Fakultetet

Fakultetet is a major organizational unit within many universities in Norway and other Nordic countries, corresponding to the English term “faculty.” It is typically a broad division that groups related disciplines into a coherent entity and is responsible for both teaching and research in its field. The exact scope and naming can vary by country and institution, but the concept generally denotes a large unit that encompasses several subjects with common academic aims.

A faculty normally comprises multiple departments or institutes, each focusing on specific disciplines. It coordinates curriculum development, degree programs (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels) offered within its fields, admissions policies for those programs, and quality assurance processes. In addition, the faculty supports research activities, influences hiring and staffing within its area, and provides facilities and services for students and staff.

Governance and leadership typically place a dean at the head of the faculty, often supported by deputy deans and a faculty council or board. The dean and council oversee strategic planning, budgeting, and performance, and represent the faculty in relations with the university’s central administration, other faculties, and external partners. The faculty also interacts with students through program administration, academic counseling, and student organizations.

Variations exist among institutions: some use “faculty” as the top-level division above departments, while others employ different hierarchies such as schools or colleges. Nevertheless, the core function remains: to organize related academic disciplines, support education and research, and connect departmental work to the broader university mission.