The programme is aimed at musical talents with ambitions to develop their musical and instrumental technical skills.
1 year
Ca. 10
60
Round 1: Video recording Round 2: Audition in Stavanger week 10
15. December 15. May (secondary) Local admission
Tuition fees
The Norwegian Government has proposed to introduce tuition fees for foreign students outside of the EU and EEA in the new state budget for 2023. The budget is still not approved and this issue is still open for debate and negotiation until December 15, 2022. Until that date we do not have more information or details.
Who lecturer in Postgraduate Diploma in music performance
How to apply for Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance for International applicants:
Information regarding admission procedures, requirements etc.
How to apply for Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance for applicants living in Norway, Sweden or Denmark:
Information regarding admission procedures, requirements etc.
For applicants living outside of Norway, Sweden or Denmark, it will be sufficient with a video of the entire requested repertoire and a digital interview in week 10.
Study Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance in Stavanger
The Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (PDM) is an education with a focus on practical skills and performing skills.

About the Study Programme
The program is aimed at musical talents with ambitions to develop their musical and instrumental technical knowledge.
As a student you can expect to be involved in various artistic productions that take place at the faculty or externally. Relevant partners may be; Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Stavanger Jazz Forum / Mai Jazz and other professional ensembles at home and abroad.
As part of a joint master, it will form a component that contributes to complementing a specialization within national classical music traditions, these possibly in combination or under a common area of influence with ethno / traditional music.
Bjergsted Culture Park
The Faculty of Performing Arts is part of Bjergsted Culture Park. For students, this means that they become part of a larger music and art environment that provides a good framework and opportunities for development in their music area. There are close ties between the professional art and cultural life in the region, and the faculty's activities.

Specializations
At Bjergsted, we have strong academic environments in each of the specializations. Highly qualified teachers will give you a solid technical-methodological, artistic and theoretical basis for a career as a performing musician in classical, jazz or conducting. You will learn about communication on your main instrument, and develop your skills as a musician and instrumentalist.
All study programmes affiliated with the Faculty of Performing Arts are under annual revisions. Revised study plans and course descriptions for the academic year 2023/2024 will be published here on 1 February 2023.
Career prospects
The programme lays the foundation for a professional career as a musician as well as for other activities in the cultural sector in general.
Learning outcomes
All study programmes at the UiS have a set of defined learning targets. Read more about the learning outcome for this study programme.
After completing the programme, the candidates should have acquired the knowledge, skills and general competence that provide the candidate;
General competence
- Have an artistic profile that provides the basis for a professional career as a performing musician.
Knowledge
- Have knowledge and insight in the field at a professional level
Skills
- Realize and mitigate artistic intentions on a professional level
Study plan and courses
Enrolment year: 2023
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Classical, Jazz or
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Jazz
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Extensive Instrumental Studies I - Jazz
Year 1, semester 1
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Extensive Instrumental Studies II - Jazz
Year 1, semester 2
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Classical
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Extensive Instrumental Studies I - Classical
Year 1, semester 1
Extensive Instrumental Studies I - Classical (PDM100KD)
Study points: 30
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Extensive Instrumental Studies II - Classical
Year 1, semester 2
Extensive Instrumental Studies II - Classical (PDM200KD)
Study points: 30
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How to apply for admission to Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (PDM) - International applicants
The following information is only relevant for International applicants who do not have a Norwegian identification number or are not from Norway, Sweden or Denmark. If you have a Norwegian identification number or are from Norway, Sweden or Denmark, you must follow the instructions further down under ''How to apply for admission to Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance - Nordic countries''.
To apply for admission to studies at the Faculty of Performing Arts, you must apply via local SøknadsWeb.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of submitted video material. If you pass on your audition video in round 1, you will in week 10 receive an e-mail with an invitation to round 2. Round 2 consists of a digital interview with the academic committee who evaluated your video.
All applicants who are found qualified for further assessment are invited to a digital interview as a 2nd round. The digital interview will take place in week 10 and together with the video, this will form the basis for assessment and admission to the study programmes
APPLICANTS FOR CONDUCTING STUDIES HAVE COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE FOR ROUND 2 ON CAMPUS IN WEEK 10
When can I apply?
SøknadsWeb is open from 1 November-1 January.
