It was introduced in 2002–03 and changed the entire system of higher education in Norway to comply with the Bologna process.
The Norwegian approach was a quick and brutal removal of the old system and replacement to the new instantly.
The system abolished many old master-level degree titles, including cand.scient.
The length varied, and depended on the area of study, ranging from four to six years.
The reform set new requirements to the follow-up on students, forcing universities and colleges to spend more resources per credit, specially on demands related to assignments.