Programme description for Master's Programme in Popular Music (2023–2026)

It is facilitated for exchange in the 3rd semester.

What do you learn?

Learning outcome

Upon completion of the programme, students will:

KNOWLEDGE

• be able to explain scientific theory and methodological issues associated with popular musicological research

• have acquired advanced knowledge about the discipline of popular music and a broad understanding of the chosen specialisation

• have acquired thorough knowledge of the music business

• be able to analyse relevant and innovative research questions with their bases in history, tradition and the distinctive character of their chosen specialisation

• have acquired knowledge regarding the project as a working method

SKILLS

• be able to analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations of music, and to work independently with practical and theoretical issues

• have advanced skills in the discipline of performance practice and specialist insight into their principle instrument

• be able to independently apply relevant theory and models to plan and carry out projects linked to music and the stage

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• be able to apply their knowledge and skills in the academic discipline of music, and undertake advanced assignments and projects

• be able to contribute to innovation and innovative processes in the discipline of music

• be able to communicate their own work and use academic terminology correctly

Structure and content

Admission requirements

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 specialization unit must be level 2.Otherwise, admission takes place in accordance with the Regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder.

Performance specializations:

Performing music, World Music and Songwriting

The admission criteria must include a specialization 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 specialization 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.

 

Electronic music

The admission basis must include one of the following criteria:

• Specialization unit of at least 80 credits in performing or electronic music, bachelor's degree in music technology or equivalent. At least 20 credits in the specialization unit must be level 2.

• Other relevant bachelor's programs may, after special assessment, be approved as a basis for admission.

Applicants must write an application with 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 specialization 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.

 

Music business and management

The admission basis must include one of the following criteria:

• Specialization unit of at least 80 credits in performing music, music pedagogy or musicology. At least 20 credits in the specialization unit must be level 2.

• Relevant specialization unit of at least 80 credits within the culture/music/culture studies. At least 20 credits in the specialization unit must be level 2.

• Bachelor's degree in economics or equivalent

• Other relevant bachelor's programs may, after special assessment, be approved as a basis for admission.

A weighted average grade of C or better is required, calculated on the basis of the entire bachelor's degree.

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

General description and profile

The purpose of the master’s programme in popular music is to provide the students with a broad musical competence, and in this way prepare them for work in a fragmented and constantly shifting music industry. The study of popular music embraces such disciplines as music industry (economy, contract law, consumption, etc.) and aesthetics (criticism, commercialisation, authenticity, etc.), but also production and the performance practice of a hybrid of musical traditions, styles and genres such as pop, rock, folk and jazz, and others.

The digitalisation and restructuring of the music business in the past decade has changed the workday for the traditional performing musician, and the master’s programme intends to give the students a diverse approach to the discipline of popular music. We have a major focus on performance, but we also provide the students with a thorough insight into, and competence within, differing branches of the music business and the cultural industries.

On the master`s programme in Popular Music, you have the opportunity to work within one of six specialisations, of which four are performance-based: Popular Music Performance, Electronic Music, World Music, Songwriting, Music Business Management or Project Management for Music and Stage.

1. In the specialisation Popular Music Performance, the focus is on your personal artistic expression and musical identity. Through further development of artistic and technical proficiency, you are prepared well for work as a musician at an advanced level. This specialisation also includes a theoretical component, where current fields of musicological research and methodological approaches are discussed and contextualised within a performance-based framework.

2. The specialisation Electronic Music focuses on performance and its relationship to music technology and sound design. Central aspects of this specialisation are composition, programming and the production of electronic music. The theoretical component follows the specialisation in Popular Music Performance.

3. The basis of our World Music specialisation is the student’s own traditional music, linking it to music from other parts of the world. World Music is suited to performing musicians and music educators who wish to build bridges across cultures and explore their own stylistic repertoires. The theoretical component focuses on existing theories, methods and interpretations within traditional folk music, and encourages independent work with the relevant methodological tools of artistic research. 

4. The specialization in Songwriting offers a combination of individual supervision and in groups consisting of both 1st and 2nd year students. The focus is on developing your artistic expression and critical reflection. Through various methods and approaches, students will explore textual, musical, and performative aspects of creative processes in songmaking.

5. Music Business and Management studies is designed for students wishing to work with idea development and entrepreneurship within the national and international music industry. Studies include subjects such as: marketing, economy, music, management, and law. Students gain a significant insight into the Norwegian and international music industry with a strong focus on issues related to the development of new markets, revenue streams, new technologies and challenges within the area of copyright. 

The master’s thesis (30 ECTS) is central to the programme, and must be an independent academic work within the chosen specialisation.

The students on the master’s programme can be included in the research groups on the Faculty’s research platform PMRU. 

Teaching methods

The study programme offers varied instructional and working forms as well as the close follow-up of each individual student. The teaching language is normally Norwegian, but some lessons can be taught in English. Instruction is given as a combination of individual supervision, workshops and lectures. For the performance-based specialisations, lectures will also be given through ensemble classes.

The University of Agder (UiA) encourages the increased use of digital tools in its study programmes. The aim is to utilise new forms of communication and to test out new arrangements for teaching and academic supervision. Students at UiA will, to an increasing extent, be using computers in their daily academic work. A transition to digital examinations is an important part of this process. The students should therefore have laptops at their disposal.

Assessment methods

Various forms of assessment will be used in order to ensure a connection between the various learning outcomes in the courses and their work methods, and to ensure the totality and quality of the study programme. Theoretical courses will be assessed by oral and/or written examinations, while performance-based subjects will be assessed by evaluating studio productions, ensemble classes and concerts.

Internationalization

Various forms of assessment will be used in order to ensure a connection between the various learning outcomes in the courses and their work methods, and to ensure the totalit The faculty is committed internationally through the programmes Nordplus and Erasmus, and arrangements are made for international exchanges in semester 3. Please refer to the faculty´s web-pages and to the International Education Office for further information.

Requirements for continuing in programme

There are progression requirements during the study programme. For further information please see the individual course descriptions.

Occupational profiles / further studies

The programme qualifies graduates for creative and artistic work in the arts and cultural sector, as well as more specialised performance occupations. The study provides a very good starting point for a music career.

After completing the master’s programme one will also have acquired competence relevant to establishing one’s own music business.

The theory-based specialisations offer relevant competance for national and international work inside music organisations and music-related companies, the media, and record companies.

Completed master's degree in Popular Music forms the basis of further PhD studies. The Faculty of Fine Arts at UiA, for example, offers a PhD educational programme in Popular Music Performance.

Qualification awarded

Master of Science in Popular Music

Evaluation

Study programme evaluation is conducted annually in the programme committee in accordance with the Quality System, section 4.2. Before the meeting of the study programme committee, the student representative may obtain suggestions and ideas from fellow students.

Contact person

Program coordinator Per Elias Drabløs. e-mail: per.e.drablos@uia.no. Phone: +47 38141920

Other information

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer (laptop) for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d