About this programme
Master's Programme in Classical Music Performance is a Master's Degree programme at University of Agder in Kristiansand, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Kristiansand as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. University of Agder is a state university in Agder.
How it compares
Master's Programme in Classical Music Performance 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
This master's programme at the University of Agder is for classical musicians who want to push their playing to a higher level while keeping hold of what makes them sound like themselves. The programme is taught in English and runs for two years (120 ECTS) in Kristiansand.
What you study
The core of the programme is your own artistry. You work on technical skills as a musician and instrumentalist at a high professional level, and you look at how music theory, music history and performance connect. You also build an academic and professional basis for reflection, creativity and innovation in music. The programme gives a broad knowledge of how to carry out advanced tasks and projects in the field, and it introduces the musicological disciplines and how to facilitate research on your own music.
Admission, language and next steps
To be considered, you need a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years (180 credits). The admission criteria must include a specialisation unit of at least 80 credits in performing music or equivalent, and at least 20 of those credits must be at level 2. Ranking is based on an entrance exam with two parts. First, an audition with a self-selected programme, where you can score from 10 to 20 points; less than 10 means you have not passed. The audition counts for 50% of your total score. If you pass, you go to an interview, also scored from 10 to 20, which makes up the other 50%. Recommended previous knowledge is MUK107 Philosophy of Science, Aesthetics and Analysis at UiA, or similar. The application deadline is 15 December. Check the programme page for the exact application system and any updates. Teaching is in English. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions; other degree students normally pay a fee set by the institution.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Performing musician
- Instrumentalist
- Work with the Kilden Vocal Ensemble or Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra (through programme cooperation)
- Music research
- Advanced music projects
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to University of Agder, 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's Programme in Classical Music Performance taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at University of Agder. 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 Kristiansand as the campus town for this programme at University of Agder.
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. University of Agder 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 University of Agder 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 University of Agder.
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 University of Agder 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 University of Agder is linked from this page so you can compare.
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