autumn 2026
NOR-0500 Norwegian language and society for foreign students - 60 ECTS
Type of course
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.
Course content
The programme consists of four modules; basic language, phonetics, social studies and literature. The basic language classes are held in the first and second semesters. Phonetics is in the first semester, and literature and social studies are in the second semester. Included in the social studies module is a three-week project work.Objectives of the course
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.
Teaching methods
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.
Schedule
Examination
| Examination: | Weighting: | Duration: | Grade scale: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral exam | 4/10 | 30 Minutes | A–E, fail F |
| School exam | 6/10 | 6 Hours | A–E, fail F |
Coursework requirements:To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements: |
|||
| Attendance | Approved – not approved | ||
| Project work | Approved – not approved | ||
| Oral exercise autumn | Approved – not approved | ||
| Written exercise autumn | Approved – not approved | ||
| Oral exercise spring | Approved – not approved | ||
| Written exercise spring | Approved – not approved | ||
| Chapter tests | Approved – not approved | ||
| Language production | Approved – not approved | ||
More info about the coursework requirements
Attendance is mandatory, requiring students to be present for at least 80% of the teaching in each of the four modules that make up the course: basic language, phonetics, social studies, and literature. Students with more than 20% absence in a module do not qualify for the exam.
The social studies module includes a three-week group project, and an attendance requirement of at least 80% applies to the project work, regardless of the general attendance requirement for the social studies module.
The basic language module covers three textbooks. Students whose absence exceeds 20% during the period when the first textbook is taught do not qualify to participate in the autumn oral and written exercises. Exceptions are made for students who can provide documentation of a passed Norwegian test at A1-A2 level. Absence exceeding 20% during the period when the second textbook is taught means the student does not qualify for the spring oral and written exercises. Exceptions are made for students who can provide documentation of a passed Norwegian test at B1-level. To qualify for the written and oral exams, a student may not exceed 20% absence during the period when the last textbook is on the teaching schedule. Attendance and absence are recorded in every teaching session. On average, there are approximately 18 hours of teaching per week per semester.
The project requirement involves students carrying out a group project on a given topic. Students formulate a research question and address it through a project report and an oral presentation within three weeks. Guidance is provided throughout the process.
The autumn oral exercise lasts up to 15 minutes per student. Participation is required, but passing is not mandatory.
The autumn written exercise lasts approximately 5 hours. Participation is required, but passing is not mandatory.
The spring oral exercise lasts up to 15 minutes per student. Passing the exercise is required (minimum grade E). If a student does not pass the regular spring oral exercise, they are allowed one additional attempt. Failure to pass the second attempt disqualifies the student from taking the oral exam.
The spring written exercise lasts approximately 5 hours. Passing the exercise is required (minimum grade E). If a student does not pass the regular spring written exercise, they are allowed one additional attempt. In this case, the student must take the part(s) of the original exercise that they did not pass. If none of the parts were passed in the first attempt, the student must retake the entire exercise. Failure to pass the second attempt disqualifies the student from taking the written exam.
Chapter tests in the autumn and spring semesters require a minimum participation of 60%.
Language production is expected regularly throughout the academic year and includes diverse activities in both written and oral forms.
- About the course
- Campus: Narvik |
- ECTS: 60
- Course code: NOR-0500
- Responsible unit
- Department of Industrial Engineering