The Master covers graduate level studies in acquisition and multilingualism with English as one of the languages involved. The course work provides a solid grounding in how languages are acquired in different contexts (first, second, third, heritage/minority languages), how multilingualism may influence the course of development in a language, and how it affects not only the languages but also the brains that house them.

The Master comprises a course component of 60 ECTS and a thesis of 60 ECTS.

The 60 ECTS based on course work should be completed in the first year of study, while the second year (60 ECTS) should be dedicated to writing the thesis.

Upon the completion of the Master's programme the candidate will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate has extensive knowledge about:

• the acquisition of English as a first, second and third language
• different theoretical accounts of language acquisition, variation and attrition, both in general and with regard to specific linguistic phenomena
• how languages may influence each other in multilingual situations, and which factors determine the direction of this influence
• how the English language can both affect and be affected by contact with other languages, and how this has shaped varieties of English around the world
• methodological approaches to the study of acquisition, variation and attrition

Skills

The candidate can:

• make use of available literature appropriately and evaluate it critically
• identify linguistic structures in language acquisition, variation and attrition that may add to our knowledge of these phenomena
• make use of appropriate methodology to study language acquisition, variation, and attrition, taking into account the context in which the relevant phenomenon occurs and the speakers it affects
• apply a theoretical framework to the linguistic structure in question, even when this represents a novel analysis of the relevant linguistic data
• undertake a small research project with the help of a supervisor

General competence

The candidate is able to:

• apply methodological and theoretical knowledge to other linguistic contexts
• communicate academic content in a way appropriate for audiences of both experts and the general public, and can do this both orally and in writing

With increasing migration, experts on multilingualism are constantly becoming more sought after in both public and private work places. The programme provides the candidate with a solid background in language acquisition and multilingualism. Upon completion of the study, candidates are well suited for work in educational institutions, administrative public institutions related to issues of multilingualism, as well as international associations, organisations, and enterprises that deal with multilingual and multicultural issues.

The programme is also an excellent starting-point for further study at the PhD-level, as it provides the candidate with in-depth training in an exceptional research environment which places a great deal of emphasis on teamwork and co-publishing.

Admission to the master's programme in English Acquisition and Multilingualism requires a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or equivalent qualification, in English language, or a degree combining English language and literature (minimum 80 ECTS in English).

Applicants need an average minimum grade of C or better from the bachelor's degree to be admitted to the master's program.

Applicants from Norway or Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for Norwegian and other Nordic applicants is 15 April (for admission to the autumn semester)
• Her finner du all informasjon knyttet til søking og opptak.

Applicants from EU/EEA and Switzerland:

• The application deadline for EU/EEA and Swiss applicants is 1 March (for admission to the autumn semester)

Applicants from outside the Nordic countries:

• The application deadline for international applicants is 15 November (for admission to the autumn semester)
• Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries must document English language proficiency. You will find more information about English language requirements here.
• You will find more information about international admission here.
• Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees, more information here

The course work consists of a combination of lectures and seminars. The candidate is expected to take an active part in their own learning experience, and acceptance of an offer to study on the programme is to agree to do so. All courses include various compulsory assignments, such as oral presentations, problem-solving tasks, and smaller paper assignments.

The Master's in English Acquisition and Multilingualism is a demanding programme that requires the student to work throughout the term. The students are expected to spend 40 hours per week on their studies, including preparation for lectures and seminars, work on term papers and other assignments.

Most courses contain assignments that must be approved in order to take the exam. These may include researched or reflective writing assignments, problem solving tasks, or oral presentations.

The most common forms of examination are home exams written on assigned topics over a one-two week period or term papers on topics that students choose in cooperation with course instructor.

Grades range from A-F, where A is the highest grade and F is fail.

For further information about work requirements, exam format and evaluative criteria, see the individual course descriptions on the UiT website.

The language of all teaching and examinations is English.

Exchange studies abroad will make you more attractive on the job market. Studies abroad will increase your learning outcomes, improve your language skills, give you unique adventures and international experience. Students taking the Master's in English Acquisition and Multilingualism are encouraged to make use of one of our exchange agreements in the second semester.

The department has a student exchange agreement with the following institutions:

• The University of Konstanz, which offers an MA in Multilingualism
• The University of York (via the Norwegian Study Centre in York)

For an updated overview of exchange universities, please take a look at UiT's webpage on student exchange.

The application deadlines are:

1 February (autumn semester)
1 September (spring semester)