"This is truly a landmark day for UiA and Agder after years of hard work," says Rector Sunniva Whittaker.
There are many compelling reasons for allocating new places to Agder.
"Our health region trains the lowest number of psychologists per capita, and we face significant challenges with living conditions here. It's great to see the government acknowledging this and investing in UiA," says Whittaker.
"I truly believe in this"
Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Gjerløw Aasland visited Kristiansand on Saturday to share the good news.
"For the Labour Party, the most important thing is that everyone can participate in school, work and community. Mental health is crucial for reducing exclusion," says Aasland.
"There are specific challenges and needs in Agder that I am keenly aware of. That is why we are establishing 30 psychology places at UiA. The University of Agder and the entire region have worked hard for a long time to create a strong academic programme and have built an exciting research environment. I truly believe in this," the minister says.
Ready to get started
At the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences at UiA, where the psychology team is based, many people have worked hard over recent years to establish a psychology degree programme.
There have been several rounds of applications, rejections and appeals to NOKUT (the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education) before it was given the green light in February this year.
"Many of us are now looking forward to welcoming Agder's first psychology students in less than a year, and we will do everything we can to provide education of the highest quality," says the faculty dean, Anders Johan W. Andersen.
Enthusiasm in the region
Psychology education at UiA has been an important goal for far more than just the university.
"This is very good news for the entire region, as we have a great demand for psychologists! The hospital, county, municipalities, university and many others have collaborated effectively, making it especially rewarding when we succeed," says County Mayor Arne Thomassen.
The news is also received with great joy at Sorlandet Hospital Trust.
"This is long-awaited and very good news for Sorlandet Hospital Trust. A full degree programme will ensure the recruitment of psychologists in our region, within hospitals and municipalities. We look forward to continued cooperation and are ready to welcome students for work placements," says Nina Mevold, CEO of Sorlandet Hospital Trust.
The University of Agder would like to express gratitude to all those who have contributed over the years to making the professional degree programme in psychology a reality.
Contact
- sunniva.whittaker@uia.no
- Phone
- +47 99 27 79 77