 11 Research and development 12 Internationalisation 14 Eastern Norway, Oslo and Lillestrøm 18 Contact information 20 Welcome to HiOA A warm welcome to international students, researchers and partners. HiOA is a new institution with strong traditions in professional education and applied research. We are located in the metropolitan area of Oslo and Akershus the fastest expanding region in Norway in terms of settlement rate and economic activity. HiOA offers a variety of study programmes at bachelor s, master s and doctoral degree levels, as well as further education. Our goal is to offer the best educational programmes in Norway based on high scientific quality and vocational relevance. In addition, we have a strong focus on the international exchange of experiences through mobility programmes for students and staff. We look forward to expanding our horizons through continued international cooperation and we hope to see you here on campus. Meanwhile, please visit us at for more information and feel free to contact us. Rector Kari Toverud Jensen 3

3 About HiOA 1st August 2011 Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences (HiOA) was established as a result of a merger between Oslo University College and Akershus University College. HiOA is Norway s largest state university college and its education is based on strong traditions within professional education and applied research. Our goal is to achieve university status and establish a university leading in professional education and applied sciences. HiOA offers excellent working and learning facilities and a variety of courses and study programmes in all three cycles. With a student body of approximately students and 1850 employees, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences is Norway s largest state university college. HiOA has four faculties: Faculty of Health Sciences Faculty of Education and International Studies Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Technology, Art and Design Regional entrenchment and international orientation Through a strong regional entrenchment, national ambitions, and an international orientation, HiOA is establishing itself as a modern, professionally and vocationally oriented educational institution in the greater metropolitan area. This entails an interaction with a multicultural and international society which enables our students and employees to develop the action competence necessary in multicultural and international working life. Professional programmes Proximity to professional fields A majority of the study programmes that we offer are professional programmes in which theoretical courses and supervised professional training are closely aligned. HiOA provides education that qualifies students for employment in health and social services, education, public administration, media, design, arts, and for technical and business administrative positions in business and industry. HiOA emphasises the combination of high academic standard and proximity to professional fields. The teaching is based on the latest advances in research, development and experience. The programmes aim at developing students skills in theoretical analysis and reflection. Several of our study programmes involve supervised professional training where students can try out their future professional roles. This combination of theory and practice is a distinguishing characteristic of professional study programmes, and adds to the challenge of studying at HiOA. 4 5

4 New Knowledge, New Practice HiOA s new strategic plan for is called «New Knowledge, New Practice. This document provides the framework for our ambitions and the range of our activities in the years to come. Vision HiOA shall offer a unique range of professional programmes designed to qualify students for professions that will contribute to future welfare in our society. By educating practitioners with high levels of professional ability and developing new knowledge in the professional fields, HiOA shall continue to play an important role in the development of the welfare state and serve as an important contributor to policy making. Through dialogue and cooperation between research, education, society, business and industry, results and expertise are shared and solutions are created for a continuously changing world. Education HiOA shall be internationally recognised in the field of professional education. HiOA aims to educate candidates who are sought after in the global labour market by offering innovative, research-based study programmes. International cooperation on all levels of study is highly emphasised. Research and Development HiOA shall be at the forefront of research and development within the professional disciplines. International cooperation in education and research is a condition for high-quality development, and participation in international research projects is a prerequisite to success. 6 7

5 Faculty of Health Science Academic profile The Faculty of Health Sciences consists of seven departments and offers study programmes on all levels, including PhD. Research and Development (R&D) activities are carried out in all programmes of professional study. The faculty mainly educates health professionals, but also offers study programmes within facility and service management, nutrition and behavioural science. Departments: Department of Nursing Department of Health, Nutrition and Management Department of Physiotherapy Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics Department of Radiography and Dental Technology Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Department of Behavioural Sciences Selected research areas: Health and Elderly Health and Empowerment Pharmaceuticals and Environmental Factors Learning in Complex Systems Communication and Health Counselling Life Quality in the Span of Life Food, Nutrition and Society Professional Work and Professional Qualification in Nursing Rehabilitation and Habilitation Reproductive Health amongst Men Pain Dignity and Ethics PhD Programmes: PhD programme in Behavioural Science Faculty of Education and International Studies Academic profile The Faculty of Education and International Studies mainly educates teachers, but also offers programmes within international studies and interpretation. The faculty offers teacher education in a lifelong learning perspective qualifying for work in kindergartens, primary schools, lower and upper secondary schools. The faculty also offers programmes within multicultural understanding, interpretation and development studies. Research and development work (R&D) significant to the development of kindergartens, schools and the society, both nationally and internationally is carried out at the faculty. The faculty emphasises research-based, practiceoriented and current education. Departments: Department of Early Childhood Education Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education Department of Vocational Teacher Education Department of International Studies and Interpreting PhD programmes: Educational Sciences for Teacher Education Selected research areas: Kindergarten School Subject Didactics Childhood,Diversity and Inclusion Vocational Pedagogy Development International Education 8 9

