Research Internship: Psychology, Communication, Culture & Technology
Department of Communication and Culture | BI Norwegian Business School
Gain valuable, first-hand experience conducting high-level research at the intersection of social and political psychology, culture, technology, and communication.
Over the past five years, we have hosted more than 25 interns from all over the world. If you are looking to transition from theoretical understanding to practical application in an international academic environment, we invite you to read the details below.
⚠️ CURRENT AVAILABILITY STATUS
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2026: Fully Booked.
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Next Availability: Spring 2027 (Starting January).
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Summer Policy: We do not offer internships during the summer break (June & July).
All internships will be hosted at the Department of Communication and Culture, BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo, Norway.
What to Expect
As a research intern, you will not just be an observer; you will be an active contributor. You will typically assist with multiple research projects simultaneously, providing a rich experience in various methods and topics.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Literature Review & Meta-analysis: Synthesizing existing research to inform new studies. This will involve the coding of existing studies for large databases.
- AI Applications: Assisting with AI applications in psychology, including planning, data annotation, and the training of models.
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Study Design: Setting up online studies, preparing stimuli, and translating materials.
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Data Collection: Recruiting participants through various online and offline channels.
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Analysis: Cleaning data, performing statistical analysis, and visualizing results.
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Lab Management: Organizing meetings and managing online communication channels/webpages.
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Science Communication: Writing research summaries or assisting with media outreach.
The Work Environment
A Typical Week
You will be integrated into the daily life of the department. This includes participating in and helping organize weekly meetings. You will work closely with Prof. Jonas R. Kunst and other members on specific projects with clear deadlines.
Office Space
Space allocation depends on current department demand. While we cannot guarantee a dedicated permanent desk for every intern, we always strive to provide a workspace close to the rest of the research team to ensure you feel connected. Usually, that will be in the department’s shared office.
Funding & Erasmus+
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Self-Funded Only: We accept interns who are self-funded. We do not provide a salary. Please note that Oslo is a comparably expensive city to live in.
Erasmus+: Our institution is part of the Erasmus+ program. If you qualify, we are very happy to support your application. We have many years of positive experience hosting Erasmus+ scholars.
Testimonials
Gizem Dik
During my tenure as an Erasmus psychology intern under the guidance of Jonas Kunst, I was immersed in a transformative experience. The environment fostered by the collaborative spirit and unwavering support of the researchers enabled me to thrive without the burden of stress. Engaging in a diverse array of projects provided me with invaluable opportunities to refine my practical skills… Transitioning from a purely theoretical understanding to practical application was immensely gratifying. Through insightful interactions with my fellow researchers and the mentorship of Jonas Kunst, I gained profound insights into the mindset and aptitude required to excel… Their warmth and guidance throughout this journey have left an indelible mark, and I am sincerely honored to be a part of the esteemed research group. My time at Oslo… was not just about acquiring knowledge; it was about embracing a new way of thinking.
Natascha Janho
I was a research intern for 6 months. During my research internship, I had the opportunity to work on several projects and gain insights into different aspects of academic research… My tasks were diverse and challenging and offered me the opportunity to acquire new qualifications and knowledge. The working environment is open and friendly, all… members are very approachable and eager to provide their assistance. I benefited greatly from their skills and expertise. I really appreciate the fact that as an intern you are actively involved in the meetings related to the projects and current research… I felt well taken care of and comfortable at the office and I am grateful for the amazing people I had the joy of meeting!
Silvia Allegretta
I spent three months as a research intern. During my internship I took part in different projects – both quantitative and qualitative – at different research stages. I really enjoyed the working environment: there was always a good mood and everyone was ready to help with a smile on their faces. I also participated in… meetings in which research projects were presented and discussed. This experience was really stimulating and it allowed me to gain a broader understanding of research methodology… Overall, I acquired a lot of skills and I had the chance to get to know more about the routine of a researcher. I am grateful to have met amazing colleagues and friends and I hope to join the group again very soon.
Felix Feist
During my internship, I was actively involved in different tasks connected to several research projects. My tasks included data preparation and acquisition for a multi-level analysis, the translation of survey material, the formatting and preparation of data for a publication, and the transcription and qualitative analysis of interviews… All in all, the internship was a valuable opportunity for me to get to know a working environment of an academic researcher. I acquired a lot of new skills and knowledge in a very interesting and dynamic field of research. Being part of the competent and reliable team was an enriching experience for me.
Mona Frank
During the internship, my main task was to assist in the design and conduction of several psychological studies. This included providing feedback on the work of other… members and participating in regular… meetings. I was assigned to the PrAcDis research project and conducted a variety of tasks over the course of my internship… Together with other… members, I was also responsible for the design of the sampling method and data collection procedure, as well as the recruitment of study participants. All in all, the internship provided valuable insight into the working life of an academic researcher and allowed me to expand my technical skills as well as my practical knowledge on various levels.
Application Requirements
We are looking for dedicated, ambitious, and diligent individuals who work well both independently and in teams.
Academic Background
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You should be at the Bachelor’s or Master’s stage of your education.
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Ideally, you have a background in Psychology (Cultural, Social, Political, Personality), Communication, or Technology.
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Note: We occasionally accept applicants from other disciplines if they possess relevant academic experience.
Skills
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Quantitative Focus: Our work is primarily quantitative. You should have experience with statistics (e.g., via courses or thesis work) and a strong desire to improve these skills.
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Language: The working language is English. You must have working proficiency corresponding to C1 level or higher.
Mindset
We are enthusiastic about research and passionate about our fields. Successful candidates share this motivation.
Dates & Deadlines
Most interns join us for a semester-long period (minimum 3 months):
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Spring Semester: January – June
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Fall Semester: August – December
How to Apply
To apply for a research internship, please email [email protected].
Your application must include:
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Your CV.
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Your Academic Transcripts.
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A motivation letter (max. 1 page) explaining why you are interested in an internship with us and how your background fits the requirements listed above.