Programme structure

The master's degree is 120 ECTS credits.

The master's degree consists of the following parts, corresponding to 2 years full-time study:

  • 80 credits obligatory courses (including the master’s thesis)
  • 40 credits of elective courses

The programme is offered in both English and Norwegian. Courses will be taught in English if there are students registered who cannot speak Norwegian.

Recommended structure

4. semester LING4190 – Master's Thesis in Linguistics or LING4195 – Master's thesis in linguistics
3. semester LING4190 – Master's Thesis in Linguistics or ILN4900 – Project Semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies or ILN4950 – Research project semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies
2. semester Elective courses
1. semester LING4140 – Linguistic Method Elective courses
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

Recommended structure for students who started in 2021 or earlier

4. semester LING4190 – Master's Thesis in Linguistics or LING4195 – Master's thesis in linguistics
3. semester LING4190 – Master's Thesis in Linguistics or ILN4900 – Project Semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies or ILN4950 – Research project semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies
2. semester LING4140 – Linguistic Method Elective courses
1. semester LING4101 – The Theory of Science in Linguistics Elective courses
  10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits 10 ECTS credits

The first year consists of 60 ECTS coursework. There are two compulsory courses on theory and method that are common to all students in the programme.

In the second year, students write a 60-credit master's thesis. There are many exciting possibilities for choosing a topic for your master's thesis.

Previous theses cover topics in, for example, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, language change and code-switching, with data from, for example, Norwegian, Spanish, Russian, and languages in Africa and the Pacific region. Several of the theses have formed the basis for journal articles and conference presentations. 

Obligatory courses

At least 20 credits are chosen from the courses listed below

Up to 20 credits in the degree may be taken in subjects other than those mentioned above if relevant for the master's thesis and approved by the Linguistics teaching coordinator. You must apply separately for this. Contact the study advisor for linguistics to get help and more information. 

Diploma and degree

The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.

Course and semester pages

Click on each course (see table above) to find out:

  • Schedule
  • Time and place for the exam
  • Syllabus and learning requirements

Quality assurance

Study programs and courses are regularly evaluated to ensure and develop the quality of educational activities.

Published July 9, 2020 1:24 PM - Last modified Nov. 4, 2024 1:18 PM