Course content

The internship will provide students with insights into how actors in a relevant field of practice work with innovation and sustainable societal development. It provides the opportunity to apply professional qualifications acquired through the study program within a relevant work environment. The experience of the internship will increase the students' awareness of their own competencies, contribute to the student's professional development, and be useful in a further work life.

Throughout the semester, digital progress meetings will be arranged. At the end of the semester, students will submit an individual report on their internship, which they will also present at a seminar.

It is the student's responsibility to secure a professionally relevant internship for a minimum of 14 weeks, equivalent to standard full-time work weeks (37,5 hours). The student must apply to the department for approval of the internship. The internship is conducted in the 3rd semester. This option entails a 30-credit master's thesis in the 4th semester. The Master's thesis can build on the internship.

Learning outcome

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

• has in-depth knowledge of how an organization or enterprise works with innovation and sustainable societal development in practice.

Skills:

• can systematically and critically reflect on and analyze relevant practices related to innovation and sustainable societal development, based on theories and concepts acquired in other courses of the program.

General competence:

• has in-depth knowledge of professional issues and challenges faced by organizations and enterprises, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and sustainable societal development.

Learning methods and activities

• Professionally relevant internship for a minimum of 14 weeks, equal to normal work weeks (37.5 hours).
• Midterm report.
• Design of research question in collaboration with host institution, collection and analysis of data as well as report writing and oral presentation.

Workplace: The internship can be conducted in different sectors, companies or organizations if the business is related to the overall learning objectives of the study. Students' individual studies must also be relevant to the student's study programme. The stay can be in Norway or abroad.

Guidance and follow-up: Application for internships is handled and approved by the Department of Geography. Students can consult with the course responsible during their stay, and also in relation to writing the report.

Compulsory assignments

• 14 weeks of internship, mid report and presentation

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Students must be admitted to MSc in innovation and sustainable development.