Ryan J. Dillon is a Master's student on the Joint Nordic Master’s programme in Marine Ecosystems and Climate.

– I chose to apply to the program because it offered a ­unique opportunity to work with faculty from multiple ­institutions in Scandinavia, Ryan says.

A joint Master’s degree is one that has been issued by a collection of universities together for a single program
of study.

Networking

The programme is hosted by the University of Bergen, with the participation of three other universities in ­Scandinavia. This means that students get to travel and experience ­multiple learning environments.

- The field I study benefits from international collaboration and perspective. Climate change and marine ecosystems are often managed by teams of people from various countries, so the joint degree offers me the opportunity to network and gain a variety of perspectives on management issues affecting all countries where I am studying, he says.

UiB's reputation

After looking at many universities offering programs in Oceanography, Ryan says he thought none compared to the University of Bergen in terms of location, reputation, and collaborative relationships with other institutions:

– The University of Bergen also collaborates with local instiutions such as the Institute of Marine Research, ­says Ryan.

– This is a great asset to the learning environment.

The Buddy Programme

Ryan has enjoyed his stay in Bergen:

– It is one of the most beautiful cities I have been to, and definitely the best I have lived in so far. I might never leave! He emphasizes the proximity to nature and describes the culture in the city as fantastic.

– I also recommend all prospective students to join the Buddy Bergen program. I have met a lot of wonderful people this way, smiles Ryan.