Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science

At the University of Oslo you can take courses in your major in English. Living and learning alongside Norwegian and international students, you’ll experience the positive and inclusive learning environment that has led to its outstanding student reviews.

Unique study opportunities

  • Study the influential Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen, and how his plays are interpreted across cultures.
  • Examine how science and innovation can solve pressing world problems like climate change and global health.
  • Learn how gender equality has been developed and is practiced in Nordic countries.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Norwegian Language Study: Optional

Norwegian language courses are available at the beginning to advanced levels.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Three courses for a total of 24 quarter/15.9 semester UC units
  • You may take one course for pass/no pass

Current Program Courses

As a UCEAP participant you have access to more than 800 courses taught in English at all levels. The University of Oslo offers degree programs in Theology, Law, Medicine, Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Dentistry, Social Sciences, and Education.

Most courses are at the upper-division undergraduate level. With the appropriate background and prerequisites, you can take courses at the master level within your major. These courses count at UC as upper-division undergraduate credit.

Research and independent study are typically not available on this program.

Graduate Student Credit

Graduate students earn undergraduate credit for master level coursework taken on this program.

Catalogs and resources

  • University of Oslo course catalog: Click on the department to see a list of courses offered in each field. On the department page you can select the term (autumn or spring) and the level of the course.
  • Norwegian language courses: Read more about language courses available to international students.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Teaching methods at the University of Oslo include lectures, seminars, lab work, workshops, group exercises, practical and problem-based learning, and self study. Just as it does at UC, class sizes vary from 15 to 200 students depending on the course.

The greatest academic challenge UCEAP students face at the University of Oslo is being self-disciplined. There are few or no assignments during the semester and few hours in class per week. This has led some students to underestimate the vast independent work required to succeed in classes and perform well on projects and papers.  Most courses require extensive independent reading in addition to final exams. If you are highly self-motivated, you will do well in the Norwegian university system.

At the University of Oslo, assessment is often entirely based on one final exam. Exams can be in the form of a major project, research paper, or written exam. Assignments may be given during the course, but these are rarely graded. Some courses have compulsory assignments and attendance required during the term to be eligible for the exam. 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.

Grades for the fall semester are typically available in February. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in August. ​

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.