Master in Indigenous Studies

Indigenous peoples share experiences across the globe. At the same time, Indigenous peoples are extremely diverse. Are you interested in studying relationships between Indigenous peoples and majority populations from local and global perspectives? The master’s program in Indigenous Studies offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of indigenous issues, intending to equip the students with academic and practical skills, critical thinking, and knowledge to fill an important role in an increasingly globalized world. The program actively recruits students with indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds creating an exciting cross-cultural teaching and learning environment.

Program description

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits (ECTS) : 120
• Admission requirements : Bachelor's degree
• Degree Name : Master's of Philosophy in Indigenous Studies
• Application code :
  • Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 5058
  • International applicants: 2031

The Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, and the Faculty of Law, in cooperation with the Centre for Sami Studies, offer a two-year full-time master's program in Indigenous Studies (MIS). The program is multidisciplinary within social sciences, humanities, and law, and based on research conducted at UiT The Arctic University of Norway regarding the Sami and other Indigenous peoples. The thematic focus of the master's program is the emergence of the international indigenous movement, the historical experiences, and the contemporary context that Indigenous peoples experience across the globe.

During the two years of studies, students take courses totaling 120 ECTS. Seven mandatory courses are designed to give a broad base, from which the individual student may choose a relevant topic for the master's thesis. The thesis work is supervised by faculty members from the cooperating units at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and topics are chosen in cooperation with the appointed advisors. It is customary to conduct data collection for the master's thesis at the end of the second semester.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a medium-sized research university that contributes to knowledge-based development at the regional, national, and international levels.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is the third-largest in Norway and the northernmost university in the world. Its location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources, and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which the University of Tromsø takes a special interest in it. At UiT The Arctic University of Norway you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Knowlege on top of the world

Life in the High North is shaped by wild nature, contrasting light and weather conditions, geographic distances, and multiculturalism. Many of UiT´s research centers and study programs reflect the specific character of Arctic Norway.

UiT's study portfolio covers all classical subject areas from Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, Science and Technology to Economics, Law, Social Work, Tourism, Sports, and Fine Arts.

UiT's key research focuses on the polar environment, climate research, indigenous people, peace and conflict transformation, telemedicine, medical biology, space physics, fishery science, marine bioprospecting, linguistics, and computational chemistry.

UiT´s Centre for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics, CASTL, and CTCC, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, have both been designated Norwegian Centres of Excellence. In 2002 the Tromsø-based NST, Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, was appointed a World Health Organization Collaboration Centre.

The ARCTOS network at the Faculty for Biosciences, Fisheries, and Economics, is a leader in research on marine arctic ecosystems and an important partner of the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The Department of Physics focuses on northern lights and space research. All these institutes are of high international reputation.

The university is part of the FRAM – High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment (Fram Centre) in Tromsø. Every January the international conference Arctic Frontiers invites researchers, politicians, and business representatives to discuss Arctic issues across disciplinary borders. The Secretariat of the Arctic Council is located at the Fram Centre. Researchers from the University and Fram Center are involved in several international programs of the Arctic Council.

An international hub

The University of Tromsø has been through three mergers. On the 1st of January 2009 UiT merged with the University College of Tromsø, and on the 1st of August 2013 with the University College of Finnmark. The latest merge was on the 1st of January 2016 with both the University College of Harstad and the University College of Narvik.

After the merge UiT has become a multi-campus university spread throughout Northern Norway. The main campuses are located in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad, with smaller departments in the towns of Mo i Rana, Hammerfest, and Kirkenes. The number of students and study programs increases due to this merger. The new university has become an even more important driving force for Northern Norway and international cooperation in the High North.

Why UiT?

UiT is truly arctic

UIT is the northernmost university in the world. Our location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance - climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which UiT takes a special interest in.

No tuition fees

UiT offers all students a distinct advantage over many universities around the world: there are no tuition fees for international students to study at UiT in Norway.

Student life at UiT

By making the most of the opportunities at UiT, you can create the best student experience for you and reach your full potential through academic support, sporting clubs, and our various student organizations on our campuses.

Study in English at UiT

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students wanting to study at UiT. One of the reasons for this solid reputation comes from the fact that UiT offers a variety of courses and programs in English. Consequently, admission does not require proof of Norwegian skills.

Building bridges

Building bridges through internationalization at home and abroad. International cooperation is a precondition in order for UiT to offer outstanding education and world-leading research for students, trainees, researchers, academic groups, and staff from our partner universities.

Research intensive & high-quality learning environment

Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. As a student at UiT, you learn from teachers who are proud to make their mark on the subject they teach in a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:8.

Urban life - wild nature

The Arctic Adventurer - Do you have it in you?

We have various stunning places of study in Alta, Harstad, Narvik, Tromsø, and Svalbard. Explore the locations to discover what each one has to offer, from programs, adventure, music, and art to nightlife and activities.