About this programme
Master of Music in Music Theory is a Master's Degree programme at Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Oslo as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. Norwegian Academy of Music is an arts, music and architecture academy in Oslo.
How it compares
Master of Music in Music Theory is one of 14 English-taught Music programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 6 institutions. 1 of them lists an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland. 14 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
The Master of Music in Music Theory at the Norwegian Academy of Music is a two-year programme worth 120 ECTS. It looks at music theory through artistic, scientific and pedagogical traditions, and keeps the role of theory in performance and practice at the centre.
What you study
The programme covers music theory in the classical Western tradition from the Middle Ages to the present day, plus aspects of jazz and folk music. Analysis is a central subject, and analytical aspects run through the other elements too. You work from two perspectives: practical skills and musical reflection. The learning objectives include advanced knowledge of music theory, specialist knowledge of defined topics, and in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and methodology. You also learn to conduct an independent research or development project under supervision.
How the programme is organised
Teaching is seminar-based, full-time or part-time. It combines teacher-led tuition and lectures, supervision, and independent work linked to that tuition. Attendance is generally not obligatory except in certain subjects; each course description says whether attendance is required. You can go on an exchange in the third semester, and the Academy has agreements with institutions in Europe and elsewhere. An exchange replaces tuition you would normally follow, so it does not lengthen your studies. Assessment uses pass/fail or the graded A to F scale, where E is the lowest pass. All subjects, grades and ECTS credits appear on the diploma, along with the title of your Master's project.
Who it suits
This programme suits students who want to dig into how music works and why, and who are curious about the link between theory and performance. It prepares you for PhD studies in musicology, which can lead to teaching at higher music education institutions and universities. Combined with a qualification in educational theory and practice (PPU), it qualifies you for teaching in primary and secondary schools, folk high schools and municipal arts schools. If you have completed a PPU course before enrolling, you may be able to take a music theory didactics module, provided the Academy offers one at the time.
Admission, language and next steps
You need a bachelor's degree with at least 120 ECTS credits in music subjects or 90 ECTS credits in musicology. You should have good knowledge of music theory, especially in the topics you plan to focus on in your Master's project. Entrance tests are held in aural skills, harmony, counterpoint and arranging. You must also enclose two arrangements or compositions as scores with your application. The programme is taught in English. The application deadline is 15 December. Check the programme page for details on how to apply and what documents to submit.
Job opportunities after graduating
- PhD studies in musicology
- Teaching at higher music education institutions and universities
- Teaching in primary and secondary schools (with PPU)
- Teaching in folk high schools (with PPU)
- Teaching in municipal arts schools (with PPU)
- Music theory research and development
- Music analysis and dissemination
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to Norwegian Academy of Music, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. The institution lists its deadline as: 15 December. The register shows 15 December 2026 as a deadline date for this programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Norway register, the official English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master of Music in Music Theory taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at Norwegian Academy of Music. Only English-taught degree programmes are included here.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Oslo as the campus town for this programme at Norwegian Academy of Music.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme, and some programmes require a minimum grade average. Norwegian Academy of Music publishes its requirements on the programme page.
When is the application deadline?
Each institution sets and publishes its own deadline for each programme, and the dates can differ between applicants from outside the EU/EEA, EU/EEA applicants and Nordic applicants. As Norwegian Academy of Music lists it: 15 December. The register shows 15 December 2026 as a deadline date for this programme. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at Norwegian Academy of Music.
What does it cost?
No annual fee is listed for this programme. Degree students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland normally pay tuition at Norwegian institutions, and the fees vary by institution and programme, so ask Norwegian Academy of Music what applies to you. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. Every student also pays a semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation linked to the institution.
Do I need a permit to study there?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI asks for proof of admission, housing and funds of NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year (2026/27), on top of any tuition fee. A study permit allows work of up to 20 hours a week during term and full time in the holidays. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland register with the police within three months of arrival instead.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Norway register at studyinnorway.no, the English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. The programme page at Norwegian Academy of Music is linked from this page so you can compare.
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