6 Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Technology, Art and Design Academic profile Faculty of Social Sciences offers study programmes within archivistics, library and information science, journalism and media studies, social work, social policy and child welfare, public management and business. Research is carried out in a wide range of areas relevant to the professionals educated at the faculty. Relevant areas are professional work, its methods and practice, and the social and legal context in which it is exercised, but also in connection with the wider development of the society where these professions operate. Departments: Department of Archivistics, Library and Information Sciences Department of Journalism and Media Studies Department of Social Work, Child, Welfare and Social Policy Department of Public Management School of Business PhD programmes: Academic profile The faculty also offers continuing and Social Welfare and Social Policy Faculty of Technology, Art and Design further education programmes. Library and Information Sciences offers higher education, research and development (R&D) activities within Departments: Selected research areas: technical subjects, arts and design. Department of Civil Engineering Children, Family and Everyday Life The faculty educates engineers, and Energy Technology Welfare, Citizenship and Civil computer scientists, product designers, Department of Industrial Society teachers within design, arts and Development Journalism and Media Globalization crafts, designers/product developers Department of Computer Science Multimediality and Visual within fashion, mediators within arts, Department of Art, Design and Communication. and organisers of drama and theatre Drama Knowledge Organisation and activities. Department of Product Design Retrieval Libraries in Society Selected research areas: Literary Sociology and Mediation of Energy and Environment within Literature and Culture Construction Governance, Organisation and Universal Design (HCI) Management in the Welfare Sector Network and System Administration Pedagogical Development Work for the Engineering Programme Discipline Research Design Education Art and Arts Didactics Product Design: Materiality, Processes and Environment for the Future

7 Research and development Research and development activities are carried out at all four faculties at HiOA. An expressed goal is to participate in projects financed by the Norwegian Research Council and the EU to help meet common, global challenges. In its overarching research strategy HiOA highlights both interdisciplinary and regional cooperation. HiOA s comparative advantage is that the institution performs research within the professions taught here. The university college creates value for society by developing knowledge that contributes to improved welfare. HiOA has established five PhD programmes in order to strengthen research, recruitment and researchbased education: PhD in The Study of Professions PhD in Social Work and Social Policy PhD in Behaviour Analysis PhD in Educational Sciences for Teacher Education PhD in Library and Information Sciences Thematic Areas The priority areas in research reflect our areas of teaching and the close connection between teaching and research. Research is carried out in a broad range of areas such as Health Educational studies Social Sciences ICT Product Design The Study of Professions Urbanity Studies Interdisciplinary research In addition to the research carried out at faculty level, HiOA has established two interdisciplinary research programmes: Care, Health and Welfare The Urban Research Programme The two research programmes have launched the Urban Research Initiative that focuses on interdisciplinary research on cities and their changing characteristics, possibilities and challenges. A PhD training network has been established and PhD students from different faculties work on their doctoral degrees to examine urban development issues from different disciplinary perspectives. Several joint initiatives, seminars and projects have been held since the programmes were established in EU project participation HiOA participates in and coordinates several projects funded by the EU, including participation in the Seventh Framework Programme, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework, the Health programme and COST-actions (European Cooperation in Science and Technology

8 Internationalisation Internationalisation is an important element in enhancing quality in education and research at HiOA. The institutional strategy focuses on mobility, joint programmes and internationalisation at home, including an international dimension in study programmes and research. HiOA encourages both students and staff to participate in exchange programmes. International programmes and partners HiOA plays an active part in international cooperation through international programmes, networks and bilateral agreements with universities all over the world. Research is carried out in collaboration with international research networks in different professional fields in the European Research Area, and with partners beyond Europe. HiOA is a partner in ERA-More; a European network of mobility centres. Curriculum development is stimulated through the establishment of joint master s degree programmes through EU-programmes such as Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus, and the Nordic programme Nordplus. HiOA collaborate with active partner universities in developing countries on education, research and capacity building. Some of this collaboration is financed through the NOMAprogramme and aims at capacity building and development of master s degree programmes. An overview of our international partners may be found on our website: Summer school HiOA arranges an international summer school in July every year. The summer school normally lasts for 3 weeks and is a meeting place for students from all over the world. All four faculties offer courses ranging from 5 to 10 ECTS credits. To learn more about the summer school please visit Study programmes and courses taught in English The main language of instruction is Norwegian, and all bachelor s degree programmes are taught in Norwegian. However, HiOA offers a substantial number of courses taught in English for exchange student, in addition to several master s degree programmes. Most of the courses and programmes are available to Norwegian students as well. Diversity is a central element in the institutional policy on internationalisation. International and Norwegian students work and learn together in mixed groups. Read more about admission, courses and master s degree programmes taught in English at Learning and training Learning methods require both active participation and independent work. Developing an independent and critical way of thinking is encouraged. HiOA places strong emphasis on the professional training of the students, and supervised professional training of varying lengths are an integral part of many bachelor s degree programmes. The combination of practical experience and theoretical knowledge makes our students highly competitive in today s job market. The campuses offer a high quality learning environment with learning centres well equipped with ICT facilities, written materials and competent staff. The learning facilities are excellent with three learning centres, computer labs and wireless zones all over campus, enabling students active learning methods

