About this programme
Master in Theology and Ministry is a Master's Degree programme at NLA University College in Bergen, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Bergen as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. NLA University College is a private institution in Vestland.
How it compares
Master in Theology and Ministry is one of 3 English-taught Theology programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 3 institutions.
What you will study
What you study
The Master in Theology and Ministry (MATM) at NLA University College is a 120 ECTS degree taught over two years. The programme is built around the idea of theological studies for ministry in a changing context. You take four compulsory courses in the first year: Thinking theologically about practice (TAM301, 15 ECTS), Encountering God through Scripture: Hermeneutical Reflections and Exegetical Explorations (TAM302, 15 ECTS), Spirituality and Spiritual formation (TAM303, 15 ECTS), and Missional Ecclesiology in light of Trinitarian Faith and Contemporary Culture (TAM304, 15 ECTS). In the second year you write a Master's Thesis (TAM350, 30 ECTS). You also choose elective courses. The options listed are Youth Ministry as Theory and Practice (TAM321, 15 ECTS), Youth Ministry as Theory and Practice with Internship (TAM321B, 15 ECTS), Leading ecclesial change and growth in contexts (TAM322, 15 ECTS), and Kirkelig undervisning med veiledet praksis (TAM323B, 15 ECTS). The programme brings you into practical theological research, where some researchers focus on empirical and contextual approaches and others on the spiritual and revelatory nature of theology. You will engage with international research, guest lecturers, and possibilities for internships abroad.
How the programme is organised
MATM is flexible. Each semester has two week-long learning sessions on campus in Bergen, with lectures, group seminars, and case-based classes. Attendance at these sessions is compulsory (80% required). Between and before the sessions, you follow an online learning programme over eight weeks. This structure means you can live where you already live and travel to Bergen only for the intensives. English is the working language, and assignments can be written in English or a Nordic language. The programme recommends studying abroad in the third semester, and NLA has exchange agreements with partner institutions around the world.
Who it suits
This master's is for students aiming at leadership positions or entrepreneurship in churches and Christian organisations. It also suits those who want to work as catechists or pastors, or who plan to go on to a PhD in Practical Theology. The programme is designed for people who want to connect theological theory with practice and who are comfortable with a mix of online study and short campus stays. If you need a residence permit for full-time study in Norway, note that the two-week campus presence each semester may not qualify you for one; non-EU/EEA citizens are welcome to apply and stay for shorter periods on a visitor's visa.
Admission, language and next steps
To be admitted, you need a completed 3- or 4-year bachelor's degree with a specialisation of at least 80 ECTS credits in biblical theology, church history, systematic theology, and practical theology. In special cases, other qualifications may be recognised. You must have an average grade of C or higher (ECTS). International applicants whose first language is not English must document English proficiency with TOEFL iBT (minimum 80 points, sent directly from ETS, code 1886) or IELTS Academic (overall band 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each section). Tests must be no older than two years. Exemptions follow NOKUT's GSU list. You also need to submit a one-page motivational letter. Admission is competitive based on grades. The application deadlines are: Nordic applicants: June 1; EU applicants: April 15; non-EU applicants: February 1. Check the programme page for the application system and any updates. NLA is a private institution and sets its own tuition fees; students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions, but this does not apply here. All students pay a semester fee to the Student Welfare Organisation.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Leadership positions in churches and Christian organisations
- Entrepreneurial ministry
- Catechist in the Church of Norway (with specific electives)
- Pastor in the Church of Norway (part of the qualification requirements for applicants over 35)
- PhD studies in Practical Theology
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to NLA University College, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. The institution lists its deadline as: Nordic applicants: June 1 EU applicants: April 15 Non-EU applicants: February 1. The register shows 1 February 2027 as a deadline date for this programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Norway register, the official English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Theology and Ministry taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at NLA University College. Only English-taught degree programmes are included here.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Bergen as the campus town for this programme at NLA University College.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme, and some programmes require a minimum grade average. NLA University College publishes its requirements on the programme page.
When is the application deadline?
Each institution sets and publishes its own deadline for each programme, and the dates can differ between applicants from outside the EU/EEA, EU/EEA applicants and Nordic applicants. As NLA University College lists it: Nordic applicants: June 1 EU applicants: April 15 Non-EU applicants: February 1. The register shows 1 February 2027 as a deadline date for this programme. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at NLA University College.
What does it cost?
NLA University College gives this wording for the tuition: See programme site. Degree students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition at Norwegian institutions, and the fees vary by institution and programme. The fee for EU, EEA and Swiss students is not listed for this programme. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition at public institutions, while private institutions set their own fees, so confirm with NLA University College before you assume it is free. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. Every student also pays a semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation linked to the institution.
Do I need a permit to study there?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI asks for proof of admission, housing and funds of NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year (2026/27), on top of any tuition fee. A study permit allows work of up to 20 hours a week during term and full time in the holidays. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland register with the police within three months of arrival instead.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Norway register at studyinnorway.no, the English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. The programme page at NLA University College is linked from this page so you can compare.