The Nordic Council of Ministers has now selected six new programmes of study under the joint Nordic Master Program (NMP).

A Nordic Master Program combines studies from at least three universities in three Nordic countries and makes it possible to establish elite degrees in a number of fields.

This brings together expertise which is spread out at universities throughout the Region, so that, collectively, these studies offer Nordic and international students degree courses of the highest quality.

The programmes cover a wide range, from a new look at the Viking age to specialised studies within the environment, sustainable development and the newest technology.

The six Nordic Master Programs involve almost 40 institutions at more than 20 leading universities from all five Nordic countries:

• Viking and Medieval Norse Studies (Co-ordinator: University of Iceland)
• Aquatic Food Production – Safety and Quality (AQFood) (Co-ordinator: Technical University of Denmark)
• Dance Education as Artistic Practice and Research – Teaching and Learning in Dance as Embodied Reflective Practice (Co-ordinator: Danish National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance)
• eNviro5Tech (Co-ordinator: Technical University of Denmark)
• Nordic Master Program in Sustainable Urban Transitions (Co-ordinator: Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg)
• Master Programme in Biodiversity and Systematics (Co-ordinator: University of Gothenburg)

For each individual NMP there is a co-ordinating university. Each NMP receives DKK 1 million in establishment funding.

This is the third time that the Nordic Council of Ministers has initiated the establishment of Nordic Master Programs. There are already ten ongoing programs.

Statements from the new Master Programs

Sheila De Val, National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance, Denmark (Dance Education as Artistic Practice and Research):

"With this Master's Program we have the opportunity, for the first time, to educate young artists in the dissemination of dance in a broader perspective. The fact that the degree course is planned in collaboration between the University of Dance and New Circus, Stockholm, the Theatre Academy, Helsinki, the Oslo Academy of the Arts and the Danish National School of Theatre and Contemporary Dance is quite unique. The four Nordic co-operation partners each contribute with their branch of professional expertise within the core area of the course, so that, between them, they are able to offer a practice-based, artistic Master's Degree at the highest level.

Torfi Tulinius, University of Iceland (Viking and Medieval Norse Studies):

"The grant will increase immensely our ability to reach students from around the globe. We know that there is considerable interest out there in this area, but it needs to be fostered. We hope to increase and improve research output in this field, both in the Nordic countries and globally, by strengthening ties between Nordic scholars and research institutes in the field elsewhere. Another expected outcome will be an increased general awareness of the outstanding contribution of the Nordic countries to world cultural heritage in the form of the medieval Eddas and Sagas.

Bente Eriksen, University of Gothenburg (Master Programme in Biodiversity and Systematics):

"Preserving biological diversity is high on the political agenda. Paradoxically, this is not reflected in the number of students in the subject, neither in the Nordic region nor in Europe. By working together and streamlining our joint course offerings, we are able to increase the number of students to a level that can be justified economically. Co-operation between scientists and teachers at the Norwegian, Swedish and Danish universities also provides a fantastic breadth in the level of knowledge. Together the expertise spans over most of globe's organism groups and we can also theoretically offer our Master's students high class. No single university or national collaboration can achieve that. By being able to offer both breadth and quality we can also market our education in a better way. Biodiversity and Systematics have a long tradition in the Nordic countries which promotes our brand. So together we can create a power of attraction that would not otherwise exist.

Caroline Baron, Technical University of Denmark (Aquatic Food Production):

"The Nordic Master Program 'Aquatic Food Production – Safety and Quality' (AQFood) is a cross disciplinary initiative bringing together the best scientists from the Nordic countries in delivering a key education for the aquatic food sector. This unique education will link aquatic food production, processing and distribution with quality and safety issues of importance for consumers, industries and the society.

Michael Funch
Phone +45 33960332
Email mifu@norden.org