- Apply through SøknadsWeb as International applicant within 15 December
- After completing your registration in SøknadsWeb you will receive a receipt to your e-mail where you can find a link to the additional application form.
- Fill out and complete the additional application form within the deadline.
- Submit required documents to SøknadsWeb under ''My documents''. All required documents must be submitted within the application deadline.
The Norwegian Government has proposed to introduce tuition fees for foreign students outside of the EU and EEA in the new state budget for 2023. The budget is still not approved and this issue is still open for debate and negotiation until December 15, 2022. Until that date we do not have more information or details.
Application documents:
What to submit to SøknadsWeb?
- Final transcript of record and final diploma from your higher education - must be certified English translation.
- Final diploma from your higher secondary school.
- References/recommendations (not mandatory).
- Proof of English language proficiency.
What to submit to the additional application form?
- CV/Resumé.
- Motivation letter.
- PDM project.
Description of the desired PDM project
A description of your PDM project must be shared in the additional application from. If you are invited to a digital interview in week 10, the PDM project will be one of the topics during the conversation. The theme for the PDM project is in principle completely optional, and can for instance be linked to a special repertoire, a composer, an era, a tradition, or other interesting compilations.
File format
All documentation uploaded in SøknadsWeb must be PDF-files. We do not accept documents via e-mail. Your documents must be up to date.
Audition video
If you have successfully completed your application, you will receive an e-mail in January with information on where to submit your audition video. For more information, please see below under ''Guidelines audition video''.
General information:
- You can apply for the following specializations: conducting, classical or jazz.
- When your application has been reviewed by the admission officer, you will receive an e-mail confirming this.
- If you are completing your master degree during the spring semester, you must inform music-dance@uis.no.
- In order to be evaluated by a professional committee you must successfully complete your application within the deadline.
- You will receive the result of your application within 1 April.
- If you are offered letter of admission or a place on our waiting list, please remember to reply in SøknadsWeb within the mentioned deadline.
Achieved master degree
In order to be admitted to Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (60 ECTS) a completed Master Degree in Music Performance (120 ECTS) is required.
Language requirement
As a general requirement for admission to Master in Music Performance, all applicants must document proficiency in English on advanced level through an international test, recognized by the University of Stavanger. UiS does not offer any preparatory courses in English. Please see English language requirements for detailed information regarding required score.
In some cases we offer conditional admission letters if the test results are below the required score. In this case, the Faculty of Performing Arts may evaluate your language proficiency through an arranged interview. You have until 1st of July to show a valid test. After the mentioned deadline, you may contact music-dance@uis.no to ask about the possibility to have your English language proficiency evaluated through an interview.
Pass the audition
You must be found qualified by the professional committee in order to be considered for admission to our faculty.
Classical
Round 1
A self-produced video of your audition for Round 1 should be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty by January 15. Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; what the video link(s) contain. Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
No guidelines have been given for repertoire / program for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance, but the audition programme must be approximately 20-30 minutes long, where the level is expected to be very high. The audition programme must contain different styles and genres that are relevant to your principal instrument, and be representative in relation to your choice of specialized project / PDM project.
For round 1 please make a video of your total programme according to your proposal. For important information and more tips on how to arrange your video recording, see the section Guidelines audition video for Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance.
Repertoire requirements for classical percussion:
Video specifications and guidelines (length, content, guidelines) will be available by November 1.
Round 2:
The second round will be a digital interview and will take place in week 10. Together with the video from round 1, this will form the basis for assessment and admission to the study programmes.
NB! Percussion applicants (classical): Information regarding repertoire can be found below this section, please see ''Audition programme for Master in Music Performance - Percussion''.
Jazz
Round 1:
A self-produced video of your audition for Round 1 should be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty by January 15. Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; what the video link(s) contain. Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
No guidelines have been given for repertoire / programme for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance, but the audition programme must be approximately 20-30 minutes long, where the level is expected to be very high. The audition programme must contain different styles and genres that are relevant to your main instrument, and be representative in relation to your choice of specialization project / PDM project. It is important that the music contains a touch of improvisation, and that you clearly show your soloist and ensemble qualities within the chosen style. The material must contain interaction. The requirement for interaction can be deviated from if it is not possible to achieve this for practical reasons. In that case, you must explain why it has not been possible.
