Bachelor’s degree

Key features

• Qualification: Bachelorgrad
• Qualification in English: Bachelor’s degree
• EQF level: 6
• Cycle: First cycle
• Thesis required: Regulated by the institutions
• Nominal length: 3 years / 180 ECTS (240 ECTS for some programmes)
• Access requirement: Higher Education Entrance Qualification or corresponding qualification
• Access to further study: Master’s degree

Programmes

The bachelor programmes provide students with a broad academic foundation as well as specialist knowledge combined with theoretical, applied and analytical skills.

Some bachelor's programmes have a fixed structure, while others allow the student to choose between different courses after completing the first part of the programme. In study programmes with more freedom of choice, the combination of courses must comply with the guidelines of the educational institution in order to confer a bachelor's degree. The programmes prepare students for occupational functions and for studies for the master's degree (second cycle).

Four-year general teacher education programme (allmennlærerutdanning)

Many university colleges offer four-year teacher education programmes (240 ECTS). Candidates can be awarded the bachelor's degree after three years if the programme meets the requirements for a bachelor's degree set out in the regulations for the university college. Teaching qualifications for primary and lower secondary school can, however, only be achieved after four years.

Bachelor’s degree within the fine arts

The bachelor's degree within the arts is awarded after 3 years of study (180 ECTS). A Bachelor degree (BA) in music is awarded after 3 or 4 years of study (180 / 240 ECTS).

Admission is usually conditional on passing an entrance examination.
The programmes are based on research and artistic research. Programmes are offered within the area of fine arts: architecture, design etc.

The degree normally gives access to a master's (master) programme in the same field.

Degree titles

• Norwegian: Bachelor (BA) i [field of study] or Bachelor (BSc) i [field of study].
• English: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in [field of study] or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in [field of study]. Legal studies: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.). Fine arts: Bachelor of Arts in [field of study], Bachelor of Fine Arts in [field of study].
  

Learning outcomes

As defined in the Norwegian qualifications framework for lifelong learning (NQF).

Knowledge and understanding

Persons obtaining degrees at this level...

• must possess broad knowledge of important topics, theories, issues, processes, tools and methods within the academic field
• are familiar with research and development work in the field
  can update his/her knowledge in the field
  
• have knowledge of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field
  

Skills

Persons obtaining degrees at this level...

• can apply academic knowledge and relevant results of research and development work to practical and theoretical problems and make well-founded choices
  
• can reflect upon their own academic practice and adjust it under supervision
  
• can find, evaluate and refer to information and scholarly subject matter and present it in a manner that sheds light on the problems
  
• master relevant scholarly tools, techniques and forms of communication
  

General competence

Persons obtaining degrees at this level...

• have insight into relevant academic and professional ethical issues
  
• can plan and carry out varied assignments and projects over time, alone or as part of a group, and in accordance with ethical requirements and principles
  
• can communicate important academic subject matters such astheories, problems and solutions, both in writing and orally, as well as through other relevant forms of communication
  
• can exchange opinions and experiences with others with a background in the field, thereby contributing to the development of good practice
  
• are familiar with new thinking and innovation processes