Master's Programme in Old Norse Studies

Presentation

Start-up Date

Autumn and spring.

The Degree

The Master´s programme leads to the degree of Master of Philosophy in Old Norse Studies. It is a two-year programme (120 ECTS credits).

Objectives and content

The aim of the programme is to qualify candidates for research, teaching or mediation in Old Norse Studies and related disciplines. Old Norse Studies covers the field commonly referred to as "norrøn filologi" in the Scandinavian languages and "Altnordische Philologie" in the German language. Within this broad field the programme offers candidates the opportunity to specialise in linguistic, literary or cultural studies.

Programme structure

The programme consists of one preliminary course of 15 ECTS (see "Method" below), two specialised courses of 15 credits each, a public lecture of 15 credits, and a master´s thesis of 60 credits. The preliminary course should be taken in the first semester (or by the latest in the second semester), and the master´s thesis submitted in the final semester. The topic of the public lecture is decided by a commission and announced two weeks in advance, usually shortly after the thesis has been submitted. The programme has a duration of two years (four semesters).

As a rule, one specialised course is offered every semester. The subject of these courses varies from semester to semester, depending on the lecturers and their research interests. The specialised courses may be taken in any of the first three semesters, while the fourth and final semester is devoted to finishing the master´s thesis and to preparing the lecture.

The language of instruction is normally Norwegian, but Danish and Swedish may also be used. All exam papers as well as the master´s thesis may, however, be written in one of the Scandinavian Languages, i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, or in English or German.

Master thesis

The thesis is a work of advanced study in a topic of Old Norse studies. It should be between 70 and 110 pages. The thesis should document that the candidate has solid knowledge and understanding of the topic and relevant research, and that he or she can master the appropriate methodology and theoretical apparatus. The Department appoints a supervisor who will help the student choose the topic for the thesis as well as supervising the actual writing process.

Method

The preliminary course covers the theory of science, research methodology and academic writing. This course, which is referred to as "Prosjektførebuande emne" (NOLISP 300), is also part of the Master´s Programme in Nordic Languages and Literature.

Admission

Start-up Date

Autumn and spring.

Admission Requirements

A first degree (Bachelor´s degree) of three or four years´ duration from an approved institution of higher education, as well as proficiency in English and one of the Scandinavian languages. Your Bachelor´s degree should contain at least 90 ECTS credits (three semesters of full-time study) within Old Norse studies. 30 credits may be from courses which are closely related to or methodologically relevant to Old Norse studies. Other qualifications for admission will be considered in each individual case. A good understanding of Old Norse language is, however, essential for all applicants.

In order for us to be able to evaluate your application, we need specific documentation on the relevance of your former university education. The documents listed below must be included in order for your application to be processed.

1. The application must - in a separate document/letter - point out the exact courses within the field of Old Norse studies that together are equivalent to three semesters of full time studies (90 ECTS credits) in the field.

2. Course descriptions of the relevant courses must be submitted and the amount of credits connected to each course should be documented.

3. You must also submit documentation that shows the amount of credits or the number of courses that equal a full time study load of one semester. This could for instance be a statement from your home university.

4. You should also present a statement of purpose for a future Master's thesis, written in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language.

Applications that fail to include all the above mentioned documentation will not be processed.

Who may apply

- Self-financing degree students

- Applicants for the Quota Scheme from the following university: Saint Petersburg State University (Russia).

See also general documentational requirements:

http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/international-applicants-residing-abroad