Master’s degree

Norway

Key features

  • Qualification: Mastergrad
  • Qualificationi in English: Master’s degree
  • EQF level: 7
  • Cycle: Second cycle
  • Thesis required: Yes (30 ECTS)
  • Nominal length: 2 years / 120 ECTS
  • Access requirement: Bachelor’s degree or corresponding qualification
  • Access to further study: PhD programmes

Programmes

A master’s degree programme is usually a two-year course of studies (120 ECTS credits).

The master programmes builds on academic specialization in the bachelor’s degree and includes independent work. It provides students with a broad academic foundation as well as specialist knowledge combined with theoretical, applied and analytical skills. Students are required to submit a thesis with minimum 30 ECTS workload before graduation, as defined in the legal regulations for master’s degrees (in Norwegian only).

The programmes prepare students for occupational functions and for studies for the PhD degree (third cycle).

A Master experience-based programme has a scope of either two years (120 ECTS credits) or one and a half years (90 ECTS credits). The admission requirements are: a relevant bachelor’s degree and minimum 2 years of relevant work experience. It includes a thesis of at least 20 ECTS.

Degree titles

  • Norwegian: Master i [field of study]
  • English: Master of Arts (MA) in [field of study], Master of Science (MSc) in [field of study], Master 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…

  • have advanced knowledge  within the academic field and specialized insight in a limited area
  • have thorough knowledge of the scholarly or artistic theories and methods in the field
  • can apply knowledge to new areas within the academic field
  • can analyze academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field

Skills

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
  • can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field and work independently on practical and theoretical problems
  • can use relevant methods for research and scholarly and /or artistic development work in an independent manner
  • can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

General competence

Persons obtaining degrees at this level…

  • can analyze relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems
  • can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
  • can communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology of the academic field
  • can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field, both with specialists and the general public
  • can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes