Programme description for Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature for Non-Norwegian Students (2023–2025)

Upon completion of the programme, students will have acquired the following learning dividends.

Knowledge

The graduate will:

• have advanced knowledge within sections of Nordic languages and literature through topical studies in linguistics and literature including specialized knowledge in a particular subject area
• have a thorough knowledge of fundamental scholarly theories, methods and approaches in their subject area
• have general knowledge of scholarly theory and method
• have general knowledge of the history, traditions and characteristics of the subject area, as well as its position in society

Skills

The graduate will:

• master one of the official Norwegian languages
• be able to express themselves clearly and appropriately in both speech and writing in various communicative situations
• be able to explain, analyze and use central concepts, methods and theories within 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

The graduate will be able to:

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

The general admission requirement is a bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS credits.

A minimum of 80 ECTS credits must be from courses in Nordic languages or literature. A minimum of 20 credits must be extension courses at level 2. The Master's Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature for Non-Norwegian Students is applicable for students having neither Norwegian as their native language nor higher education completed in Norway.

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 weighted average grade in the major. Furthermore, the general regulations on admission to studies at the University of Agder will apply.

This study programme distinguishes itself from the ordinary Master's Degree Study Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature in that there is no requirement regarding the use of both official Norwegian language forms. Additionally, during the language assessment process, a certain amount of consideration is given to students' language background. While courses completed in the ordinary Master¿s Degree Study Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature at UiA will be approved as courses in the Master's Degree Study Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature for Foreign Students, this will not apply in the opposite case.

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

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

The theoretical courses comprise:

• linguistic or literary basic theory
• applied theory
• history of research

Elective topical courses/ specializations

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 also 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.

Master's thesis

The master's thesis is to be completed independently by students under advisement of an appointed faculty advisor. Students will be assigned an advisor based upon their project description. The length of the master's thesis is normally 80- 120 pages (Times New Roman, 12 pkt,line spacing 1,5).

Lectures, seminars and a writing course. There is a 2-week practice period included in NO-402/NO-404 where students work with teaching language and/or literature.The Master's thesis (NO-500)is an independent work under supervision.
The teaching language is Norwegian.

The programme does not qualify for teaching Norwegian in Norwegian primary and secondary schools, but provides a basis for working with Norwegian and Nordic languages and literature in other areas where good qualifications are required in the Norwegian language, and where literature is produced and disseminated. The qualifications obtained through the master's degree programme in Nordic language and literature for foreign students provide professional opportunities in publishing, media, advertising industry, libraries and other cultural institutions and in companies that need bilingual competence either in their home country or in Norway. There will also be opportunities for different types of work with the dissemination of Norwegian and Nordic languages and literature, especially in one's own home country. Norwegian universities and university colleges also have the opportunity to hire people with completed master's programmes in positions related to teaching, research and administration.

Master’s Degree in Nordic Languages and Literature for Foreign Students.

Part-time students should contact a student adviser for adjustment of the education plan.

NOU-courses are not accepted as a part of the master's programme in nordic language 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.