- The audition programme should be approx. 20 - 30 minutes long
- Each recording (each song) should be delivered as a continuous, unedited recording that should not be more than 6 months old
- The video material should contain interaction. The requirement can be deviated from if it is not possible to achieve this for practical reasons. In that case, you must explain why it has not been possible.
- The video material should contain improvisation, in order for you to clearly show your soloist and ensemble abilities. The extent of improvisation and the type of improvisation is up to yourself to decide, based on your musical profile and genre
- Together with the video material, you will submit a review of the audition programme for round 1.
Round 2:
The second round will be a digital interview and will take place in week 10. Together with the video from round 1, this will form the basis for assessment and admission to the study programmes.
Conducting
Round 1
A self-produced video of your audition for Round 1 should be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty by January 15. Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; what the video link(s) contain. Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
The video must include following two things:
- Conducting two works that have a contrasting musical character. The works should be played from start to finish non-stop. Minimum 15 minutes
- Recording of a rehersal lead by the applicant. Minimum 10 minutes
Note:
- The conductor's hands and face should be clearly visible in the video.
- The ensemble/ensembles should consist of mimimum five musicians on a professional level, alternatively consisting of amateurs or students at a high musical/technical level
For important information and more tips on how to arrange your video recording, see the section Guidelines audition video for Extension Studies in Music Performance. All about the entrance exams in music - video and week 10 you will find information about how the auditions will take place in the spring of 2022.
If you want accompaniment to your audition on your own instrument in round 2, please share the sheet music to the accompanist together with the video link(s) in round 1.
Round 2
Round 2 will consist of auditions in conducting, playing your own instrument, interview with a committee and a pracitcal test. The audition commence after a briefing with compulsory attendance at 09:00
Conducting audition
Applicants will conduct a chamber ensemble consisting of strings, woodwind/brass and piano. The audition will consist of both rehersal and performance.
REPERTOIRE:
- Aaron Copland: Appalachian spring (original score from 1944 for 13 musicians)
- Jean Sibelius: Valse triste
Audition with own instrument:
A high level of own instrument must be documented. Optional repertoire, with or without accompaniment for approximately 10 - 15 minutes.
Interview/practical test:
There will be an interview about the applicant's objective and motivation for the programme. During the interview the applicant will have the opportunity to ask questions to the committee and a representative from the administration.
A part of the interview will include a conversation about the repertoire for the conducted audition as well as a practical test that may contains the following:
- Aural (chords, melodies, rhythms, correction of played rhythms and pitches in relation to a score)
- Play the score on a piano
- Instrumentation and instrument knowledge: Scope, transposing and playing techniques (band and orchestral instruments)
- Repertoire insights (band and orchestra)
- Harmonic analysis
- Musical terminology
Video requirements:
All applicants to Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance must submit an audition video on your main instrument. We recommend you start planning your audition video as soon as possible.
Requirements for video round 1:
- Start recording yourself well in advance of the submission deadline
- It is allowed to deliver several different videos, for example, different works / pieces / songs can be recorded separately.
- Each work must be delivered in the form of an unedited recording.
- The video should contain the entire audition programme for round 1 and comply with set repertoire requirements
- Length of audition programme can be found under repertoire requirements
- We do not accept audio files.
- We only accept Youtube-links.
- The audition video must be up to date and no older than 1 November, 2022
Important!
Remember to record yourself facing forward in order for us to see you play/sing/conduct. Be sure to check that the audio is ok and that you have uploaded the file to YouTube with the settings that give us the rights to play it.
NB! There is no guarantee that all of your recorded video material will be viewed by the Commission.
Deadline to submit the audition video: 15 January
Together with the video link(s), you must write and share a review of submitted video material; your audition programme for Round 1.
You will receive a link to your e-mail in the beginning of January where you will receive information on how to share your audition video and audition programme.
If you are applying for more than one specialization (classical, jazz or conducting), you must submit an audition video and audition programme for each application.
Interview Round 2
If you are found qualified on your audition video, you will in round 2 be invited to an interview (via Zoom) with the committee and study administration in week 10. You will be informed approximately one week prior to the interview if this concerns you.
During the interview, you will have the opportunity to explain your goals and motivation for the study, at the same time as you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Eligible applicants for Postgraduate in Music Performance will also have the opportunity to talk about their proposed PDM project during the interview. Approximately 10-15 minutes have been set aside for the interview.
