About this programme
Master in Linguistics is a Master's Degree programme at University of Oslo in Oslo, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Oslo as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. University of Oslo is a state university in Oslo.
How it compares
Master in Linguistics is one of 3 English-taught Linguistics programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 3 institutions. 1 of them lists an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland; this programme lists NOK 204,000 a year. 3 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
Linguistics at the University of Oslo is a two year master's degree worth 120 ECTS, taught in English and run by the Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies. The programme treats language as a central part of the human mind and gives you room to study linguistic structures, how language is used, and variation across languages.
What you study
The programme is built around three areas named on the programme page: linguistic structures, linguistic usage and variation. You work within the language sciences and take part in research at the department. The page does not list individual courses, so check the programme structure on the official page for the exact modules and specialisation options.
How the programme is organised
Study runs over two years and 120 ECTS, with a programme structure set out on the programme page. The page also lists a semester abroad as part of the setup, so you can plan an exchange period into your degree. Teaching is in English. The page does not state the teaching methods or the size of the thesis, so confirm these details with the department before you apply.
Who it suits
This master's suits students who want to go deeper into how language is structured and how people use it, and who are interested in variation between languages and speakers. It fits someone who wants to work close to research in the language sciences rather than follow a purely applied language degree. If you want a broad language programme with many named course options, read the structure page carefully first.
Admission, language and next steps
Admission requirements are set out on the programme page and on the university's admission pages. The programme is taught in English, so you need to document English proficiency as UiO requires. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions, while other degree students normally pay a fee that the institution sets. Deadlines and the application system are set by UiO, so check the programme page for the dates that apply to you. The page also points to a start of studies orientation programme with its own deadlines once you are admitted.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Research in the language sciences
- Language analysis and linguistic structures
- Work on language usage and variation
- Further study and research careers in linguistics
- Roles in organisations that work with language data and language questions
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to University of Oslo, 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. 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 Linguistics taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at University of Oslo. 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 Oslo as the campus town for this programme at University of Oslo.
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. University of Oslo 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. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at University of Oslo.
What does it cost?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland pay NOK 204,000 a year, as University of Oslo lists it. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. 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 University of Oslo is linked from this page so you can compare.