Programme description for Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature (2026–2028)

Upon completion of the programme, students will

Knowledge

• have advanced knowledge of sections of Nordic linguistic and literary science or a combination of both.
• have a thorough knowledge of fundamental subject-specific, scientific theories, methods and approaches
• have general knowledge of scientific theory and method
• have general knowledge of the history, traditions and characteristics of the subject area, as well as its position in society

Skills

• be able to master both the official Norwegian language variants (Bokmål and Nynorsk)
• be able to express themselves clearly and appropriately both orally and in writing in various communicative situations
• be able to explain, analyze and use central concepts, methods and theories in literature and linguistics in order to describe and assess fictional texts, factual prose and composite texts based on relevant textual, grammatical, rhetoric and literary norms and criteria
• be able to carry out an independent research project (60 credits) under supervision and in accordance with existing research-ethical norms
• be able to give advice about good and appropriate diction in various communicative situations

General qualifications

• be able to analyze relevant academic, professional and research-ethical approaches
• be able to utilize their knowledge and skills in order to meet challenges and change processes in the Norwegian and Nordic textual culture
• be able to communicate academic approaches as well as analyze and draw conclusions within their subject area, both with specialists and the general public
• be able to contribute to new lines of thought around the textual culture

The general admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent education of a minimum of three years duration (180 ECTS credits).

A minimum of 80 ECTS credits must be from courses in Nordic languages or literature. The major must include a minimum of 30 credits of language courses and 30 credits of literature. A minimum of 20 credits must be extension courses at level 2. Students must master and have passed examinations in both the Norwegian language variants.

Students with less than 80 ECTS credits in Nordic languages and literature may be admitted if their education is regarded as relevant and their major and minor subjects are adequate.

Based on the major subject of 80 ECTS credits in Nordic languages and literature, an average grade of C or better is a requirement.

Ranking will be based on the average grade in the major.

Furthermore, the general regulations on admission to studies at the University of Agder will apply.

The master’s programme involves academic specialization on three levels. Firstly, the students will work closely with selected parts of Nordic language and literature, such as language history, language norming, rhetoric, novels or poetry. This is done both through the work with the master’s thesis and through the three specialization courses that the students follow the first three semesters. Secondly, the students will work with more comprehensive theories of language and literature. This is the topic of a separate theoretical course in the first semester. The theory is international, but in this course the theories are related to Nordic linguistic and literary material. Thirdly, the students will learn about research through writing a master’s thesis under supervision.

The study programme comprises 120 ECTS credits and is composed of the following:

• one theoretical course, either in Linguistic theory or Literature theory (15 ECTS credits)
• three topical courses (15 ECTS credits each, total of 45 ECTS credits)
• master's thesis (60 ECTS credits)

The theoretical course comprises:

• linguistic or literary basic theory
• applied theory
• subject history
• philosophy of science

Elective topical courses

The elective topical courses are to represent three clearly separate disciplines in the subject. They may be freely chosen within Nordic literature or languages. Instruction is offered in both linguistic and literary courses each semester. It is possible to have individual reading lists but they must be approved by a lecturer. The elective courses have different assessment methods, which will determine whether the specialization will be called 1, 2 or 3. In the specialization there is a 2-week practice period. The practice period may be replaced by assignments.

The master's thesis

The master's thesis is an individual scientific work under supervision. Students will be assigned a superviser based upon their project description. The scope of the master's thesis is normally 80-120 pages (Times New Roman, 12 pt, line spacing 1,5).

The programme yields to the following UN sustainable development goals:

• Good education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
• Peace, justice, and effective institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
• Gender equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Lectures, seminars and a writing course. There is a 2-week practice period included in the specialization where students work with teaching language and/or literature. The master's thesis NO-500, is an independent work under supervision.

There is a variety of assessment methods including home examination, written examination, oral examination, trial lecture and master's thesis.

The master's thesis and the home examination in NO-416 or NO-417 must be written in different Norwegian language variants.

Nordic Language and Literature is per definition international, i.e. oriented to Norwegian, Danish, Swedish and Icelandic language and literature. This is apparent both in our teaching and the prescribed literature.

Students may study abroad, both in the Nordic countries and in other countries with Nordic studies – see the University’s site for student exchange for more information.

The master’s programme accommodates foreign students (defined as students with a first language other than Norwegian and upper secondary education from another country than Norway). Foreign students may take any course with the code NOU, as these subjects grant exemption from writing in the two variants of Norwegian.

Students who study part-time should contact their student advisor in order to adjust their individual education schedule.

Courses taken within the Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature for Non-Norwegian students (NOU-courses) will not be approved as a part of the Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature.

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer ('laptop') for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d.