EPN-V2

MSL4000 Governance - Forms and Reforms Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Styring - former og reformer
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2026/2027
Course history
Curriculum
FALL 2026
Schedule
  • Introduction

    No aids are permitted.

  • Required preliminary courses

    Grade scale A-F

  • Learning outcomes

    After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

    Knowledge

    The student has

    • in-depth knowledge of the concepts governance and management and their use in different contexts
    • in-depth knowledge of key public governance instruments
    • in-depth knowledge of the connection between social changes and governance challenges in the public sector, and between governance challenges and changes in forms of governance and management
    • in-depth knowledge of international trends in public sector reforms and Norwegian management policy
    • insight into the relationship between systems of governance and civil society and an understanding of democratic implications relating to the development of different forms of governance
    • insight into ethical issues relating to public governance

    Skills

    The student is capable of

    • analysing governance challenges in the public sector
    • assessing how these challenges can be met through reforms and measures
    • assessing different governance tools in public policy

    General competence

    The student is capable of

    • disseminating the results of independent work, writing reports, and giving oral presentations as forms of communication
    • applying knowledge and skills in obtaining and using relevant sources, literature and other information, masters reference and quotation techniques, and is capable of defining what constitutes plagiarism and cheating
    • communicating with both specialists in the field and the general public about relevant issues, analyses and conclusions relating to reforms and management policy
    • playing an active role in renewal and reform work and contributing critical perspectives to such processes
  • Teaching and learning methods

    Per Arne Tufte

  • Course requirements

    Basic knowledge of research method and theory of science corresponding to bachelor level.

  • Assessment

    The exam in the course is an individual course paper. The course paper must have a scope of max 3500 words (reference list/literature list is not included). Font and font size: Arial/Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

    Students awarded a fail grade are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the assignment for assessment.

  • Permitted exam materials and equipment

    All aids are permitted, as long as the student follows the rules for examinations, source use and referencing, and OsloMet's guidelines for using artificial intelligence (AI) in student assignments.

  • Grading scale

    Grade scale A-F

  • Examiners

    The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

    At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

  • Course contact person

    Øyvind Søraas Skorge