NOR-0500 Norwegian language and society for foreign students - 60 stp

The program is reserved for applicants who are qualified to pursue further studies in engineering or a master’s degree in Integrated Building Technology at the IVT faculty.

If the places are not filled with applicants for studies in engineering and technology at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (IVT), offers may be made to other non-visa-requiring applicants who intend to continue their studies at UiT but lack the Norwegian language proficiency required on the GSU list for admission to higher education in Norway.

The programme is designed for full-time students. Classes are compulsory, and all teaching is based at Narvik campus.

The programme follows the national curriculum Læreplan i norsk og samfunnskunnskap for voksne innvandrere, which is regulated by Norwegian law on the introduction process for immigrants. The curriculum is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which defines three main levels of language proficiency: A - Basic user, B - Independent user and C - Proficient user. Each level is divided into sub-levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The programme leads to level B2.

After completing the programme, the candidate has the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge 

• Have basic knowledge of Norwegian at level B2. 

• Be familiar with key aspects of the Norwegian language, culture, and society. 

• Know how to compose texts in Norwegian. 

Skills 

• Communicate effectively in Norwegian, both orally and in writing. 

• Understand spoken and written Norwegian, including academic and technical texts. 

• Follow lectures in Norwegian. 

• Write with a satisfactory command of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. 

• Reflect on central characteristics of Norwegian society. 

General Competence 

• Possess the necessary foundation to pursue studies in Norwegian, where teaching and course materials are in Norwegian. 

• Be able to follow current events in Norway and internationally through Norwegian media. 

The course comprises reviews of both new and familiar material, lectures, guidance, instructional videos, study sessions, group work, and homework assignments. In the second semester, students undertake a three-week group project. A variety of student-centered learning methods are employed, including both independent study and collaborative group work, conducted in person and online.

Course activities emphasize language production in both written and oral forms, including text writing, tests, oral presentations, conversations, discussions, role-plays, audio recordings, quizzes, music, work with audio materials, and other digital resources such as films, videos, and news broadcasts. The language training will, to the extent practically feasible, also include excursions, library and museum visits, and a range of indoor and outdoor activities conducted with Norwegian native speakers.

Assessments are held regularly throughout the academic year and serve a formative purpose. All language production is mandatory and must be submitted by the agreed due dates.

The course is offered full-time only and exclusively at the Narvik campus.