Master’s Programme in Popular Music
A multidisciplinary programme blending performance, theory, and industry innovation in popular music.
Best for:Best for musicians, composers, and industry professionals seeking to deepen their artistic and academic expertise in popular music.
Overview
The Master’s Programme in Popular Music at the University of Agder offers immersive specialisations in performing arts, music technology, songwriting, world music, and music business. Students engage in both practical and theoretical training, developing expertise in performance practice, musicology, research methodologies, and industry dynamics. The programme fosters collaboration with peers, practitioners, and supervisors, encouraging artistic innovation and academic reflection. Graduates gain skills in research, technology application, and industry navigation, preparing them for careers in performance, academia, or music management.
What you'll do
- Develop and refine artistic projects in chosen specialisations (performance, electronic music, world music, songwriting, or music business).
- Engage in interdisciplinary research projects exploring the intersection of performance practice and popular music theory.
- Apply advanced musicological methods to analyse and document artistic work independently.
- Collaborate with peers, practitioners, and supervisors to foster innovation and critical reflection in popular music.
- Explore emerging technologies and their impact on music creation, distribution, and consumption.
- Contribute to academic discourse by integrating theoretical insights with practical artistic output.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Music, Musicology, or a related field (e.g., Performing Arts, Music Technology, or equivalent).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Popular Music
Language: English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable). Norwegian proficiency is not strictly required but may be advantageous for local engagement.
Instruction: English (with some Norwegian-language resources for local integration)
- Proven proficiency in music performance or composition (depending on specialisation).
- Basic understanding of music theory and popular music history.
- Ability to conduct independent artistic and academic research.
- Familiarity with digital tools and technologies relevant to music creation or business.
- Open to international applicants; no residency restrictions.
- No age limit or prior experience caps.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Applicants must submit their application through the University of Agder’s official portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, and a portfolio demonstrating artistic or research work. Some specialisations may require additional materials, such as a music sample or project proposal.
- CV
- Letter of Motivation
- Academic Transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Portfolio (artistic or research work)
- Proof of English Proficiency (if applicable)
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.