Ibsen Studies

Explore Ibsen`s continued relevance and impact on the world through a variety of different media. Choose between a traditional Master`s programme or our unique Online equivalent.

Ibsen Studies is an interdisciplinary master’s program that will give you in-depth knowledge of the life and works of Henrik Ibsen, who deeply influenced the formation of modern drama and global theater practices.

Through two years of intensive studies, you will be part of an international community of students, scholars, and theater practitioners who are passionate about Ibsen’s works, their impact in today’s world, as well as their continuous renewal in the performing arts.

We offer an in-person master`s programme as well as a fully online, largely asynchronous master`s programme. Learn more about the options by following the links below:

• Ibsen Studies
• Ibsen Studies Online

Ibsen and his works remain a source of inspiration in promoting social change in many cultures around the world. His works thematize gender equality, promote individual freedom, and question authority.

The diverse backgrounds of our faculty members and students equip us to engage in lively discussions about how Ibsen is used in public discourses in different cultural contexts.

Ibsen has strongly influenced contemporary media. In our courses, you will examine the latest adaptations of his plays and how Ibsenian dramaturgy is the foundation of many new original works, including blockbuster films and streaming series.

You will have the opportunity to learn from directors, playwrights, actors, or dramaturgs both inside and outside the classroom through workshops and internships.

The master’s program in Ibsen Studies is offered by the Centre for Ibsen Studies (CIS) at the Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies. CIS is a world-leading institution in Digital Humanities and has developed the world’s largest databases on Henrik Ibsen’s works and their adaptations in different performing arts genres.

To deepen your understanding of Ibsen’s dramaturgy, you will be able to visit—in a virtual reality (VR) model—the theater where Ibsen did his theatrical apprenticeship. In our program, you will learn how to integrate the most advanced digital humanities methodologies in your own research projects.

You can freely access all our digital resources at The Virtual Ibsen Centre at any time.

Our class size is usually quite small, which encourages you to actively participate in class discussions and group projects. As part of a diverse student group, you will contribute to a vibrant learning environment where many different viewpoints rise and develop.

You have access to both one-on-one thesis supervision with your advisor and collective supervision and writing sessions with fellow master students. In addition to regular class sessions, you will be able to join reading groups, in-house seminars with international researchers, special film screenings, and an active student club. You will also have access to professional assistance from our own specialist librarian who maintains the CIS Library.

During your studies, you will be invited to give feedback in forum discussions, where you have a say in the development of the study program and improvement of your own student experience.

A master’s degree in Ibsen Studies opens career opportunities in the following sectors: research and teaching, cultural administration, event organization, and the performing arts.

CIS organizes occasional workshops and meetings with professionals from various sectors. We also organize annual events for students to meet with alumni in order to strengthen their social and professional networks.

As a student, you have the option of writing a shorter master’s thesis and dedicating your third semester to an internship working with digital resources at CIS or an institution that provides you with relevant job experience. We can help connect you to different institutions for internship.

CIS is part of several extensive national and international networks of academic institutions and theater organizations. Students are encouraged to either study or carry out an internship abroad.