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Member institutions
Department of Product Design
Akershus University College
Founded in 1917
HEAD OF THE INSTITUTION
Dean Petter Ψyan
ADDRESS
Kunnskapsveien 55, NO-2007 Kjeller, Norway
Phone +47 64 849 000, Fax +47 64 849 001
Website http://www.hiak.no/
CAMPUSES
CONTACT PERSON
Professor Gunnar H. Gundersen
Kunnskapsveien 55, NO-2007 Kjeller
Phone +47, Fax
E-mail GunnarH.Gundersen[at]hiak.no
OTHER CONTACT PERSONS
Administration: Cecilie Slettvoll Martinsen, Cecilie.SlettvollMartinsen[at]hiak.no
International office: Kristin Bugge, Kristin.bugge[at]hiak.no

Alec Howe, alec.howe[at]hiak.no
GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE MEMBER UNIT
A. ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
FACULTIES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE MEMBER UNIT
Department of Product Design
AVAILABLE BACHELOR LEVEL OR EQUIVALENT PROGRAMS AND THE ESTIMATED DURATION OF STUDYING
Bachelor in Product design – 3 year full-time

with focus on:
• Hands-on approach to materials and production processes
• Live collaborative design projects
• Design development methodologies
• Formal aesthetics
AVAILABLE MASTER LEVEL OR EQUIVALENT PROGRAMS AND THE ESTIMATED DURATION OF STUDYING
Master in Product design – 2 year full-time
with specialisation in 2 areas:
materials-based and concept-based design

with focus on:
• Exploiting the strategic and creative potential in the meeting points between art, design and commercial enterprise
• Sustainability and product life-cycle
• Innovation and future scenarios
• Commercial and entrepreneurial practice
• Professional placement
RESEARCH ACTIVITY AND MAIN RESEARCH AREAS
Research programme - Innovation
B. AIMS, PHILOSOPHY AND COLLABORATION
SUMMARY OF MISSION STATEMENT
The development of the creative professional practice, formal and technical knowledge, and theoretical understanding necessary to enter a variety of careers in product design.
Focus on the overall process of product development from initial need to realization of products.

The department of product design is one of the longest established design environments in Norway. Sited in a modern campus, in the vicinity of Oslo and open nature, the department has comprehensive workshop facilities, spacious studios and an extensive library.
THE ROLE OF THE MEMBER UNIT IN NATIONAL AND REGIONAL SECTORS AND IN HOME CITY AND ITS COLLABORATION WITH PARTNER UNIVERSITIES, ASSOCIATIONS, INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS CONNECTIONS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS.
On-going contact with live projects in both public and private sector. Collaboration with regional research organizations.
INFORMATION ON STUDENT EXCHANGES
SUBJECT AREAS FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Bachelor degree: - please contact above
Master degree: - all modules
DEADLINES TO APPLY FOR AN EXCHANGE PERIOD
Autumn term – before 15 September
Spring term – before 15 April
TEACHING LANGUAGES
Norwegian and English.
Exchange students are expected to have proficient English language skills.
BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES OF THE SEMESTER
Autumn – August to December
Spring – January to June
COSTS PER MONTH (studying and living)
€ 1000 ca.
FIGURES
NUMBER OF DEGREE STUDENTS
Bachelor: 120
Master: 20
Doctorate: n/a
NUMBER OF INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENTS
8
NUMBER OF OUTGOING EXCHANGE STUDENTS
8
NUMBER OF OTHER STUDENTS (continuing education, post-experience courses, other)
n/a
NUMBER OF TEACHING STAFF
Professors: 7
Lecturers: 8
Other permanent teachers: n/a
Part-time teachers: 15