Master's Programme in Innovation and Knowledge Development

A candidate who has successfully completed this programme should have the following learning outcome defined in terms of general competence, knowledge, skills and general:

GENERAL COMPETENCE (programme goals)
The candidate should be able to:

• analyse key international dimensions related to the core themes in the program
• analyse how new ideas, concepts or products emerge within relevant fields and be able to contribute to innovation processes
• apply ethical reasoning in work life and understand how organisations can act responsibly
• think independently and critically
• communicate scholarly issues in written texts and oral presentations
• solve problems

KNOWLEDGE
The candidate should be able to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge of innovation processes
• apply knowledge of social changes that have an impact on innovation
• demonstrate extensive knowledge of how innovation activities in a company or in a region can be organised
• evaluate and apply relevant theories of innovation policy
• analyse and develop knowledge development processes in enterprises and in society

SKILLS
The candidate should be able to:

• plan, manage and evaluate development and change processes in organisations, businesses and regional and national institutions with consistent innovation policy and regional development
• exercise self-reflection, critical assessment, learning and personal mastery
• work across disciplines and sectors
• reflect on how knowledge can be put into practical use and be useful in the workplace
• carry out independent research or development work in the field of study

The program offers varied teaching and working methods. Various forms of student-active methods will be used, such as group work of different types, seminars and tutoring groups with submission and feedback. The University of Agder aims to increase the use of digital tools in teaching and learning methods. The aim is, among other things, to adopt new forms of communication and to try out new learning methods. Students at UiA will increasingly use computers in their daily work with the studies. Transition to digital examination is also an important part of this initiative, and students are required to have a laptop.

The language of instruction is Norwegian, but some courses be taught in English. Upon request, supervision of the master thesis could be offered in English.

Assessment methods in the study are stated in the course descriptions. Assessment methods are varied and closely related to the work method in each subject. Both in-school and take-home examinations, e.g. portfolio assessment, essays and papers, are used. There are mostly individual assessments, but group exams are also used. Letter grades are used.

The thesis is written individually. In some cases it can be carried out in collaboration with other students as sub-projects within the same main project. The thesis is assessed by internal and external censors. The thesis is presented and discussed with the candidate in an oral final examination (with duration of approx. one hour). The grade can be adjusted after the oral examination.

Students are exposed to international dimensions and issues in teaching as well as in the curriculum. Many faculty members have an international background and are active in international research networks.

The language of instruction is Norwegian, but some electives are taught in English.

Students may go on exchange in their third, or possibly fourth, semester. The School of Business and Law at UiA is internationally accredited by AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), and the accreditation entails collaboration with good institutions worldwide. For further information on exchange opportunities, see the International Office's website.