Round 1
A video recording of your audition for round 1 must be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty no later than January 15. Together with the video link(s), you must tell us about the content of submitted video material; what you've recorded. You will receive information on how to share the video link(s) in a separate e-mail that will be received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
Exact guidelines have been given for repertoire/audition programmes for both round 1 and round 2 for applicants with percussion as their main instrument.
For round 1 (video recording), all three pieces listed below Repertoire selection 1 are supplied to which repertoire choice you choose; either orchestral or soloist oriented (see further down the page).
Round 2
For round 2, prepare a selected audition programme for approximately 25 minutes. In addition, you may be asked to perform parts of the programme you have delivered in the video. The audition programme for Round 2 is compiled based on the pieces listed below in Repertoire selection round 2, depending on whether you have chosen orchestral or solo repertoire.
If you wish, parts of round 2 can be performed with an accompanist.
Length of complete audition programme for Round 2: approximately 25 minutes.
Audition programmes for round 2, as well as notes for the accompanist, is shared together with the video link(s) to round 1.
You will find important information and more tips on how to set up the video recording under the section Submission of self-produced video - round 1.
Note!
If you are an international applicant for classical percussion, living outside Norway, Denmark or Sweden, you can submit a new supplementary video for round 2 with a set repertoire, instead of physical attendance in week 10. The supplementary video must be delivered no later than February 20. The video can be a maximum of 3 years old. In that case the admission officer will send you another email to submit video 2 at the beginning of February.
In the article All about the entrance exams in music - video and week 10 you will find information about how the entrance exams will take place in the spring of 2023.
Choice of repertoire
For the auditions, you can choose between two different selections of repertoire; orchestral or soloist based. You must select one of the parts. The choice will guide academic content in the programme, including the postgraduate project. The repertoire focus will not have consequences for other parts of the programme. The applicants for both repertoire elections shall, in the event of admission, carry out ordinary study: participate in orchestral projects, soloist assignments and chamber music as well as performing ordinary exam repertoire.
Repertoire selection 1 - Orchestral audition
ROUND 1
- A study for snare drum
- A study for timpani
- A melodic piece for 4 mallets
ROUND 2
20 orchestral excerpts, consists of the following:
- 4 excerpts for snare drum
- 4 excerpts for timpani
- 2 excerpts for xylophone
- 2 excerpt for glockenspiel
- 2 excerpt for tamburine
- 2 excerpt for A2 cymbals
- 2 excerpt for triangle
- 2 excerpt for bass drum
- Sight-reading
NOTE:
- The applicant should assemble a programme of wide variety, to show as many different aspects as possible within the orchestral repertoire.
- The applicant is expected to choose excerpts that reflects the repertoire of a professional audition.
Repertoire selection 2 - soloist/stage performance
ROUND 1
- A study snare drum
- A study for timpani
- A melodic piece for 4 mallets
ROUND 2
- A piece for a multi-setup. Use of electronics are allowed, In which case, the applicant must specify all technical instruments, and the piece must be approved by the faculty.
- Two solos of own choice. These can also contains electronics ( same specs as above). Three orchestral excerpts can replace one piece of own choice.
- Sight-reading
Note:
If you are an international applicant for classical percussion, living outside of Norway, Sweden or Denmark, you can submit a new supplementary video for round 2 with a set repertoire, instead of attendance in week 10. The supplementary video must be delivered no later than February 20. The video recording can be no older than 3 years old. The amission officer will send you another email to submit video 2 at the beginning of February.
Interview/conversation
After the audition for round 2, there will be an interview about the applicant's objective and motivation for the programme. During the interview the applicant will have the opportunity to ask questions to the committee and a representative from the administration.
Suggested list for repertoire selection 1
The repertoire list is only indicative, not mandatory.
Snare drum:
- J. Delécluse: Study no. 9
- B. Lylloff: Århus Study no. 9
- J. Delécluse: Test-claire
Timpani:
- S. Monrad: Test for timpani
- J. Delécluse: Study no. 29
- E. Keune: Study no. 142
Marimba:
- J. S. Bach: A movement from one of the partitas or the sonatas for violin
- A. Lauro: Valse Venezolano No. 3
- J. Druckman: a movement from Reflections on the Nature of Water
Suggested list for repertoire selection 2
The repertoire list is only indicative, not mandatory.
