Master in English Literature

The Master's Program in English Literature provides a comprehensive study of literature from across the Anglophone world. Courses highlight how literature shapes and is shaped by history, its relevance for contemporary issues such as climate change and conflict resolution, and its ability to challenge and refine a reader's ways of thinking. Building on a diversity of critical approaches, the program helps students refine their abilities to think analytically and creatively.

Program description

• Duration: 2 years
• Credits (ECTS) : 120
• Admission requirements : Bachelor in English
• Degree Name : Master of English Literature
• Application code :
  • Norwegian and Nordic applicants: 5072
  • International applicants: 2055

The master's program in English literature gives students the opportunity to study a broad range of literary and cultural texts in English while specializing in an area of their choice under the leadership of a researcher in that field. The English section can offer supervision in English, Irish, American, and postcolonial literature, and is particularly strong in the areas of romanticism, modernism, and contemporary literature.

Each year, students are offered courses organized around socially-relevant themes, key literary periods and genres, and/or prominent authors. All master's level courses include training in secondary research and literary theory, practice in close analysis, and feedback on students' written work.

In moving from coursework to the master's thesis, students move toward a more specialized focus and more independent research. This research is supported by each student's supervisor and by a series of organized work-in-progress seminars targeting the skills needed for masters-level research.

The program consists of:

• 60 credits coursework in English literature (ENG-3000-level)
• 60 credits Master's thesis (ENG-3992)

The mandatory coursework includes:

• ENG-3192 Literary and Cultural Theory; and

One course from each of these categories:

• 3000-level Period-Based Studies (such as Modernism, Major Authors or Contemporary Poetry)
• 3000-level Studies in Genre (such as Short Fiction or Development of the Novel)
• 3000-level Literature and Society Courses (such as Literature and Justice; or Literature and the Environment)

Literary and Cultural Theory and Period Studies courses are offered in the fall. Studies in Genre and Literature and Society courses are offered in the spring. The remaining 20 credits of coursework may be fulfilled by choosing from any ENG-3000 courses offered in literature/culture. Specific courses being offered vary and will be stated in the course catalog for the current semester.

Students wishing to substitute courses from other relevant fields (typically selected to support research for the master's thesis or during an exchange) may apply to have this substitution approved on an individual basis (up to 20 credits).

The master's thesis is theoretically-informed work of independent research on a limited topic within English literature. These are 70-100 pages in length (1.5 spacing, Times New Roman 12).

Students are assigned a supervisor appropriate for their topic. The topic of research will be decided upon in collaboration with a member of the English section.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a medium-sized research university that contributes to knowledge-based development at the regional, national, and international levels.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway is the third-largest in Norway and the northernmost university in the world. Its location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance. Climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources, and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which the University of Tromsø takes a special interest in it. At UiT The Arctic University of Norway you can explore global issues from a close-up perspective.

Knowlege on top of the world

Life in the High North is shaped by wild nature, contrasting light and weather conditions, geographic distances, and multiculturalism. Many of UiT´s research centers and study programs reflect the specific character of Arctic Norway.

UiT's study portfolio covers all classical subject areas from Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Education and Humanities, Science and Technology to Economics, Law, Social Work, Tourism, Sports, and Fine Arts.

UiT's key research focuses on the polar environment, climate research, indigenous people, peace and conflict transformation, telemedicine, medical biology, space physics, fishery science, marine bioprospecting, linguistics, and computational chemistry.

UiT´s Centre for Advanced Studies in Theoretical Linguistics, CASTL, and CTCC, Centre for Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, have both been designated Norwegian Centres of Excellence. In 2002 the Tromsø-based NST, Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, was appointed a World Health Organization Collaboration Centre.

The ARCTOS network at the Faculty for Biosciences, Fisheries, and Economics, is a leader in research on marine arctic ecosystems and an important partner of the Norwegian Polar Institute in Tromsø. The Department of Physics focuses on northern lights and space research. All these institutes are of high international reputation.

The university is part of the FRAM – High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment (Fram Centre) in Tromsø. Every January the international conference Arctic Frontiers invites researchers, politicians, and business representatives to discuss Arctic issues across disciplinary borders. The Secretariat of the Arctic Council is located at the Fram Centre. Researchers from the University and Fram Center are involved in several international programs of the Arctic Council.

An international hub

The University of Tromsø has been through three mergers. On the 1st of January 2009 UiT merged with the University College of Tromsø, and on the 1st of August 2013 with the University College of Finnmark. The latest merge was on the 1st of January 2016 with both the University College of Harstad and the University College of Narvik.

After the merge UiT has become a multi-campus university spread throughout Northern Norway. The main campuses are located in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik, and Harstad, with smaller departments in the towns of Mo i Rana, Hammerfest, and Kirkenes. The number of students and study programs increases due to this merger. The new university has become an even more important driving force for Northern Norway and international cooperation in the High North.

Why UiT?

UiT is truly arctic

UIT is the northernmost university in the world. Our location on the edge of the Arctic implies a mission. The Arctic is of increasing global importance - climate change, the exploitation of Arctic resources and environmental threats are topics of great public concern, and which UiT takes a special interest in.

No tuition fees

UiT offers all students a distinct advantage over many universities around the world: there are no tuition fees for international students to study at UiT in Norway.

Student life at UiT

By making the most of the opportunities at UiT, you can create the best student experience for you and reach your full potential through academic support, sporting clubs, and our various student organizations on our campuses.

Study in English at UiT

Recent years have seen a surge in the number of international students wanting to study at UiT. One of the reasons for this solid reputation comes from the fact that UiT offers a variety of courses and programs in English. Consequently, admission does not require proof of Norwegian skills.

Building bridges

Building bridges through internationalization at home and abroad. International cooperation is a precondition in order for UiT to offer outstanding education and world-leading research for students, trainees, researchers, academic groups, and staff from our partner universities.

Research intensive & high-quality learning environment

Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future. As a student at UiT, you learn from teachers who are proud to make their mark on the subject they teach in a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:8.

Urban life - wild nature

The Arctic Adventurer - Do you have it in you?

We have various stunning places of study in Alta, Harstad, Narvik, Tromsø, and Svalbard. Explore the locations to discover what each one has to offer, from programs, adventure, music, and art to nightlife and activities.