Master of Popular Music Performance-Based in Performing Music

University of Agder
Popular Music Performance-Based in Performing Music
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Public University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time international master’s degree program taught in English. Hosted by the Department of Popular Music—part of the CreaTeMe Centre for Excellence in Education and the MishMash national research centre for AI and creativity—this umbrella program equips students with broad, holistic competencies for a contemporary music industry in constant flux. It serves as the primary master’s framework encompassing specialized performance paths (Performing Rhythmic Music, Electronic Music, World Music, and Songwriting) as well as theoretical and business orientations.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Kristiansand
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	15-December,
Fee Per Year	135000
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://www.uia.no/studentliv/studiestart/
Deadline Link	https://www.uia.no/english/studies/programmes/popular-music-master/index.html
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.0. TOEFL iBT / TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Minimum score of 80 (internet-based), 550 (paper-based), or 213 (computer-based). (Note: For tests taken after January 21, 2026, the updated TOEFL iBT minimum score requirement is 4). Pearson PTE Academic / Academic Online: Minimum score of 62. Cambridge English Exams: B2 First (with grade "A"), C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency. The European Language Certificate (telc): telc English B2, telc English B2-C1 University, or C1-level certificates. International Baccalaureate (IB): IB Diploma with English at Higher Level (HL) with a minimum score of 4.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (classical) or a very closely related field (e.g., Instrumental/Vocal Performance, Music Education with performance focus).

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for versatile, high-level professional careers—such as professional recording/touring artist, music producer, specialized instrumentalist, cultural entrepreneur, music industry strategist, and academic researcher—across the global entertainment sector, as well as eligibility for doctoral (PhD) studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts or equivalent institutions.
Program entry requirement	The general admission requirement is a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years (180 credits). At least 20 credits in the specialisation unit must be level 2. Otherwise, admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder. Recommended previous knowledge The three performance-based master's specialisations require a very high level on the principle instrument, and music science and theory pre-requisites equivalent to completion of Scientific Theory, Aesthetics and Analysis (MUR/MUK 107) from the bachelor programme in music performance at UiA. Documentation of such knowledge is a pre-requisite for admission. Performance specialisations: Performing music, World Music and Songwriting The admission criteria must include a specialisation unit of at least 80 credits in performing music or equivalent. Applicants must write a proposal for a project description for a master's thesis according to the guidelines laid down for the Faculty of Arts. Proposals for areas of specialisation for the master's thesis must be approved by the university 5 weeks before the entrance exam is held. Ranking of applicants takes place on the basis of the entrance exam with the following parts: Audition. At the audition, a score from 10 to 20 is given for passing the test. Applicants who get less than 10 points have not passed. The audition counts for 50% of the total score. Interview. During the interview, a score is given from 10 to 20. The interview counts for 50% of the total score. The audition must be passed in order to be admitted to an interview. 140 annual hours of English from Norwegian secondary school with the grade 4 or above. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550 for the Paperbased test, 213 for the Computer-based test and 80 for the Internet-based test. A score of at least 6.0 in the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) PTE Academic Pearson Test of English (PTE) with a score of no less than 62. Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), Proficiency (CPE) or First (FCE), passed with grade A. Other approved documentation of knowledge of English at an equivalent level after individual assessment
Required GPA	A recognized 4-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.7–3.0/4.0 or equivalent. Competitive universities generally prefer 3.0/4.0 or higher.
GRE Required	No – GRE is not required for this program.
GMAT Required	No – GMAT is not required for this program.
Application Process	1. Apply to an accredited Norwegian higher education institution and secure full-time admission. 2. Receive your official unconditional admission letter confirming your study program. 3. Transfer required living expenses and tuition fees to the university's deposit account or an approved Norwegian bank account. 4. Create an account on the UDI Application Portal Norway and complete the online study permit application. 5. Pay the required UDI residence permit application fee online and download your cover letter. 6. Prepare supporting documents: passport, admission letter, deposit receipt, housing documentation, and insurance. 7. Book a submission appointment at the nearest Norwegian Embassy, Consulate, or VFS Global Centre. 8. Attend your appointment to submit your document checklist, give biometric data, and submit your passport. 9. Track your application status on the UDI portal and await the official decision. 10. Travel to Norway after permit approval and register with the local police station to obtain your Residence Card.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	Accredited by NOKUT (Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education) under the Norwegian university system.
Living expenses	Living Expenses: Average living costs range from NOK 12,000–16,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. Students should budget around NOK 150,000–170,000 per year.
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with required validity and blank pages (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: Applicant ID and family relationship documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Recent biometric passport-sized photos (Mandatory). 4. Offer letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition fee receipt: Deposit, tuition payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic documents: Transcripts, degrees, and required attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language test proof (Conditional). 8. CV / resume: Updated resume with education and gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / motivation letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial documents: Bank statements, income proof, and source of funds (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor documents: Sponsor ID, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation proof: Housing booking, contract, or university letter (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel and health insurance coverage (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police certificate: Character clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical certificate: Medical clearance certificate if required (Conditional). 16. Translations / legalization: Certified translations or legalization if required (Conditional). 17. Previous refusals: Visa refusal letters and explanation if applicable (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel history: Copies of previous visas and travel stamps (Conditional). 19. Family / home ties: Return proof such as FRC, property, or job ties (Recommended). 20. Country-specific: UDI application portal cover letter (Country-specific). 21. Country-specific: Funds deposit in a Norwegian or student bank account (Country-specific). 22. Country-specific: Housing documentation if required (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-time Work: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays. Many students find part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, customer service, and campus roles.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunity: After graduation, eligible students can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to stay in Norway and search for employment. Once they secure a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which can lead to long-term residence if eligibility requirements are met.

What are the admission requirements for the Master's in Popular Music at the University of Agder?

The admission requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years (180 credits), with at least 20 credits in the specialization unit at level 2. For performance tracks, applicants must also pass an entrance audition and interview.

What is the structure of the Master's in Popular Music program?

The program lasts for 2 years (120 ECTS) and combines advanced artistic training with a robust theoretical core. Students select a specialization track and culminate their studies with a final project or master's thesis, which can be an independent performance portfolio, production project, or scholarly thesis.

How much are the tuition fees for the Master's in Popular Music?

The tuition fee for the Master's in Popular Music at the University of Agder is NOK 135,000 per year. There is no application fee required.

Can international students work while studying in Norway?

Yes, international students in Norway can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during official holidays. Many students find part-time jobs in various sectors such as retail and hospitality.

What opportunities are available after graduation from this Master's program?

After graduation, eligible students can apply for a 12-month Job Seeker Residence Permit to find employment in Norway. Upon securing a qualifying job, they can apply for a Skilled Worker Residence Permit, which may lead to long-term residency if eligibility requirements are met.