Snare drum:
- N. Martinciow: Impressions or Tchik
- J. Delécluse: Test Claire
- S. Hodkinson: Kerberos
- A. Masson: Prim or Kim
- M. Markovitch: Tornado
Timpani:
- J. Delécluse: one of the studies from Vingt études
- J. Delécluse: study no. 29
- B. Cambreling: Thor
- A. Féron: Ta'wil
- T. Ishiyanagi: Rhythm Graduatiom
- E. Keune: Study 142
- S. Monrad: Test for timpanists
Marimba:
- P. Hurel: Loops 4
- J. S. Bach: Chaconne from 2nd partita for violin (D minor)
- K. Abe: Marimba d'amore
- A. Vinao: Khan variations
- J. Druckman: Reflections on the Nature of Water
- B. Mantovani: Moi, Jeu
- Y. Sueyoshi: Mirage
Vibraphone:
- G. Burton (trans.: Errol Rackipov): Chega De Saudade
- G. Pérotin: Étude 6
- P. Hurel: Loops 2
- P. Manoury: Solo de Vibraphone
- M. Matalon: Short stories
- Donatoni: Omar, 1st movement
Multi-setup:
- B. Giner: Satz
- K. Volans: She who sleeps with a small blanket
- Y. Xenakis: Rebons A and B
- D. Land: The anvil chorus
Admission letter, Rejection letter or Waiting list letter will be published in SøknadsWeb under ''My applications''. You will receive an e-mail when the results are ready.
Remember to reply
If you are offered letter of admission or waiting list letter you must remember to reply ''Yes'' or ''No'' in SøknadsWeb within the mentioned deadline. Information regarding deadline is shared in the admission letter/waiting list letter.
Admission regulations for music performing arts
1. Scope and basis for the regulations
These regulations apply to admission to all study programmes in music performance at the Faculty of Performing Arts (UK), UiS based on the academic standards that apply to performing and creative music relating to Universities and University Colleges (The Universities and University Colleges Act), of 1 April 2005 § 3-6 item 7 and FOR-2007-01-31-173: Regulations on admission to higher education, and Regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Stavanger, of 18 October 2018 §1-1.
These regulations apply for admission to the following studies:
- One-year programme in music performance, 60 credits, advertised for Nordic countries
- Bachelor's Programme in Music Performance, 240 ECTS credits, advertised for Nordic countries
- Further education in music performance, 60 ECTS credits,advertised for Nordic countries and international
- Master's Programme in Music Performance, 120 ECTS, advertised for Nordic countries and international
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance, 60 ECTS, advertised for Nordic countries and international
Adopted by IR/IMD on 30 September 2008. Revised and adopted by the Quality Committee/ Department of Music and Dance 4 September 2012. Last revised and adopted by the Quality Committee/Faculty of Performing Arts on 23 October 2018.
2. Conceptual explanations
Main instrument: Applicants' primary performing instrument.
Main discipline: Instrument, vocals/song, composition.
Entrance exam: contains auditions, submitted documentation and interview.
Auditions/performing test: audition on main discipline.
3. Basis for admission
3.1 Applicants for a bachelor's degree in music performance/one-year programme in music performance must document their Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSK).
Alternatively, applicants from the age of 25, without documented Higher Education Entrance Qualifications, may request an assessment of their qualifications based on prior relevant experience. The applicant must reach the age of 25 in the year in which he/she applies for admission.
3.2 Applicants for a Master's degree in music performance must document completed lower degree studies in music, preferably a 3- or 4-year Bachelor's degree with instrumental training courses of at least 90 credits.
3.3 Applicants for Extension Studies in Music Performance must document completed lower degree programmes, preferably a 3- or 4-year Bachelor's Programme in Music Performance
3.4 Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance must document the completed master's degree in music performance.
3.5 The following language proficiency must be passed for admission to the individual study programme:
- One-year programme in music performance – Language proficiency in Norwegian/other Scandinavian languages must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements/Samordna Opptak.
- Bachelor's programme in Music Performance – Language proficiency in Norwegian/other Scandinavian languages must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements/Samordna Opptak.
- Further education in music performance – Language proficiency in English must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements.
- Master's Programme in Music Performance – Language proficiency in English must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance – Language proficiency in English must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements.
3.6 Exceptions to language proficiency are granted on the basis of the dean's decision. Exceptions to language proficiency cannot be made for graduate studies.
