Programme structure
This master's degree is a two year programme consisting of a total of 120 ECTS credits corresponding to 2 years full-time study.
This master's degree consists of:
- 30 credits of compulsory courses
- 30 credits of elective courses
- either 60 credits Master's thesis OR 30 credits project semester (professional or research internship) and 30 credits Master's thesis, OR 30 credits Master’s thesis and 30 credits elective courses
Recommended structure
| 4th semester | MULTI4190 – Master's Thesis in Multilingualism (60ECTS) or MULTI4195 – Master's Thesis in Multilingualism (30ECTS) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3rd semester |
MULTI4190 – Master's Thesis in Multilingualism (60ECTS) or ILN4900 – Project Semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies, ILN4950 – Research project semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies or equivalent of 30 credits coursework either at UiO or semester abroad. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2nd semester |
MULTI4120 – Cognitive Aspects of Multilingualism or MULTI4130 – Social Aspects of Multilingualism (Apply for an exemption from the obligatory course if studying abroad in the 2nd semester) |
Elective course (or semester abroad) | Elective course (or semester abroad) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1st semester | MULTI4100 – Theoretical Foundations of Multilingualism | LING4140 – Linguistic Method |
Elective course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The two first semesters
The first year consists of 60 ECTS coursework with 3 courses each semester. In the first semester there are two compulsory courses on theory and method that are common to all students in the programme (MULTI4100 and LING4140). Students who plan to conduct experimental research for their thesis and do not have prior training in statistics have a third required course in the first semester (LING4135 – Introduction to Statistical Analysis for Language Students). We also recommend students who plan to conduct experimental research for their thesis to take (LING4136 – Advanced Statistical Methods for Language Students) and (LING4145 – Psycholinguistics), these courses will be offered from spring 2026.
In the second semester students choose 1-2 courses specialising in cognitive or social approaches to multilingualism (MULTI4120 and MULTI4130) and 1-2 additional elective courses. Students may choose to study abroad in the 2nd or 3rd semesters.
The last two semesters
There are two possible options:
- complete a master thesis worth 60 ECTS credits during the third and fourth semester: MULTI4190 – Master's Thesis in Multilingualism
- complete a research internship or professional internship (ILN4900 – Project Semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies or ILN4950 – Research project semester for Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies), OR complete the equivalent of 30 credits relevant coursework either at UiO or abroad during the third semester and complete a master thesis of 30 ECTS credits during the fourth semester: MULTI4195 – Master's Thesis in Multilingualism.
It is mandatory to complete the thesis under supervision.
Compulsory courses
- MULTI4100 – Theoretical Foundations of Multilingualism
- LING4140 – Linguistic Method
- MULTI4120 – Cognitive Aspects of Multilingualism OR MULTI4130 – Social Aspects of Multilingualism (The course not chosen is also available as an elective course.)
- LING4135 – Introduction to Statistical Analysis for Language Students (Compulsory for students who wish to use quantitative or experimental methods for their MA thesis, unless they can document they have successfully completed an equivalent course.)
Elective courses
Courses listed below are approved as elective credits. Recommend elective courses will vary depending on the student's chosen area of specialisation. Students are encouraged to consult with the teaching coordinator about recommended electives for their area.
Recommended courses:
- MULTI4160 – Multilingualism Specialisation A
- MULTI4165 – Multilingualism Specialisation C
- MULTI4170 – Multilingualism Specialisation B
- MULTI4120 – Cognitive Aspects of Multilingualism or MULTI4130 – Social Aspects of Multilingualism dependent on which course is taken as a compulsory course.
- MULTI4150 – Project-based Research in Multilingualism
- MULTI4180 – Supervised Reading in Multilingualism
- LING4135 – Introduction to Statistical Analysis for Language Students if not taken as a compulsory course.
- NOAS4101 – Andrespr?ksforskning i faghistorisk lys
- NOAS4102 – Andrespr?ksl?ring i et sosio-kognitivt og sosiokulturelt perspektiv
- PSY4206 – Language Acquisition
- SPR4110 – Spr?k og kommunikasjon i det flerkulturelle samfunnet
Students may also apply to take other elective courses that are not on this list, if relevant for the master's thesis and approved by the Multilinguilism teaching coordinator. You must apply separately for this, using this online application form. Any questions can be addressed to the study advisor for multilingualism.
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.