Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Recommended previous knowledge

ST-100 or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Give an account of the relationship between the various administrative levels in Norway.
  • Describe the historical development of the local and regional administration in Norway
  • Discuss and debate the advantages and disadvantages of the current municipal structure
  • be able to compare and contrast municipal structure, organization and local autonomy in the Nordic countries
  • Understand the role municipalities and county councils play in the production of welfare benefits in Norway and the Nordic region
  • Discuss and debate citizens´ relationship to the local democracy
  • Explain the role local and regional administration have in the production of welfare benefits.
  • Describe the various aspects in the relationship between the national state and local freedom
  • have knowledge of various management forms and trends in the municipal sector, including New Public Management, New Public Governance, inter-municipal cooperation, joint management

Contents

The aim of the course is to provide a systematic introduction to the local and regional government level in Norway. The course aims at providing a thorough introduction to the political, administrative and social processes in Norwegian municipalities (both local and county municipalities) that can explain similarities and differences. The first part of the course will examine the local and regional level in the Norwegian government system. The second part explores the political processes on local level. The third part of the course deals with the many current reforms that are being implemented on local level. Finally, the question of merging municipalities and the role of the county level versus regions are being discussed.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and seminars/group work.

Examination requirements

Approved compulsory group assignment.

Examinations

5 hour written examination with graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes. Subject to availability.

Admission for external candidates

No.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
ST-900 – Public Policy and Administration . 5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 10:41:51 AM