University of Bergen

What you'll study

The programme builds on undergraduate knowledge of English to offer specialised study across literature, language and cultural studies. Core components include advanced literary theory and criticism, anglophone period and genre studies (for example modernism, postwar and contemporary literature), and thematic modules such as postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality in literature, and media and cultural studies. On the language side, students can study sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, pragmatics, historical linguistics and corpus-based methods.

Research training is emphasised: methods courses introduce qualitative and quantitative approaches to textual and linguistic data, academic writing, and project design. The degree culminates in an independently supervised master’s thesis that develops a sustained piece of original research under faculty supervision. Electives and seminar options allow students to tailor the programme to interests such as digital humanities, translation studies, or interdisciplinary approaches involving visual culture and performance.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent in English language, literature, linguistics or a closely related humanities or social sciences discipline. Admission is based on academic transcripts, a statement of purpose (research interest or study plan), and usually at least one academic reference. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an accepted test or equivalent evidence of prior higher education in English. Sufficient prior coursework in English-language study and written academic ability are expected; specific GPA or grading requirements are those set and assessed by the faculty.

Career prospects

Graduates of the master’s programme move into a range of careers that draw on critical thinking, research and advanced communication skills. Common directions include doctoral research and academic careers, secondary and further education teaching (additional certification may be required), publishing and editorial work, journalism and content production, communications and public relations, translation and localisation, cultural management and museum work, and roles in public administration or non-governmental organisations where analytical and language skills are valued. Training in corpus methods and digital text analysis also opens opportunities in data-driven language roles and UX/content research.

Why study at University of Bergen

The University of Bergen offers a research-led humanities environment with close supervision and access to active research groups in literature and linguistics. The department combines a strong Nordic research tradition with international perspectives in anglophone studies, enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration with media studies, history and digital humanities. Students benefit from Bergen’s cultural life, library collections and opportunities for seminar-style teaching that emphasise discussion and individual research. The programme also provides a supportive setting for students preparing for PhD study or careers that require strong analytical and communicative expertise in English.