Study plan for MAHF-NOFI Master's Programme in Old Norse Studies, høst 2026

ECTS Credits

120 ECTS credits

Name of qualification

Master of Old Norse Studies

Full-time/Part-time

The program is organized as a full-time study, but can also be taken as a 50% part-time study upon application.

Language of Instruction

English. Scandinavian can be chosen for supervision and in exams.

Semester

Autumn and spring.

Objectives and content

This research-oriented programme offers the opportunity to focus on Old Norse literature and learned writing, Norse mythology and religion, cultural-historical as well as linguistic topics, and Nordic scholarly literature from the Middle Ages and early modern period. At the same time, Old Norse Studies is situated within a broad, interdisciplinary academic framework—for instance, in combination with studies in Medieval Latin, history, and archaeology. The programme provides a foundation for the independent and continuous development of expertise and specialization.

The MA programme in Old Norse Studies qualifies candidates for research, teaching, and dissemination in Old Norse Studies and related fields. The programme aims to educate students in theory and method, and the history of the subject. During the programme, the students shall develop an independent and critical approach to the source material and scholarly discussions.

Required Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has advanced knowledge of the history of Old Norse literature and the main areas of Old Norse Studies
  • has in-depth knowledge within their area of specialization (MA thesis)
  • has advanced knowledge of theories and research methods for the study of Old Norse
  • understands key scholarly issues in Old Norse Studies
  • is familiar with current debates on central issues in the field
  • is familiar with research and professional ethics in Old Norse and medieval studies

Skills

The candidate:

  • can plan and complete a major independent research project in Old Norse Studies under supervision
  • can apply relevant theories and methods for independent research in the field
  • can critically analyse established theories, methods, and frameworks used in Old Norse Studies
  • can analyse and critically evaluate both Old Norse source texts and scholarly works
  • can use digital resources to acquire subject-specific knowledge
  • can convey insights into all aspects of Old Norse Studies, both linguistic and literary

General Competence

The candidate:

  • can communicate clearly, using correct terminology and structure, both in writing and orally
  • can evaluate, organise and use and transform information from digital sources appropriately, and critically evaluate the sources
  • can read academic literature in Scandinavian languages and English, and has also experience of reading texts in other languages
  • can discuss scholarship on the Middle Ages and form an independent opinion
  • can continue developing expertise and specialisations independently
  • can communicate with both specialists and the general public about academic issues in Old Norse Studies and to some extent in related fields within medieval studies

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

The MA programme in Old Norse Studies builds on a BA degree with at least 80 ECTS in a subject relevant to Old Norse Studies, of these at least 60 ECTS credits in Old Norse Studies or equivalent.

Qualifying BA degrees from UiB:

  • BA degree in Old Norse Studies
  • BA degree in Nordic Studies with specialisation in Old Norse Studies
  • BA degrees in neighbouring disciplines, such as History, Archaeology, Nordic Languages and Literature, Classical Philology and Art History, will normally qualify if you have 60 ECTS in the fields of Old Norse and Medieval Studies and you have documented knowledge of Old Norse - e.g. by having completed both Old Norse course packages, each worth 30 ECTS (“Språk, litteratur og mytologi i vikingtid og mellomalder”, 1 and 2).

Other qualifying degrees:
Other BA degrees may qualify if they include at least 80 ECTS credits (equivalent to approximately 1.5 years of full-time study) in a subject relevant to Old Norse Studies. Of these, at least 60 ECTS credits must be in Old Norse Studies, Scandinavian Studies or Medieval Studies, and you must have documented knowledge of Old Norse.

You must also have:

  • A minimum average grade of C in the subjects qualifying you for admission.
  • Good command of English. Language requirements in English are covered by general university entrance qualifications, either through Norwegian upper secondary education or equivalent.

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Compulsory units

  • NOLISP300 Nordic: Project Preparation Course (15 ECTS)
  • NOFI300 Old Norse Studies: Higher-level MA course I (15 ECTS)
  • NOFI302 Old Norse Studies: Higher-level MA course II (15 ECTS)
  • NOFI303 Old Norse Studies: Higher-level MA course III (15 ECTS)
  • NOFI350 MA thesis in Old Norse Studies (60 ECTS)

Recommended electives

None.

Sequential Requirements, courses

1st semester (autumn/spring):

2nd semester (autumn/spring):

3rd semester (autumn/spring):

2nd to 4th semester:

Study period abroad

It is possible to take parts of the study program at institutions abroad. Further information can be obtained from the study advisor.

Suitable exchance institutions can be:

  • University of Copenhagen
  • University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands)

Teaching and learning methods

Instruction consists of lectures and seminars in which active student participation is expected. In some courses, students are responsible for limited parts of the instruction or for creating summaries of the syllabus to share with fellow students (as a required activity).

Supervision is provided for term papers and the MA thesis.

Assessment methods

Supervised term papers (can be written in English, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic, or German)

Supervised MA thesis (can be written in English, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic, or German)

Oral examinations (can be held in English, Norwegian, Danish, or Swedish)

Home examinations (can be written in English, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Icelandic, or German)

Trial lectures (can be held in English, Norwegian, Danish, or Swedish)

Diploma and Diploma supplement

Diplomas are issued upon completion of the degree.

Grading scale

A–F.

Access to further studies

An MA degree in Old Norse Studies qualifies for application to Ph.D. programs.

Employability

The MA programme in Old Norse Studies qualifies graduates for work in teaching and education, communication, and cultural dissemination, as well as at higher-level research institutions. The degree provides a strong foundation for roles involving analysis, case processing, supervision, and advising. Graduates may find employment in public administration (e.g., cultural heritage, museums, libraries, archives) and the private sector (e.g., the media industry).

Evaluation

The programme is continuously evaluated according to the quality assurance guidelines at the University of Bergen. Course and programme evaluations can be found at: kvalitetsbasen.uib.no

Programme committee

The programme board is responsible for the academic content, structure, and quality of the program.

Administrative responsibility

The Faculty of Humanities, Department of Linguistic, Literary, and Aesthetic Studies is responsible for programme administration.

Contact information

studierettleiar@lle.uib.no