University of Tromsø

What you'll study

The programme is an interdisciplinary Master’s that combines theory, qualitative and quantitative methods, and community-engaged research. Students take core courses in Indigenous theories and histories, Indigenous rights and international law, and research methods, alongside specialised modules such as Sámi history and politics, Indigenous language revitalisation, land and resource governance, and Indigenous knowledge systems.

Study typically comprises taught courses and seminars in the first year, elective courses that can be chosen from related departments (anthropology, law, history, education, environmental studies), and an independent research project culminating in a master’s thesis. Fieldwork, community collaboration and ethical engagement with Indigenous communities are central elements of many projects. Typical module examples include:

• Indigenous Peoples, Identity and Power
• Indigenous Rights and International Law
• Research Design and Methods in Indigenous Studies
• Sámi History, Culture and Contemporary Politics
• Language Revitalisation and Education Policy
• Environmental Governance and Traditional Knowledge
• Comparative Indigenous Perspectives and Decolonising Methodologies

Programme structure

The programme is designed as a research-oriented master’s combining coursework and a substantial thesis. Students balance compulsory core modules with electives and pursue an independent research thesis under the supervision of academic staff with expertise in Indigenous studies, Sámi studies and related disciplines.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as anthropology, political science, sociology, history, law, education, language studies or environmental studies. Admission typically requires academic transcripts demonstrating a solid performance in prior tertiary study and a research-oriented motivation statement.

Applicants should provide a personal statement describing their academic and research interests, and may be asked for references and a preliminary research plan if seeking admission to a research track. Evidence of language proficiency in English is required for international applicants if the programme or specific courses are offered in English; some courses and community work may require knowledge of Norwegian or a local language, and applicants should check course language details. Applicants from non-EU/EEA countries should check additional documentation requirements regarding degree recognition.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers in academia and research, Indigenous and public sector governance, cultural institutions, non-governmental organisations, policy development, education and language revitalisation programmes, museums and heritage management, and international organisations focusing on Indigenous rights and sustainable development. The skillset developed—critical analysis of Indigenous issues, research methods, community engagement and policy literacy—also suits roles in consultancy, media specialising in Indigenous affairs, and project management for community and environmental initiatives.

Why study at University of Tromsø

The University of Tromsø (UiT) is located within the Arctic region and hosts one of the strongest concentrations of Sámi and Indigenous research in Europe. Students benefit from close links to the Centre for Sámi Studies and other research units, direct access to Sámi communities and cultural institutions, and a scholarly environment where Arctic and circumpolar Indigenous issues are a central focus.

UiT’s location offers unique opportunities for fieldwork and engagement with ongoing policy debates on Indigenous rights, natural resource management and language revitalisation. Supervision is provided by academic staff with international and local expertise, and the university’s interdisciplinary networks allow students to tailor their studies across social sciences, humanities and law.