UiT The Arctic University of Norway

Master in Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas

Program Structure

Full-time study

Part-time study

The structure of the program is designed to accommodate both part-time and full-time students, with part-time students progressing through over 8 semesters (4 years) and full-time students completing in 4 semesters (2 years). Normally, all students are expected to have completed the entire program within five (5) years. Students in the 4-year progression begin their thesis seminar in semester 6. Students in the 2-year progression begin their thesis seminar in semester 3. Both continue in the seminars until they have completed the program.

The program includes a mix of web-based courses, on-site group study in the form of field schools, and individual research in the form of applied research projects (often partially on-site) and theses.
Opportunities for mobility includes two short-term exchanges (the international field schools), but it also provides an opportunity for long-term exchanges.

All students will be appointed an academic supervisor for their applied research project and for their thesis. In most cases, the same person will serve as supervisor for both research projects

Learning Outcomes

The GENI program provides students with the opportunity to learn through high-level critical comparisons between northern and Indigenous regions. The primary goal of this program is to build the necessary capacity for relationships between academia, industry, governments, Indigenous peoples and northern communities to create thriving local economies, respecting Indigenous rights and protecting sensitive northern environments.

Student acquired knowledge

By the end of the program, students will have:

• advanced knowledge about actors, institutions and processes of vital importance for the development of the Circumpolar North, and an understanding of how different governance systems may hamper or promote social and economic innovations;
• a solid understanding of the economics underpinning the natural resource industry in northern and Indigenous regions;
• a solid understanding of domestic Indigenous rights in different countries, as well as international Indigenous rights;
• substantial insight into the potential for political, entrepreneurial and social innovations in northern and remote regions, as well as the barriers to positive developments in the Circumpolar world;
• an appreciation for the value of applied research and its integration for effective decision-making, policy development, planning and implementation by Indigenous and northern communities, organizations, businesses and governments;
• a unique understanding of the interconnected nature of the issues and challenges in Indigenous and Northern areas.

Student acquired skills

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• analyze academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field;
• critically examine government policies, plans for business development, and community development related to the use of natural and human resources in the Circumpolar North;
• critically evaluate different approaches to communication of complex challenges to societies;
• complete brief public policy proposals and applied research papers;
• conduct an independent, limited research and development project under supervision in the academic field of this program in accordance with ethical guidelines for research and appropriate norms in society, including with Indigenous peoples;
• evaluate the position of different actors and provide relevant advice to promote societal development;
• participate effectively in a formal negotiation process.

Student acquired competence

By the end of the program, students will have the knowledge and skills that will provide them with the requisite competencies to pursue doctoral studies in the areas of public policy, Indigenous studies, and sustainable development. Students will also be qualified for professional positions at different levels of public management and in the private sector— managing and executing reviews, and planning development processes. Students will be able to:

• analyze a given public policy or large development project, regarding its economic and political feasibility, including issues related to domestic government structures, northern climate constraints, and consultations requirements;
• analyze and compare the development of industry and implementation of Indigenous self-determination in different geographic areas of the Circumpolar North;
• adapt innovative ideas regarding governance, entrepreneurship and community development in other regions to their own local setting;
• provide a basic assessment of how a proposed development project might contravene or uphold Indigenous rights norms;
• propose suitable ways to undertake meaningful dialogue with community members, government officials, and industry representatives in northern and Indigenous areas.

Career prospects

The GENI program was consciously designed to provide you with the specialized knowledge and research skills in demand from organizations and companies in northern and Indigenous regions. After graduation, you will be well-prepared to work in local, international and cross-cultural contexts.

Your knowledge of major institutions and processes active in the Circumpolar North will be a great asset to employers networking across regional and international borders. Your understanding of the northern natural resource industry and Indigenous rights will make you an ideal employee both as an industry professional, and a policy developer for governments and organizations concerned with regulating industry in the north.

The solid research skills acquired from the GENI program will make you particularly suitable for a research-driven career in government, non-governmental organizations, and private business, as well as academia. As a GENI graduate, you will be able to critically evaluate proposed government policies, business plans, and development proposals, taking both the natural and human resources of northern regions into account. This ability to analyze public policy and development projects is a necessity for employment at various levels of government and industry. Your experience bridging academic knowledge with applied purposes will also make you a strong candidate for positions as a liaison working on policy development, community planning, and information gathering. The GENI program also prepares you for work in consultations and negotiations, particularly between Indigenous peoples, industry and government.

The international nature of our joint program means that you develop a global outlook and an ability to make high-level critical comparisons between parts of the north. You will be able to make innovative yet suitable proposals for positive local policy changes, based on what is happening elsewhere. This expertise makes you qualified for work both with international organizations and with local organizations open to new ideas from other northern regions.

Career enhancement for working professionals

The GENI program’s interdisciplinary nature and varied subject matter make it particularly ideal for enhancing your existing career in health; natural resource management; business development; youth and social work; education; and Indigenous/national/provincial/municipal government. Our online program provides the flexibility necessary for you to study and work at the same time, enhancing your existing skills and experience with complementary knowledge from experts in Norway and Canada.

Academic careers

The program prepares students for doctoral programs in public policy, Indigenous studies, sustainable development, and other related fields.