"We are super excited to welcome excellent new students from all over the world to our unique master’s programme. The diversity of our students, both geographically and academically, is a core strength of the overall programme, where the learning environment benefits greatly from the students’ different expertise, knowledge and ambitions", says head of MA Program, Ulrikke Bryn Wethal.
A diversity of disciplines
One of the students who illustrates this academic diversity is Hedda Isabella Anaconda Dent, who comes to the programme with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Spanish from Lancaster University in England. For her, the interdisciplinary nature of the Development, Environment & Cultural Change programme was the primary draw.
"I think that being aware of past, present and potential future challenges explored on this course will help me understand what is coming and how to contribute to actionable change. It's a future-proof degree", she says.
She notes that while her previous combination of creative and academic subjects was often met with confusion, she wanted to find a community that acknowledges interdisciplinary perspectives as a strength to share knowledge and learn from each other.
I mean, how many degrees in Norway allow students from around the world with diverse disciplines like Theatre and Spanish or Law collaborate in the same room?
From law and activism in India
Oisin, originally from Ireland, joins the programme with a strong foundation in law, holding degrees from both Trinity College in Dublin and the University of Oslo. His passion for socioeconomic rights, such as housing, health and food, previously led him to India to work with a human rights lawyer.
During his time there, he worked on cases involving slum evictions and land dispossession, often rushing to sites to prevent bulldozers from moving in.
"I wanted to come to Centre for Global Sustainability to focus on these issues", Oisin explains.
Beyond the Classroom
While the students are based at the Center for Global Sustainability in Nydalen, a short metro ride away from the main Blindern campus, they appreciate having their own dedicated space.
Outside their studies, the new students have ambitious plans for their time in Oslo. Oisin wants to learn a new language, Norwegian or Spanish.
Meanwhile, Hedda, who is passionate about environmental issues in her daily life, hopes to get involved with repair workshops and clothing upcycling, but is also looking to continue exploring her creative side by finding a band to join, developing drawing techniques, or even returning to dance.