Masters course information
The NSC offers MA-level modules on our YorkCourse for students registered on an MA programme in Norway which might be an alternative to the options described below. Unlike the options below, the YorkCourse is offered in either the Autumn or the Spring semester and there are no study fees. For details of this option please see our YorkCourse pages.
In the spring term, the NSC administers two access to modules in two Masters programmes, one taught by the Department of English and Related Literature and the other by the Department of Language and Linguistic Science (see individual MA programmes for descriptions of the Spring 2022 modules). In each case you will study alongside postgraduates within that department and possibly other visiting postgraduates. You will be taught in the relevant department and not at the NSC. Each programme is worth 30 Norwegian Study Points (or ECTS) in total: 10 ECTS for each of the taught and assessed modules (=20), plus another 10 for the compulsory research training skills module (pass/fail).
These courses are for students registered in an English or Linguistics Masters Programme at a Norwegian institution. The course is formally recognised by Norwegian higher education institutions, but each student must provide confirmation, in advance, that the course combination they choose in York is acceptable to their home institution as a 30 study-point component of a Masters degree course.
The fees for these taught master's courses are £6233.- for the Spring 2022 course.
The application deadline for the semester MA in English or Linguistics for Spring 2022 is 15 October 2021. Details for application will be available here from mid-September.
Modules
Successful applicants may choose two MA modules (10 Studiepoeng/ECTS = 20 'York Credits' for each) offered by the relevant department and will be integrated with the British and other international MA students.
In addition to these two modules you will also be required to take an extra third module (10 ECTS) in research training skills.
Organisation of teaching
The British system of higher education places emphasis on seminars and tutorials (in small groups). Participation in these is obligatory, and students will be asked to give presentations from time to time. The student must be prepared to do a considerable amount of reading before classes. Students will each have a supervisor, who is responsible for giving support and guidance on personal matters and matters relating the overall course, and a tutor, who will give guidance on the essay-writing part of the course.
Duration of course
Both courses begin in early January and end in mid-May. They follow a model based on first, a period of teaching, then a period of follow-up work, which is centred on the writing, under supervision, of two essays; these form the basis of the final grade.
At the Department of English and Related Literature, the teaching period lasts approximately 10 weeks, with 6 weeks’ follow-up work.
At the Department of Language and Linguistic Science, the teaching runs over approximately 9 weeks (including a study week) with 7 weeks’ follow-up work.
Both courses terminate in mid-May, which is the deadline for submitting the two essays.
Assessment
Two essays, both of around 5000 words (4,500 for English Literature), are to be written, one in each module. Students are advised to begin work on these essays before the teaching period ends. Oral and written feedback will be given, suggesting ways of improving the work. Additionally, the Department of English and Related Literature expects a formative essay to be written for each module, to be submitted during the term.
During the time following the teaching period, the tutor will be available for regular supervision. The deadline for submitting the essays is in mid-May. The grading is carried out in accordance with the British assessment system, and will be incorporated, without conversion, into the student’s Masters degree grade in Norway.
Students will also receive a written evaluation of their work.
Accommodation
Students will need to find accommodation in the private sector which will tend to be from around £120 upwards per week for a single room. Information and support is provided to such students from the accommodation office. If you live off-campus you will still be a member of one of the University colleges and have access to college welfare services and social events.
Conditions of admission
In order to qualify for admission to the course, applicants must have obtained 80 study points in English, of which at least 20 study points are from the 200-level (second year) of a lower degree, or its equivalent. As good academic ability is required for this course, a minimum grade of B, or equivalent, is a normal condition of entry.
Applicants must be registered as Masters level students in English at a Norwegian institution. Before taking up the course in York, applicants should have completed a term of studies at the Masters level in Norway. Under special circumstances, a student may be permitted to take the course in York before completing these other components of their degree course, but this may only be done with the consent of either the English Department or the Linguistics Department at the student’s home institution.
Applicants who need to take leave from paid work in order to take the course must take early steps to arrange this, and should state on their application form any employer’s deadline for receiving the result of the application.
