Next autumn, the University of Agder is set to launch a flexible engineering education programme. The courses will be delivered digitally, allowing students who are employed to continue working while pursuing their studies, all while living in their hometown.
Applicants with vocational education, technical education, or general university and college admission certification need to take two maths upgrade courses (equivalent to upper secondary school R1 and R2) and one physics course (equivalent to upper secondary school Fy1) to meet the qualification requirements.
"The upgrade courses are also digital and consist of prerecorded videos explaining maths and physics, as well as digital sub-tests the students must pass in order to progress," says Professor of Mathematics, Morten Brekke, who designs the courses.
There are no geographic restrictions for students who want to take these courses, but those from Lister or Dalane can receive additional support from the two regional centres, Lister Kompetanse in Lyngdal and Dalane Utdanningssenter in Egersund. These centres will hire science teachers to help students with their digital coursework. Students from other parts of the country are also welcome to seek guidance and support there.
"Here, students can meet and collaborate on assignments, as well as learn from each other. We aim to support our students throughout their studies and are available when they need us," says Hilde Strømme, the head of Lister Kompetanse.
Preparative courses commence in 2024
So far, about 20 students have applied for these courses. The application deadline is 22 August.
The flexible construction engineering programme is set to begin in autumn 2025, with funding from UiA and Sørlandets Knowledge Foundation, with UiA providing 2.9 million and the Knowledge Foundation providing 2.6 million.
"Lister Kompetanse and Dalane Utdanningssenter will assist with student recruitment, facilitation and support, as well as establishing connections with local businesses and industries in need of new skills, " Strømme says.
"This new approach to studying engineering meets the changing needs of the job market and produces well-rounded graduates with both practical and theoretical skills, ready for employment throughout Norway," says Hilde Inntjore, Vice-Rector for Education at UiA.
For more info:
- rein.t.thorstensen@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 37 23 32 16