Glossary

A provisional offer of a place to applicants who have not yet completed their qualifying education. The offer becomes a formal admission only once the applicant documents that the admission requirements have been met by a specified deadline.

A provisional offer of a place to applicants who have not yet completed their qualifying education. The offer becomes a formal admission only once the applicant documents that the admission requirements have been met by a specified deadline.

The smallest unit in a study programme that earns academic credits. Each course has a unique code in which the letters indicate the subject area and the first digit indicates the level: 100-level courses are introductory, 200-level courses are advanced bachelor's level, and 500- and 600-level courses are at master's level.

A description of an individual course's academic content, learning outcomes, forms of assessment, compulsory activities and any prerequisite requirements. The course description also specifies the level at which the course is offered (bachelor's, master's or PhD).

A measure of workload in higher education. 60 credits correspond to one full year of study. A bachelor's degree is normally 180 credits, and a two-year master's degree is 120 credits.

A master's degree of 90 or 120 credits aimed at applicants with relevant professional experience (at least two years). Distinguished from the discipline-based master's degree by the explicit requirement for work experience as an admission criterion.

The national service that coordinates admission to most undergraduate programmes (bachelor's level) at Norwegian universities and university colleges. MF uses this service for its undergraduate programmes. Admission to master's programmes and other studies is handled locally at MF.

Competence acquired through work experience, voluntary work or other practice outside the formal education system. May in some cases be used as a basis for admission to programmes of study.

If there are more qualified applicants than available places, applicants are ranked according to the rules set out in § 2-11. Ranking is normally based on grade point average from the education forming the basis for admission. The exception applies to applicants who are offered a place on remaining vacancies after the ordinary admissions round – these may be admitted without regard to ranking.

A collection of courses totalling at least 80 credits within the same subject area, forming the core of a bachelor's degree. The specialisation unit must include at least 30 credits at advanced level (200-level or higher).

A description of a study programme's academic content, learning outcomes, structure and admission requirements. Previously referred to as programplan (programme plan) at MF. The terminology has been updated to align with the Universities and University Colleges Act.

A structured, multi-year collection of courses that together qualify for a degree. A study programme has its own admission requirements, a programme plan (study plan), and a standard period of study.

Education that normally builds on upper secondary schooling and does not require prior higher education for admission. Admission to undergraduate programmes is handled through the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (Samordna opptak).

An individual plan describing which courses you will take and when, drawn up in collaboration with MF. The education plan must be confirmed each semester to remain valid. Students enrolled in programmes of 60 credits or more are required to have an education plan.

A temporary interruption of studies during which you retain your right of study. You have a statutory right to leave of absence for military service, parental leave and student political office. In addition, MF allows you to apply for up to one year (two semesters) of leave without stating a reason, provided you meet certain progression requirements.

The mandatory registration process you must complete each semester in order to retain your right of study and be eligible to sit examinations. Semester registration includes confirming your education plan and paying tuition fees by the specified deadlines.

The planned duration for completing a programme of study on a full-time basis. A bachelor's degree has a standard period of three years; a two-year master's degree has a standard period of two years. Standard progression corresponds to 60 credits per academic year.

The right to participate in teaching, sit examinations and use MF's resources within the programme to which you have been admitted. The right of study is established once you have accepted your place, completed semester registration and paid tuition fees in your first semester. The right of study is time-limited in accordance with the standard period of study.

The cancellation of an examination or examination result, typically as a consequence of cheating or an attempt to cheat. An annulled examination still counts as an examination attempt.

The official assessment of your examination, carried out by one or more examiners. The result is published in StudentWeb. You are responsible for checking the result within the deadline for requesting feedback or lodging a complaint.

Assignments, tests, presentations, attendance or other activities that must be completed and approved before you are permitted to sit the examination in a course. Compulsory activities are assessed as approved/not approved and do not earn credits in themselves.

Older course descriptions and programme plans at MF may use the term studiekrav (course requirements) for the same thing. From 2026, the term «compulsory activities» is used consistently in the regulations, in line with national terminology.

An examination for students who had a valid reason for absence from the ordinary examination. Normally held in the same semester as the ordinary examination. Valid absence does not count as an examination attempt.

Each registration for an examination from which you do not withdraw by the withdrawal deadline counts as one attempt – regardless of whether you attend or pass. You may normally sit the examination in the same course up to three times. The number of attempts follows you as a student, not your right of study.

A person who assesses examination scripts. Examiners must hold documented academic competence within the relevant subject area, equivalent to at least senior lecturer level at a university college or university. In special cases, relevant professional experience may be accepted as a qualification.

An oral examination conducted following a written examination or submitted work, which may adjust the written grade up or down. If you fail to attend the oral adjustment examination without a valid reason, the overall result will be set to fail.

An examination held in the semester in which the course is normally offered, in accordance with the course description. As a rule, only one ordinary examination is held each time a course is offered.

A form of assessment in which the final grade is based on one or more pieces of work submitted during or towards the end of the semester. All works are assessed collectively. Portfolio assessment may be combined with other forms of assessment.

An examination for students who failed the ordinary examination. Normally held in the same semester as the ordinary examination, together with the deferred examination.

Individual adjustments to teaching, the learning environment or other aspects of the study situation for students with a documented need, for example due to disability, chronic illness or similar circumstances. Applications must be submitted to MF each semester by the semester registration deadline and must be supported by a certificate from a physician or other qualified specialist.

Individual adjustments to the examination situation, such as extended time, a separate room, access to aids or other measures. Applications must be submitted each semester by the semester registration deadline. Students with a permanent need may apply for an exemption from the requirement to apply each semester.

A formal academic title awarded upon completion of education of a specified scope and content. MF awards the bachelor's degree (180 credits), the master's degree (90, 120 or 300 credits) and the degree of candidata/candidatus theologiae – cand.theol. (360 credits).

The official document issued when you have completed a degree at MF. Degree certificates are normally issued in digital form. A paper certificate is issued only once; a duplicate may be issued upon application in the event of loss. The certificate is issued in the language of instruction for the programme.

An English-language supplement to the degree certificate describing your education and the Norwegian higher education system. Issued automatically together with the degree certificate in accordance with the Universities and University Colleges Act.

A compulsory course of 10 credits included in the bachelor's degree at MF, providing an introduction to MF's subject areas. Some study plans may allow for an exemption from this requirement, but no exemption is possible for the self-composed bachelor's degree.

A compulsory introductory course of 10 credits in philosophy and philosophy of science, included in the bachelor's degree and the cand.theol. degree at MF. The course provides a common academic frame of reference across study programmes.

This is not a study programme you apply to be admitted to, but rather an opportunity to apply for a bachelor's degree to be awarded on the basis of courses you have already passed – for example through one or more year-long programmes, interrupted studies, or courses taken over time. The self-composed bachelor's degree must include a specialisation unit of at least 80 credits within one of MF's subject areas, a supporting subject of 40 credits in a different subject area, as well as examen philosophicum and examen facultatum. No exemption from the examen facultatum requirement is possible for this degree.

An overview of all courses you have passed at MF, including course code, title, credits, grade and semester. A transcript of records is not the same as a degree certificate, but may be issued on request, for example when applying for employment or further studies.