Intercultural Studies

In a time of intensified globalisation, accelerated urbanisation and increased migration, cultural diversity increases in most levels of society and is found nearly everywhere. While cultural diversity has always been a source of opportunity and change for different groups, it has also been a source of anxiety, fear, misunderstanding and conflict. Cultural diversity is thus simultaneously a fundamental fact of human existence and a potential challenge to peaceful human coexistence.

Intercultural Studies study intercultural communication and interaction, and cultural and social factors influencing intercultural relations with an objective to understand, describe, analyse and manage cultural diversity in different contexts in theory and practice. Intercultural communication is not merely a question of language and translation, but of encounters between different worldviews and capabilities. The master programme in Intercultural Studies aims to enhance the professional intercultural competence (knowledge, skills and attitudes) of students preparing for careers with significant international and/or intercultural contact and content.

To be admitted to the Master??s programme in Intercultural Studies the candidate must have:1. Completed a bachelor??s degree or a cand. mag. degree, with at least 80 ECTSS in Intercultural Studies or equivalent specialisation, and with an average grade of C or better in this field of study. Optional courses may have additional requirements. Equivalent specialisation are studies with:a. Learning outcomes and curriculum on cultural theories and descriptive cultural analysis at an international level (e.g social/cultural anthropology, ethnology, cultural studies) with at least 50 % of the 80 ECTs including multicultural/intercultural empirical settings, such as ethnic and religious minority perspectives, transnational migration, and/or local appropriation and effects of globalisation. b. Competence in qualitative methods with equivalent of at least 5 ECTs and a minor thesis (min 4000 words) based on empirical data.2. International students should note that all students whose first language is not English, or who have not completed a major part of their schooling in English, can enter NLA University College by submitting their transcripts, meeting the academic requirements and showing a proof of English language competency by completing the Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (cf. the GSU-list). In order to qualify you need to achieve a minimum score of 500 points on the Paper Based Test or 170 (computer-based) TOEFL test, or a minimum score of 5.0 from the IELTS (academic) test. Results should be sent directly to NLA University College.

The semester fee is 2250NOK/semester. In addition comes mandatory membership in the Student Welfare Organisation, the membership costs approx. 570NOK/semester.

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