English (Bachelor)
See study programmeThe Bachelor of English is a disciplinary study for those who wish to explore the subject of English from the perspectives of literature, language, culture, and history. The degree focuses on relevant linguistic and literary topics, and aims to educate students within these fields and to prepare students for continuing their studies in this discipline at the graduate level.
The first year consists of four courses of 15 ECTS credits each. The courses are English Language for Bachelor of Languages, American Studies for Bachelor of, and Research and Writing and British Studies for Bachelor of Languages. At least 45 ECTS credits must be passed before students can continue into the second year.
The second year includes an Advanced Study for 20 ECTS (topics rotating annually), as well as other obligatory courses (20 ECTS) and the Bachelor Thesis (20 ECTS). Students must have made adequate study progression (i.e. passed 90 ECTS) before being allowed to write the Bachelor Thesis. Students who do not pass their thesis cannot continue into the third year.
The third year presents elective options for in-depth study of speciality topics in English (60 ECTS). This option is recommended for students who plan to attend graduate school in English and/or students who with to study exclusively in English. It is also possible to choose a school subject (such as History) or other elective classes for up to 60 ECTS. This option is recommended for students who are considering becoming lektor in the Norwegian school system at some point or who are considering professional careers where another subject is relevant.
The faculty can evaluate a student¿s previous studies on a case-by-case basis to determine whether classes can count toward filling the requirements for the third year.
The third year also has possibilities for a semester abroad in the fall semester for all qualified students. English has established semester exchange channels through, for example, the Norwegian Study Centre at the University of York (UK), University of Winchester (UK), and Augsberg College (US). Qualified students may also choose freely within the North 2 North Consortium.
Students must choose a study plan for the entire three-year degree, and if changes are made (for example, choosing an international semester) then the plan will need to be reapproved. International degree students must choose the 60 ECTS specialty topics in English, as the other school subjects and electives are taught in Norwegian.
KNOWLEDGE
The student shall:
- Have knowledge of textual structure and linguistic devices and of critical and analytical approaches to both literary and non-literary texts;
- Have knowledge of contemporary literary theory;
- Have increased knowledge of and insight into language as a phenomenon.
SKILLS
The student can:
- Use English confidently and functionally, both orally and in writing appropriate to the audience in different situations;
- Analyze and write research-based articles on literary texts, as well as employing relevant and precise terminology in the engagement with texts.
GENERAL COMPETENCE
The student can:
- Deliberate relevant subject material and communicate in English in such a way that is adapted to his or her target audience;
- Apply knowledge and skills within the subject of English in an academic and professional context.
Higher education entrance qualification
English language proficiency
View general admission and documentation requirements
NB! The Bachelor of English is intended for students who already demonstrate reasonable fluency in English. The degree program is planned and taught on par with comparable degrees in Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom. Students are advised that the reading load and individual expectations for fluency are comparably high. Students who do not pass classes at stated benchmarks will be asked to leave the study.
The Bachelor of English provides an excellent foundation for continued study of English at the graduate level, as well as for gaining teaching certification via Practical-Pedagogical Education (PPU) - in case there are no changes in the national framework and admissions requirement. The Bachelor of English, combined with relevant work experience, provides a strong foundation for the Master of Practical Knowledge at Nord University.
For autumn semester 2017, the courses are British Studies (15 ECTS) and English Language and Lingusitics (15 ECTS), with teaching sessions in the following weeks:
TEACHING AUTUMN 2017
Session 1: August 21-25
Session 2: September 11-15
Session 3: October 9-13
Session 4: November 13-17
Study trip to York: November 26-December 8
Weeks 48-49 feature a study trip to the Norwegian Study Centre at the University of York, England.
For the Spring Semester 2018, the courses are American Studies (15 ECTS) and Research and Writing (15 ECTS), with teaching sessions in the following weeks:
TEACHING SPRING 2018
Session 1: January 8-12
Session 2: Feburary 26-March 2
Session 3: March 19-23
Session 4: April 16-20
It is important to be aware that attendance is mandatory. You are expected to have access to the required texts and read the relevant material before each class meeting. Since teaching begins quite early, in Week 34, we recommend that you begin planning your studies some weeks before the semester begins.
The required texts should be available in the bookshop early in August. (If you plan to read over the summer, you will find reading lists appended to the course descriptions available on our website
The Bachelor of English encourages student exchange in the 5th semester (Fall, Year 3) with our established exchange partners:
The Norwegian Study Centre at the University of York (UK)
University of Winchester (UK)
Augsberg University (US)
Seinan Gakuin University, Japan
No tuition fees. Costs for semester registration and course literature apply.
There is a study trip to the Norwegian Study Centre, York, UK, in the first year. Approximate cost: NOK 7500,- plus money for meals, local transportation etc. An equivalent assignment will be provided for students who do not attend the study trip.
The Bachelor of English uses a combination of portfolio assessment, obligatory assignments, home exams, in-school exams, and oral exams. By using a variety of assessments, students are insured fair and holistic evaluation of their knowledge of and skills in English.
A Bachelor Thesis of approximately 20 pages is obligatory in the second year. Students who do not pass their thesis cannot continue into the third year.
The program is evaluated internally via student questionnaire, as well as by the program coordinator. The evaluations form a part of the university's quality assurance system.
The Bachelor of English degree program will be evaluated externally via studiebarometeret.no
View rules and regulations for examinations
Additionally, upon entering the degree program, students are provided with information regarding university level academic expectations in the form of a short handbook and in-person advising. Students are asked to sign a statement acknowledging receipt and comprehension of the contents of the handbook.