Course information
The NSC’s YorkCourse in English is available to students at Norwegian Higher Education institutions, as well as to qualified teachers of English who are either Norwegian nationals or who are working in Norway. It provides a unique opportunity for students to deepen and expand their expertise in the languages, literatures and cultures of the English-speaking world while living in the UK.
The YorkCourse can be taken either at the undergraduate/BA level (2nd or 3rd year), or at the postgraduate/MA level (as part of a master’s degree in Norway). Students on the 5-year GLU or Lektor master’s programmes in Norway are counted as undergraduate students when in their first cycle (years 1-3) and master’s students when in the second cycle (years 4-5).
See the ‘How to Apply’ section to find out more.
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The course runs twice a year: in the autumn, with sessions in York beginning in early September, with results in March; and in the spring from early January, with results in late June. It may be possible to take both courses and thereby stay in York for a year. Note that studies in the UK over 6 months or less do not require a visa, while studies for a longer period will require a visa. Students should indicate on their application form whether they are applying for a semester or a year.
Each YorkCourse in English normally comprises three modules (Linguistics, Culture, and Literature). The first two are taught by NSC staff and the latter by staff in the Department of English and Related Literature. Each module counts for one third (10 ECTS) of the total credits given (30 ECTS).
Students taking the undergraduate level course may opt for the Research Extension Module, which enables them to write their BA thesis (bacheloroppgave) while in York. The in-depth REM module then replaces one of the regular modules.
In addition to these modules, all YorkCourse students must attend and participate in weekly research training and study skills sessions.
Aims and Outcomes for the YorkCourse
The YorkCourse in English encourages students to take a multidisciplinary and inter-disciplinary approach to their studies by taking modules in English Language and Linguistics, British Cultural Studies and English and Related Literature.
Upon successful completion of the YorkCourse students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of different topics across the three disciplines of English Language and Linguistics, British Cultural Studies and English and Related Literature.
- Read diverse texts closely and critically, and interpret them with reference to the period, place, language, and tradition in which they were produced and where they have cultural and political impact.
- Show sensitivity and perceptiveness concerning aspects of social, cultural, and political realities where language plays an important role and be able to highlight the relevance of literature-, cultural- and linguistics-related issues in a globalized and interconnected world.
- Exercise independent thought and judgement and develop well-structured, evidence-based arguments by interrogating their own assumptions and those of others, through self-reflection, peer review, and advice and feedback.
- Initiate, manage, and complete original projects of their own, by producing individually formulated essay topics for each of the different disciplines studied and finding suitable materials and literature to complete such projects.
- Demonstrate familiarity with and the use of recognised discipline-based methods of bibliography and citation.
- Engage in critical discussion and debate and demonstrate advanced oral communication skills, developed in small-group seminars and collaborative group projects.
- Write clearly, accurately, and persuasively to a deadline and to a professional standard, conveying complex ideas in an accessible way to expert and lay audiences
In addition to the above, students undertaking postgraduate level study should be able to do the following in all three disciplines of English Studies:
- Show knowledge and understanding of an appropriate area of research-led specialisation, developed in consultation with a supervisor.
- Design and carry out a theoretical and/or empirical study in a specialised area across different disciplines.
- Understand the challenges posed in carrying out a substantial piece of independent research.
- Demonstrate familiarity with and the use of a range of research methods and tools (for example, library and archival catalogues and online databases).
- Demonstrate the ability to present extended and complex arguments in writing.
- Develop the academic, personal and professional skills required to equip a them to undertake their MA dissertation in Norway and to afterwards carry on to PhD research or make immediate impact upon employment in a relevant field such as teaching.
Teaching and support
The tutors I've had so far have been outstanding: the staff here go out of their way for students by not only broadening your academic horizons, but by really making an effort to get to know you. When I've spoken to friends at other universities, they've all been surprised and jealous that my teachers here are so accessible.
Miranda, English
York is renowned for its flexible and innovative approach to teaching and assessment. You’ll learn through a programme of seminars, workshops, lectures, and one-to-one tutorials. In particular we place strong emphasis on seminars and tutorials (small group teaching). Participation in these is obligatory, and you will be asked to give presentations from time to time.
You will each have a pastoral supervisor, who is responsible for giving support and guidance on personal matters and matters relating the overall course and your module tutors will give you guidance on essay-writing.
For postgraduate students and students taking a research extension module, tutors will act as academic supervisors to aid with the independent and original research required.
Open door policy
If you have something you’d like to discuss further, an idea for an essay, or a question about any aspect of the taught course, you can also come along to any of our academic staff’s open office hours. You won’t need an appointment, and you won’t be limited to discussing just topics or texts that are on the syllabus. And of course, tutors are available for individual support by email as well as in person.
Personal study
We expect you to prepare rigorously so that you can play a full part in tutorial and seminar discussions and exercises. Alongside the taught elements of your course, you’ll also therefore undertake significant amounts of structured independent study.