3.7 Applications for approval/adaptation of other education must be made in accordance with the faculty's guidelines. Applications for approval are made via Digital Student Service desk. Further information can be found on the UK website. The application deadline for approval is 20 August in the year you start your studies.
4. Organization of the entrance exam in music performance
4.1 The entrance exam for music performance studies consist of two rounds. Both rounds are conducted on the basis of defined repertoire requirements published on the UK's website.
Round 1 consists of a self-produced video recording. Round 2 will be held at campus Bjergsted in Stavanger in week 10.
4.2 Applicants who have passed round 1 are invited to round 2 according to the scheduled schedule no later than week 8.
4.3 Round 2 consists of:
a) performance tests (main instrument and, if applicable, supporting instrument)
If there are many applicants for a main discipline, the test is discontinued over two days.
b) test in music theory/aural for bachelor applicants
The national test in music theory/hearing for bachelor applicants must be passed in the same year for which admission is sought.
c) interview
5. Academic commission
5.1 The academic commission for the individual main disciplines is appointed by the head of department and consists of at least two teachers, at least one of which shall represent the main discipline in which the applicant is auditioning for. The committee's representatives have the right to speak and vote. Student representatives, appointed by the student council at the Faculty, have the right to be present as an observer during the auditions, but do not have the right to comment.
5.2 The commission is responsible for:
1) assessment of qualifications and skills
2) ranking of applicants according (see point 6)
The Commission assesses the applicants as passed/not passed. The Commission then ranks applicants according to the results of the audtions and interviews within the main discipline and/or instrument group. The results are collected by the faculty's admissions office and presented to the heads of the departments and the dean. During the final decision meeting, the applicants will be found qualified/ineligible. The final decision is made by the Dean.
5.3 In the event of any auditions on a supporting instrument, the Committee will consider the applicant's audition as passed or not passed.
6. Ranking
6.1 Applicants are ranked according to criteria based on the commission's professional assessment.
7. Admissions procedure
7.1 The heads of departments and the Dean make an overall assessment of the applicants. Applicants are assessed as qualified/ineligible on the basis of submitted video material and other submitted application material, auditions during the admission week, interviews and the academic commission's assessments and rankings.
7.2 The heads of the departments recommends to the Dean admissions based on an overall assessment of the number of available study places and budgetary consequences. Final admissions are decided by the Dean.
The Dean determines admissions according to:
- assessment and ranking by the commission and heads of the departments.
- results from the theory and aural test (for bachelor applicants)
- Consideration of instrumental/vocal casts
- Other resource considerations
7.3 Qualified applicants are offered admission to the extent that there are available places on the applied programme. If the faculty has more qualified applicants than the admission framework indicates that we can offer, the applicants will be placed on a waiting list based on the commission's ranking list.
7.4 Applicants who are placed on a waiting list after the first admissions round will not automatically have priority over qualified applicants from the secondary admissions round.
7.5 If there are unfilled places available after the end of the primary admissions round, the head of department may decide to hold a secondary admissions round. (See point 10). Supplementary admissions can also be made by the head of department, with the final decision by the Dean.
7.6 Qualification for admission in a particular academic year does not grant qualification for future admission.
7.7 The admissions process is confidential and exempt from public disclosure.
8. Admissions follow-up
8.1 Applicants are informed of either an offer of admission to the program, placement on the waiting list or rejection.
8.2 If an applicant does not confirm an offer of admission within the given deadline, their place will be offered to another qualified applicant from the primary or secondary admissions round. The offer does not necessarily apply within the same main discipline. Applicants placed on the waiting list after the primary round must compete with applicants in the secondary round.
8.3 Students with admission who are on leave from performing art studies for one year or more will normally be required to complete a new main instrument audition to confirm their level.
8.4. Reservations are made regarding the start of study programmes and courses
9. Postponed entrance exam
9.1 Applicants who due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances cannot attend the primary entrance exam at the stipulated time and place may apply for a postponed exam. The postponed entrance exam will normally be carried out in connection with the Faculty's secondary admissions round, if there are still available places in the program.
10. Secondary admissions round
10.1 A secondary entrance exam may be arranged if, after the primary entrance exam, there are available study places. The secondary entrance exam is arranged for applicants who did not have the opportunity to attend the primary exam, as well as for any new applicants (cf. points 4 and 5).
