Master's Programme in Old Norse Studies

Programme structure

The Master's degree in Old Norse Studies differs from most other Master’s programmes in that work on the Master’s thesis runs parallel with the course section through the four semesters. The thesis and the course are weighted the same, 60 ECTS for each part.

A thesis supervisor provides you with follow-up and advice, while you are expected to plan and perform your project independently. There are many topics to choose from which provide you with the opportunity to work with something that really interests you.

1st semester (Autumn)

You start by selecting a topic for the Master’s thesis, which you then present and receive feedback on during the project preparation topic, (15 ECTS). Some students already know which topic they wish to study when they start their Master's degree, while others develop their topic during the first semester. All students benefit from discussions that take place during the project preparation course and with subject teachers. We ensure that students are assigned a supervisor before the end of the first semester.
You also study an in-depth study topic, (15 ECTS), in the first semester. The contents of this topic change from semester to semester.

2nd and 3rd semester

You study two new in-depth study topics, (15 ECTS) and (15 ECTS), while working in parallel with your Master’s thesis. You might choose to spend one or even both semesters on an exchange study period, but make sure that you can take approved examinations in your place of study. This is to ensure you achieve the correct amount of ECTS credits in the course section.

4th semester

You complete the Master’s thesis. The four topics in the course section must be completed during the fourth semester at the latest. However, we advise you to have completed these topics during the first three semesters in order to concentrate fully on the Master’s thesis. If there is room for one more course during the last semester, we recommend that you study. This involves students having to perform a trial lecture which includes two weeks of preparation. We make sure that students receive the lecture topic after the Master’s thesis has been submitted.