This involves not only acquiring methodological techniques for analyzing fiction, prose or grammatical structures, but studying Norwegian and Scandinavian languages and literature in interaction with media and cultural expressions within a larger global context. This subject includes studies of the Norwegian language in all varieties – from the Old Norse of the Middle Ages to modern Norwegian youth language, from saga stories to modern fiction.

The master programme in Scandinavian Language and Literature will provide candidates with a thorough competence in treating problems independently, critically and on a professionally high level. The programme consists of four subject-specific courses that deal with the history of the fields of study, scholarly theory and methodology. These courses aim to provide a basis for the writing of a master's thesis. Specific seminars focusing on the writing process where the students can discuss problems and sketches with the academic staff and fellow students will be arranged. The master programme gives the students the opportunity to choose an independent syllabus in consultation with the the academic staff and their supervisor. The master’s thesis is an independent, scholarly piece of work where the students document their ability to analyze professionally relevant topics in a good theoretical and methodical way.

Most students choose to focus entirely on either Scandinavian language or Scandinavian literature. But a combination of linguistic and literary courses is also possible. At the Department of Scandinavian Studies and Comparative Literature the students may also take a didactic master's degree which is defined either within language or within literature. This such measures the syllabus of the individual courses are given a didactic profile.

Students are required to master both of the official Norwegian written languages (nynorsk and bokmål), and at least one exam must be written in the language which is not used in the master’s thesis.

The programme suits students who seek profound teaching qualifications, or wish to continue a doctoral programme. The programme also provides a good, general foundation for work with all types of texts.

Scandinavian Language and Literature at NTNU
The Scandinavian language and literature section at the department are engaged in teaching and research that comprises a wide range of topics within the field. The Norwegian Research Council conducted an evaluation of the Scandinavian language and literature environments at the Norwegian universiteties and colleges in the spring of 2005, and they concluded by giving the environment at NTNU a very strong recommendation.

Within Scandivian linguistic research the department enjoys high competence in grammar (synthax and intonation), socio linguistics, linguistic scholarly theory and Norse philology.

Research in Scandinavian literature currently focuses on contemporary literature, literature criticism and didactic problems.