Programme structure
The course of study consists of a total of 120 credits that are distributed in the following manner:
- Compulsory courses, 20 credits
- Elective courses, 40 credits
- Master's thesis and project term/studies abroad, 60 credits:
- Master's thesis, 60 credits
- International project term, 30 credits + Master's thesis, 30 credits
- Studies abroad, 30 credits + Master's thesis, 30 credits
Recommended order of the course of study
| 4. semester | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. semester |
JAP4691 - Master's Thesis in Modern Japan (60 credits) or AMS4900 - International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East or JAP4020 - Data Collection in Japanese Studies and |
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| 2. semester | Elective courses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. semester | JAP4010 – Theory and Method in Japanese Studies | Compulsory course | Elective course | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compulsory courses
And at least one of the following courses:
- JAP4320 – Modern Japan Through Novels
- JAP4330 – Introduction to the Japanese Language and Linguistics
- JAP4510 – Topics in Modern Japan Studies (discontinued)
- JAP4515 – Contemporary Japanese Culture and Society
- JAP4520 – Traditional Culture in Modern Japan (discontinued)
- JAP4530 – Topics in Japanese Society and Politics
- JAP4110 – Classical Japanese
- JAP4610 – Readings in Japanese Studies
Additional elective courses
You may also choose more courses from the above list of compulsory courses.
- EAL4020 – Topics in the History of East Asian Languages (discontinued)
- EAST4504 – Religious Traditions in East Asia
- EAST4520 – Topics in East Asian Societies and Politics (discontinued)
- EAST4530 – Topics in East Asian Culture and History (discontinued)
- KIN4111 – Classical Chinese (discontinued)
- KIN4340 – Taiwan Studies - Only for students with qualifications in Chinese
- KIN4520 – Recent Developments in Chinese Society - Only for students with qualifications in Chinese
- REL4160 – Buddhist Modernities (discontinued)
- REL4181 – Historical Religious Texts (discontinued)
- KOR4520 – South Korea: Society and Politics (discontinued)
- REL4270 – Tibetan Literary Culture (discontinued)
It is possible to apply for recognition of up to 30 credits taken in other subjects from the University of Oslo or other universities when these can be seen as relevant for the candidate’s subject area for the Master's thesis. This form (only in Norwegian) should be filled out and sent to the student adviser if you wish to do so.
Master's thesis and project term/semester abroad
During your 3rd and 4th semester, you should choose one of the following options:
Option 1:
- JAP4691 – Master's Thesis in Modern Japan (60 credits)
Option 2:
- AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East (30 credits)
- JAP4693 – Master's Thesis in Modern Japan (30 credits)
Option 3:
- Studies abroad (30 credits)
- JAP4693 – Master's Thesis in Modern Japan (30 credits)
Practical information for Master students at IKOS
On the department's web site you will find important information and relevant links for Master students at IKOS, especially concerning the Master's thesis.
Diploma and degree
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.