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

The candidate should have the following total learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates:

• has advanced knowledge in parts of the field of Nordic literature or linguistics, or a combination of both
• has in-depth knowledge of basic subject-specific scientific theories, methods and issues
• has general knowledge of scientific theory and methods
• has general knowledge of the field's history, traditions, distinctive character and position in society

Skills

Candidates:

• masters one of the official forms of the Norwegian language
• can express themselves clearly and appropriately in speech and writing in different communication situations
• can explain, analyse and use key concepts, methods and theories in literary and linguistic studies to describe and evaluate fictional texts, non-fiction texts and complex texts based on relevant textual, grammatical, rhetorical and literary norms and criteria
• can carry out independent, limited research and development work under supervision and in line with applicable norms of research ethics
• can give advice on good and appropriate language in different communication situations

General competence

Candidates:

• can analyse relevant professional and research ethical issues
• can use his/her knowledge and skills to meet challenges and processes of change in Norwegian and Nordic written culture
• can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions within the field, both with specialists and to the general public
• can contribute to professional innovation about the text culture

The general admission requirement is a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years (180 credits).

The admission criteria must include a passed specialisation unit in Nordic language and literature of at least 80 credits. At least 20 credits of the specialization unit must be at the 200 level. In order to be admitted to the programme, applicants must have both a mother tongue other than Norwegian and upper secondary education other than Norwegian upper secondary education.

A weighted average grade of C or better, calculated on the basis of the specialisation unit, is required.

Ranking is based on the weighted average grade for the specialization unit.

Otherwise, admission takes place in accordance with the Regulations relating to Admission to Studies and Courses at the University of Agder https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2021-11-24-3370?q=uia

The master's programme involves an academic specialisation at three levels. Firstly, the students will work closely with selected parts of Nordic language and literature, such as language history, language normation, rhetoric, novel art or poetry. This happens both through the work on the master's thesis and through the three specialization courses that the student follows during the first three semesters. Secondly, the students will work with more general theories of language and literature. This takes place in a special theoretical course in the first semester. Theory is by definition international, but here the theories are related to a Nordic linguistic and literary material. Thirdly, the students will learn to conduct research in the subject by writing a master's thesis under supervision.

On the master's programme, you can specialise in either literature or language, or combine literature and language courses.

The master's programme is 120 credits, composed as follows:

• one theoretical course, either literary theory or language theory (15 credits)
• three specialization courses (15 credits, a total of 45 credits)
• Master's thesis (60 credits)

The theoretical course contains:

• literary or linguistic theory
• Applied theory
• History of the subject
• Philosophy of science

Specialization courses The
three specialization courses must represent clearly separated disciplines in the subject. They can be freely chosen within Nordic literature or language. Teaching in both linguistic and literary subjects is offered each semester. Any individual specialization courses must be approved by the appointed lecturer. The specialization courses have different types of exams, and the exam form determines whether they are called Specialization course 1, 2 or 3. In Specialization Course 2, there is a two-week internship. In special cases, practical training can be replaced by other types of tasks.

Master's thesis
Master's thesis is an independent scientific work, carried out in consultation with an appointed supervisor. The students are assigned a supervisor on the basis of a project description. The scope of the master's thesis is normally 80-120 pages (Times New Roman, 12 pt., 1.5 line spacing).

The forms of assessment are varied and include home exams, written exams, oral exams, trial lectures and master's theses.

In the assessment, emphasis will be placed on professional knowledge, skills and general competence. When it comes to assessing language skills, some consideration is given to the students' linguistic background.

Nordic languages and literature are by definition international, i.e. oriented towards Norwegian, Danish, Swedish and Icelandic languages and literature. This is evident in both the teaching and the syllabus literature.

Opportunities will be given for study visits to other countries in the 3rd and/or 4th semester, cf. the university's website on exchange opportunities. Exams from abroad can replace one or two of the specialization courses (subject to prior approval). You can apply to have courses from other master's degree programmes in Nordic countries incorporated into the programme.

The language of instruction is Norwegian.

Master's degree in Nordic languages and literature for foreign students.

Students who take the programme as a part-time programme must contact the student counsellor to have their education plan adjusted.

Courses taken in the master's programme in Nordic languages and literature for foreign students (NOU courses) are not accepted as courses in the master's programme in Nordic languages and literature.