Master of Media Practices

Volda University College
Media Practices
Masters
Arts & Humanities
Public University
Norway

A 2-year (120 ECTS) full-time master’s degree program taught in English. Designed to bridge traditional divides across media industries, the curriculum brings together students from diverse backgrounds—such as journalism, communication, animation, film production, and design. The program blends advanced theoretical inquiry into media, society, and rhetoric with practical non-fiction production, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional workplace training.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Volda
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	15-January,
Fee Per Year	128000
Application Fee
Currency	nok
Intake Link	https://www.hivolda.no/en/student-service/semester-start
Deadline Link	https://www.hivolda.no/en/studietilbod/master-media-practices/haust
Intakes	August
Program language requirement	All applicants to the Master in Media Practices must document their English language skills. However, in some cases, diplomas from prior education can be sufficient documentation (see list below). Note: the English language requirements to the Master in Media Practices are stricter than the requirements for Bacehelor's level studies in Norway (the GSU-list). List of accepted documentation for English language proficiency: IELTS – minimum overall score of 6.0 (Academic test). TOFEL – minimum score 80 (internet based), 550 (paper based), or 213 (computer based). Pearsons PTE Academic test – minimum score 59. Cambridge ESOL Examinations with one of the following results: B2 First (previously First FCE) – grade B or better, C1 Advanced (previously CAE) – grade C or better, C2 Proficiency (preivously CPE) – grade C or better, 140 hours of English at a higher secondary school (videregående skole) in Norway, or the equivalent English subject from one of the other Nordic countries. Secondary school diploma from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK or USA. Completed Bachelor’s degree from either Canada, USA, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain, or Australia. The degree must have been physically taught in one of these countries. Completed a Bachelor’s degree with English as the language of instruction in the Nordic countries. Completed a minimum of 1 year of Master’s level studies with English as the language of instruction in the Nordic countries. Minimum 1 year of studies on university level in Great Britain, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia. Please note that branch campus, validated and franchised programmes and distance learning students are not exempt from providing an English test. Completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme with English at Higher Level with grade 4 or better. Completed secondary school from one of the European countries listed in this table and which meets the course and grade requirement specified in the table.

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, typically: Media studies / Journalism Film / Video production Communication / Multimedia Documentary production Visual arts / Photography (with moving image focus)

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Prepares graduates for advanced professional, creative, and strategic careers—such as investigative journalist, communications director, documentary filmmaker, animator, media producer, design strategist, and content developer—across broadcasting networks, digital media startups, public relations firms, NGOs, and public institutions, as well as eligibility to pursue doctoral (PhD) studies.
Program entry requirement	Admission requirements for this program is a completed unversity degree equivalent to a Norwegian Bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), which normally means an undergraduate degree of 3-4 years duration. From this degree, a minimum of 90 ECTS credits (or 1 1/2 year of full-time studies) of course work must be from the field of media or journalism studies, and applicants must have a minimum of 40 ECTS credits from practical courses. Relevant work experience may be used to compensate for this requirement if subjects are within practical fields. A good grade point average (GPA) from the Bachelor’s degree is required. For Norwegian applicants this amounts to an average grade of C or better. For international applicants, no set grade point average is required, but the admission committee will review the applicant’s grades in light of the grading system of the university/country in question. Applicants must upload links (URL) for your portfolio/show reel. For example to youtube, news articles, dropbox/drive locations, drawings, etc. This must be uploaded with the rest of the supporting documents in your online application. We do not want you to upload your portfolio/show reel due to the possible size of such files and also the danger of file alterations resulting in inferior quality. Applicants need to document a high degree of English language proficiency, either through standardized English test such as TOEFL (minimum 80 points overall on the iBT test) or the IELTS (minimum overall score of 6.0 on the Academic test). Applicants who have passed the course in English from Norwegian secondary school and applicants who have completed secondary school in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UK and the USA are exempt from documenting their English language skills. Read more about admission, the English language requirements and other possible exemptions. Note: Admission for the Master in Media Practice is based on an overall review of the applicant based on the submitted transcripts/diplomas and examples of prior work (portfolio/show reel).
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 in Media Practices at Hivolda University?

Admission requirements include a completed university degree equivalent to a Norwegian Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), with at least 90 ECTS credits in media or journalism studies and a minimum of 40 ECTS in practical coursework. A good grade point average from the Bachelor's degree is also required.

Is there an application fee for the Master in Media Practices program?

No, there is no application fee required for the Master in Media Practices program at Hivolda University.

What are the English language requirements for international applicants?

International applicants must document their English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS (minimum score of 6.0) or TOEFL (minimum score of 80). Certain educational qualifications may also serve as proof of English language competence.

What is the duration and structure of the Master in Media Practices program?

The program is a 2-year full-time master's degree (120 ECTS) consisting of core coursework and specialized elective courses, along with a professional practice placement and the completion of a master's thesis.