Introduction

In collaboration with Gateway College, Telemark University College offers a number of course combinations at foreign locations. Gateway College is responsible for the practical organisation and implementation of the studies, while Telemark University College is responsible for overseeing academic standards, involving the approval of teachers’ educational qualifications, study programmes, syllabuses and examinations. Applications for enrolment should first be sent to Gateway College and then to Telemark University College; applicants should contact Gateway College for information concerning application procedures.

The various one-semester study programmes represent the start of Bachelor’s degree study programmes, and students thus have the opportunity to continue their Bachelor’s degree studies at Telemark University College in the subject area they have selected.

After completing the one-semester study programme, students who wish to continue their studies at other institutions in Norway may apply for recognition of the completed courses at the institution where they make their application. In such an application, students must include grade transcripts, course descriptions and syllabus reading lists. Students will receive grade transcripts from Telemark University College after the completion of their studies. Course descriptions and syllabus reading lists may be printed directly from the college’s website.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfil general admission requirements.

The target group consists of students who wish to combine their studies with a semester abroad. Campuses are located in France (Paris), USA (New York), Indonesia (Bali / Kedonganan), Mexico (Playa del Carmen) and South Africa (Cape Town).

Aim of the Programme

The one-semester study programmes provide students with the opportunity to start a Norwegian Bachelor’s degree programme in an environment abroad that offers significant benefits with regard to the learning process in the various courses, and thus will also hopefully encourage students to participate in regular student exchanges later on during the course of their Bachelor’s degree studies.

Learning outcome

The one-semester study programmes comprise 30 ECTS credits and consist of 3-4 courses (see below).

After successfully completing the respective study programmes/courses, candidates will have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates will have knowledge of:

• Key themes
• Theories and issues related to the relevant subjects
• Tools and methods used in the field of the study programme
• Research and development within the subject area
• The subject area’s history, traditions, character and place in society

Skills

The candidate can:

• Apply knowledge of the subject and relevant results of research and development to practical and theoretical questions, and make reasoned choices
• Reflect on their own academic development
• Locate, assess and refer to information and subject material, and present it so that it highlights a problem
• Master relevant academic tools, techniques and forms of expression

General competence

The candidate will:

• Gain insight into relevant ethical questions in the field
• Be able to plan and carry out various assignments and projects
• Be able to communicate important subject material such as theories, questions and solutions both orally and in writing
• Be able to exchange views and experiences with others in the field of study

Curriculum and structure

The 2013/14 study programmes include 12 one-semester study programmes offered at various campuses abroad. The number of study programmes offered, and the number of courses in the various study programmes, may vary by semester. Each study programme consists of 3-4 courses, totalling at least 30 ECTS credits per semester; some study programmes include elective courses. This applies particularly when language courses are offered at different levels.

Each study programme includes a Reflection Paper, which is not awarded credits, but must be approved before the study programme can be approved. This study programme requirement is in addition to the requirements of the respective programme courses. The Reflection Paper must be submitted before the student departs the campus. The aim of the Reflection Paper is to prepare students for the study programme and give them better knowledge of the foreign study location, and in this way provide them with a better learning environment.

Internationalization

The study programmes are offered abroad and have thus an international flavour, although the language of instruction on most campuses is Norwegian; the exception is New York, where the language of instruction is English. Since the studies comprise first-year courses in the respective Bachelor study programmes, this may not be considered as student exchange in the traditional sense. However, if students later continue with the respective Bachelor degree study programmes at Telemark University College or other colleges and universities, they will have the opportunity to participate in student exchanges/internationalization programmes in the third year of the Bachelor’s degree study programme.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars and group work. The instruction may be given in blocks. Students will be expected to make considerable effort in order to successfully complete the study programme on schedule.

Assessment Methods

Various forms of assessment are used, such as various types of midterm examinations (written and oral) and final written examinations. For detailed descriptions of assessment methods, please refer to the respective course descriptions. Grades are usually used in the assessments (A-F).

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean