About this programme
Master in Human Rights and Multiculturalism is a Master's Degree programme at University of South-Eastern Norway in Kongsberg, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Kongsberg as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. University of South-Eastern Norway is a state university in Buskerud.
How it compares
Master in Human Rights and Multiculturalism is one of 10 English-taught Social Sciences & Psychology programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 9 institutions. 2 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland. 10 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
This master's programme at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) combines human rights and multiculturalism from an interdisciplinary angle. It is taught in English at the Kongsberg campus and is open to students with a bachelor's degree in a range of fields.
What you study
The programme examines human rights through the lens of cultural diversity. You will look at different interpretations of human rights and how they are understood in multicultural contexts. The curriculum draws on education, international law, philosophy, political science, social anthropology, sociology, cultural and religious studies. Key topics include the theoretical bases for human rights and multiculturalism, challenges in implementing national policies, contemporary societal human rights issues, and theoretical approaches to human rights and multicultural education. You will also engage with epistemological and methodological discussions.
Courses named on the programme page include Human rights education (10 ECTS) and The philosophy of Human Rights (10 ECTS), both taught at Drammen. The programme includes a mandatory module in research methodology with research ethics.
How the programme is organised
The degree is a two-year full-time master's worth 120 ECTS. It consists of 90 ECTS of coursework and a 30 ECTS master's thesis. Teaching uses an interdisciplinary approach and problem-based learning focused on real-world global challenges. The programme has a strong international character, bringing together international scholars and students. You can take parts of the programme abroad through exchange agreements with foreign universities and colleges. There is also an internship option, which offers work experience at academic level and the chance to put theory into practice. Examples include the USN-SAR (Scholars at Risk) student advocacy internship and an internship at the European Wergeland Centre in Oslo.
Who it suits
The programme is designed for students with degrees in different academic disciplines. It suits you if you are curious about how human rights work in culturally diverse societies and want to combine theory with practice. The classroom is described as energetic, with engaged students and professors committed to the field. You should be comfortable with critical analysis and interdisciplinary reading.
Admission, language and next steps
To apply, you need a bachelor's degree with at least 80 ECTS credits in law, social sciences (such as political science, anthropology, religion, psychology or sociology), education, philosophy, history, or related fields that include relevant courses. You must also meet the English language requirement. Up to seven places may be reserved for students from partner institutions engaged in relevant projects with USN. The programme does not pre-approve courses or previous education; assessment happens after you apply. Application deadlines: non-EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 October to 15 November; EU/EEA applicants from 1 February to 15 April. Check the programme page for details and how to apply.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Advisor at the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir)
- Consultant at the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI)
- Advisor at the Immigration Appeals Board
- Consultant or manager at the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV)
- Project manager or civil servant at the UN or UNICEF
- Coordinator or advisor at NGOs such as Save the Children or the Red Cross
- Human rights and compliance specialist in the private sector
- Researcher or PhD research fellow in higher education
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to University of South-Eastern Norway, 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: Non-EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 October to 15 November. EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 February to 15 April. The register shows 15 November 2026 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 Human Rights and Multiculturalism taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at University of South-Eastern Norway. 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 Kongsberg as the campus town for this programme at University of South-Eastern Norway.
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 South-Eastern Norway 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 University of South-Eastern Norway lists it: Non-EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 October to 15 November. EU/EEA applicants may apply from 1 February to 15 April. The register shows 15 November 2026 as a deadline date for this programme. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at University of South-Eastern Norway.
What does it cost?
No annual fee is listed for this programme. Degree students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition at Norwegian institutions, and the fees vary by institution and programme, so ask University of South-Eastern Norway what applies to you. 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 South-Eastern Norway is linked from this page so you can compare.
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