Vision – Co-creating for tomorrow’s knowledge
Society is facing fundamental global challenges such as demographic changes, climate change, increasing inequality, democracy under pressure, geopolitical tensions and disruptive technologies. There is a growing need for critical social science research and education to understand, analyse and solve emerging complex issues to ensure responsible technology use and a more sustainable and equitable development.
The Faculty of Social Sciences aims to be internationally recognized and nationally leading. We strive to be pioneering in developing and disseminating knowledge about societal changes and challenges. The quality of our work makes us a preferred partner for collaboration, a critical voice that is heeded and an attractive choice for students. Our academic freedom and disciplinary breadth are essential prerequisites that equip us well to identify issues and develop knowledge closely aligned with major societal challenges.
Values - academic quality, openness, respect and trust
Strategic goals
Relevant and robust programmes and courses
Our programme portfolio consists of attractive professional and general academic studies, characterized by research-based teaching and relevant academic content. Students develop generic skills such as the ability to think critically and challenge established truths, as well as gaining experience with various forms of collaboration. Perspectives on sustainability, digital technologies, diversity, job market relevance and interdisciplinarity are integrated into all programmes. We enhance existing programmes, courses and teaching methods while expanding our portfolio to include continuing professional development. Interdisciplinary collaborations serve as important platforms for developing the Faculty's course and programme portfolio. Internationalization enriches student development and enhances the quality of our programmes.
High-quality research
We are consolidating and further developing our position as a research-intensive faculty. We uphold academic freedom and individual research time, foster a vibrant research culture, enhance structures and maintain a strong awareness of research ethics. The Faculty is building capacity and research expertise that contribute to success in long-term, strategic research programmes – both in applied and basic research. To this end, we are increasing the number of PhD research fellows and postdoctoral fellows. The Faculty facilitates high-quality research and has a clear focus on professional field-related research activities. We promote interdisciplinary collaboration within the Faculty, with other faculties and the teacher education programmes at UiA, with academic environments at other institutions and broadly within society, focusing on addressing major societal challenges to establish innovative and relevant high-quality research projects.
Societal engagement and visibility
The Faculty demonstrates how social science issues are highly relevant to society. We are a leading participant in both the international research community and wider society. We take part in public discourse, pose critical questions and dare to challenge established truths. The Faculty contributes to visibility through various outreach activities and channels and through collaboration internally, externally and with placement partners. Our engagement benefits society by delivering more and better knowledge, and it strengthens our connection with placement partners and ensures the relevance of our work.
Strategic foundation
A positive study and work environment
The Faculty is an attractive and good place to be for both students and staff. We facilitate student democracy and student involvement in research and professional life. Students are challenged by being included in an academic environment that sets expectations and demands. The work environment is characterized by innovation, inclusion and employee participation. The work environment reflects the values of UiA, and we emphasize a healthy work-life balance. We support individual goals and work together towards common goals.
Financial robustness
The Faculty works both internally and externally to secure favourable financial frameworks and structures that provide predictability through long-term staffing and finance plans. We strategically secure external funding by leveraging both established sources and new financing methods. All staff are informed about the key financial drivers of the Faculty. External funding must not compromise our values – including our academic freedom.
Professional and proactive administration
The faculty administration is service-oriented, competent and appropriately sized to provide support that helps unlock the Faculty's potential in research, teaching and dissemination. There is a high degree of trust and respect between the administration and academic staff. The administration has sufficient resources to ensure effective and high-quality operations. We develop skills, work methods and structures, and we work actively and purposefully with new technology. The administration continuously strives for economically, socially and environmentally responsible operations.