9 Campus life HiOA has two main campuses. Pilestredet Campus is located in central Oslo. Kjeller Campus is located near Lillestrøm, approximately 30 min drive outside Oslo. Whether you are a student or a staff member, HiOA has many activities to offer. The university college hosts several cafes and pubs at studentfriendly prices. A range of leisure activities is organised by the student organisations, including sports and fitness activities, concerts, and by associations connected to special interests (religious, political, academic). The International Office offers an extensive excursion and events programme for international students. Accommodation HiOA offers student housing through the Student Welfare Organisation, SiO. The student residences are located in different places in the city of Oslo and close to Kjeller Campus. Tuition fees HiOA is a publicly funded institution and students do not pay tuition fees. However, students will have to pay a semester fee each semester. Some courses or programmes can also charge an additional material fee. Information about the semester- and material fees can be found on our website. In order to take an examination the semester fee must be paid in full. Exemption is made for students on an exchange programme. Credit and grading system Courses are measured in credits according to the ECTS standard (European Credit Transfer System). The normal workload for one semester is 30 ECTS. A bachelor s degree normally comprises 180 ECTS, and a master s degree comprises 120 ECTS. Grades are awarded according to a grading scale from A (highest) to F (lowest) with E as the minimum pass grade. Some examinations are awarded on a different scale with the grade Pass/Fail. Academic calendar The academic year runs from mid- August to mid-june, and consists of autumn and spring semesters: Autumn semester: mid-august to mid-december Spring semester: first/second week of January to mid-june 16 17

10 Eastern Norway Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences (HiOA) is located in the eastern part of Norway. Eastern Norway is by far the most populous region in Norway and includes the capitol and financial centre, Oslo. Eastern Norway offers a variety of opportunities within higher education, business, industry and culture. Public transport makes it easy to travel between the largest cities and you don t have to travel very far to experience Norwegian fjords and mountains. About Oslo, Norway Oslo hosts several higher education institutions, the largest being the University of Oslo. The total number of students in Oslo counts around 70,000. Although the city is a rather small capital with approximately 500,000 inhabitants, Oslo can boast of activities for almost anyone. You may choose from a wide range of cinemas, theatres, art galleries and museum, international restaurants and cafes. For those who enjoy the night scene, Oslo has a busy nightlife, including one of the best live music scenes in Northern Europe. Downtown Oslo The heart of downtown Oslo is on the waterfront, where cruise ships from all over the world find their way through the Oslo Fjord. There are many small islands and beaches, which during the summer can be easily reached from the city centre. The centre of Oslo houses many shops, galleries and museums to visit. You may for instance visit the Munch museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Akershus Fortress and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. To the north, the city borders on a hilly forested area with lakes, rivers and several thousand kilometres of paths and trails, for skiing in the winter and hiking and cycling the rest of the year. It is easy to move around in the capital even if you don t have a car. The public transport system is extensive and is the easiest means of travelling. Most people walk, cycle or use public transportation. Oslo is surrounded by magnificent scenery from the fjord to the forested hills. The excellent public transport system will take you to the small islands for a swim as well as to the skislopes for winter activities, or the many paths for hiking and cycling. More about Oslo: About Lillestrøm, Norway Kjeller Campus is situated in the municipality of Skedsmo, northeast of Oslo. Skedsmo is one of 22 municipalities of the County of Akershus and has approximately 50,000 inhabitants. The administrative centre of Skedsmo is the city of Lillestrøm. Other places in Skedsmo are Kjeller, Skjetten, Strømmen and Skedsmokorset. Lillestrøm is located halfway between Oslo Airport Gardermoen and the city of Oslo. In Lillestrøm you will find post offices, banks, churches of several denominations, coffee shops, restaurants, a cinema, a culture centre, hotels, a shopping centre, the bus terminal and the train station. The outdoor swimming pool complex Nebbursvollen is open during the summer months. The outskirts of Lillestrøm have lots of hiking trails in the summer and trails for cross country skiing in the winter. If you want to use downhill skis, there are possibilities on the slopes on the outskirts of Oslo and also in Lillehammer, venue for the Winter Olympics 1994, only two hours by train. During the winter months, there is also an ice rink on the square by the shopping centre in Lillestrøm where you can go ice skating. Norway Trade Fairs is also situated in Lillestrøm. The trade fair hosts major exhibitions throughout the year. Norway Trade Fairs is situated on the south side of Lillestrøm Train Station. More about Akershus:

11 Contact information Visiting addresses: Kjeller Campus: Kunnskapsveien 55, Kjeller Pilestredet Campus: Pilestredet 46 (Main reception), Oslo Postal address: Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences Kjeller/Pilestredet Campus Postbox 4 St. Olavs Plass N-0130 Oslo Norway Telephone: (0047) (HiOA switchboard) postmottak@hioa.no Contact the faculties For contact information to the faculties, see our website