Bachelor's degree with at least 120 ECTS credits in music subjects or 90 ECTS credits in musicology. Applicants are expected to demonstrate good knowledge of music theory, especially within the topics they will be focusing on in their Master's project.
Entrance tests in aural skills, harmony, counterpoint and arranging will be held. Two arrangements or compositions should be enclosed with the application in the form of scores.
Programme description
The Master's programme explores music theory in light of artistic, scientific and pedagogical traditions. The role of music theory in music performance and practice is central to the programme. The programme focuses on music theory from two perspectives: practical skills and musical reflection. The programme covers music theory in the classical, Western tradition from the Middle Ages until the present day and aspects of jazz and folk music. An analysis is a central subject in the programme. As well as the subject of analysis itself, there are also analytical aspects to the other elements in the programme.
The Master's programme prepares the students for PhD studies in musicology, which enables them to teach at higher music education institutions and universities. When combined with a qualification in educational theory and practice (PPU), the programme qualifies the students for teaching in primary and secondary schools, folk high schools and municipal arts schools.
Students who have completed a PPU course before enrolling on the programme may opt to take a music theory didactics module, provided the Academy offers such a module at the time of enrolment.
Learning objectives
Upon completing the Master's programme, the candidate is expected to
- possess advanced knowledge of music theory and specialist knowledge of defined topics based on practical, artistic, and historical perspectives
- possess in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and methodology in music theory and be able to apply this knowledge in an independent manner
- be able to apply their knowledge and contribute to renewal and innovation in music theory
- be able to critically analyse material from research and development and use the material independently in their work
- be able to conduct an independent, clearly defined research or development project under supervision and in line with prevailing research and professional, ethical standards
- be able to discuss and disseminate issues and problems relating to music theory both with specialists and with the public at large
Organisation
The programme is structured as a seminar-based full-time or part-time course. The programme will comprise teacher-led tuition/lectures, supervision and independent work linked to the tuition/supervision.
An exchange may be undertaken in the third semester.
Attendance is generally speaking not obligatory except in certain subjects. The course description for each component specifies whether attendance is obligatory.
- Read about absenteeism and leave of absence (lovdata.no).
ECTS credits are used to measure the weighting of each course on the programme. The complete Master's programme generates 120 ECTS credits. One year of full-time study is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits. One ECTS credit is equivalent to 27–30 hours of work, including tuition and independent work.
Assessment
The study programme includes subjects using the pass/fail scale and subjects using the graded A–F scale on which an E is the lowest pass grade. The respective course descriptions state which grading system is used.
Further provisions on assessments and exams are stipulated in Chapter VI of the Regulations concerning studies at the Norwegian Academy of Music (lovdata.no).
The diploma will be issued once the student has passed the courses that meet the criteria for the degree. All subjects studied on the programme are listed on the diploma with the associated grade and number of ECTS credits. The title of the Master's project is also included on the diploma.
Exchange
At the Academy, we facilitate the opportunity to go on an exchange as part of your degree. We have exchange agreements with Europe's leading institutions, as well as with exciting and highly ranked music education programmes across the globe. Going on an exchange will therefore not result in a prolonged study period, as one or two semesters abroad will replace tuition you normally would follow at the Norwegian Academy of Music during this time. If you want to go on an exchange during the first year of your Master's programme, you must apply for this before you know whether or not you have been admitted to the programme. It is also possible to travel during your 2nd year of Master's.
Find out more about how, where and when to exchange on NMHs web site (student.nmh.no).
Education quality assurance
The Academy has a system for educational quality assurance and development that applies to all aspects of education. Students play a vital role in these efforts by, among other things, participating in student evaluations of courses and programmes.