10.2 Applicants who have undergone the primary entrance exam are not allowed to retake the exam during a secondary admissions round.
10.3 Admission of secondary applicants is decided by the Head of department and the Dean in accordance with the same procedure as mentioned in paragraph 7.
11. Video recording and digital interview as a basis for admission assessment round 2
11.1 A self-produced video recording in main dicipline with good sound and image quality, as well as a digital interview, may replace the in-person entrance exam for international applicants residing outside of Norway, Sweden or Denmark. This does not apply to applicants for conducting.
12. Admission of exchange students
12.1 International students who wish to study for a limited period through an exchange program are assessed academically by members of the faculty. An unedited video recording with good sound quality of the audition in the main discipline is attached to the application and is used as a basis for the admission of exchange students.
13. Right of appeal
13.1 Individual decisions made pursuant to these regulations may be appealed pursuant to sections 28-32 of the Public Administration Act. The deadline for appeal is 3 weeks from the day the admissions results are published, or 3 weeks after receipt of reasons given for the decision.
13.2 Appeals against individual decisions regarding admission to programs that are not included in the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (Samordna opptak) are considered by the Appeals Board of the University of Stavanger pursuant to Sections 5-1 of the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges.
13.3 Complaints about formal errors in the admissions process are first handled by the Faculty of Performing Arts. If the Faculty upholds the original decision, and the applicant chooses to continue the appeal, the appeal will be forwarded to the university's appeals board. Pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of the Public Administration Act, decisions may be appealed in writing within 3 weeks of the date of receipt of notification of the decision. The appeal must be sent to the University of Stavanger.
Adopted by IR/IMD on 30 September 2008. Revised and adopted by the Quality Committee/ Department of Music and Dance on 4 September 2012, and by the Quality Committee/Faculty of Performing Arts on 23 October 2018. Last revised and adopted by the Study Portfolio Committee/Faculty of Performing Arts 18 October 2022.
Where there are linguistic differences the Norwegian version is the official version.
How to apply for admission to Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (PDM) - Nordic countries
The following information is only relevant for applicants who:
- have a Norwegian identification number or
- are from Sweden or Denmark.
If you are from a country outside of Norway, Sweden or Denmark and you do not have a Norwegian identification number, you must follow the instructions under ''How to apply for admission to Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance - International applicants''.
To apply for admission to studies at the Faculty of Performing Arts, you must apply via local SøknadsWeb.
All applicants for music performance studies must pass 2 rounds of audtions. The first round will be completed by submitting your own video recording by 15 January. The second round will be held in week 10 in Stavanger, at our campus in Bjergsted.
There will be digital interviews in week 10 for all applicants who qualify after the video evaluation round 1.
Information about repertoire requirements and criteria for the video recording is the same. This can be found in the articles below.
The Norwegian Government has proposed to introduce tuition fees for foreign students outside of the EU and EEA in the new state budget for 2023. The budget is still not approved and this issue is still open for debate and negotiation until December 15, 2022. Until that date we do not have more information or details.
When can I apply?
SøknadsWeb is open from 1 November-15 December.
- Apply through SøknadsWeb within 15 December.
- On the receipt page in SøknadsWeb, as well as in the receipt email you receive, you will find a link to the additional application form. The form must be completed and submitted within the application deadline in order for you to have the opportunity to share your video with the faculty.
- In order for your application to be considered for admission, it is required that all the necessary application documents (diploma, transcript of grades, a certificate of language proficiency, etc.) are uploaded in SøknadsWeb, and that the additional application form is completed within the deadline
- Applicants for performing music studies must complete 2 rounds of auditions. Round 1 is a self-produced video recording. Round 2 is held on the Bjergsted campus in Stavanger. Round 2 is only for applicants found eligible from submitted video
- Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline
- Deadline for sharing the video is 15 January
- Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; what the video link(s) contain and information about your complete audition program for round 2 and sheet music for the accompanist
- Start planning video recording early. The trial program for both Round 1 and Round 2 must comply with established repertoire requirements. Read more about repertoire requirements, as well as specifications for video submission in the articles audition programmes for extended music studies in music performance and Guidelines audition video for Extension Studies in Music Performance
- You will recieve assessment of your video by email.
- If you are found eligible after the video assessment, you will be invited to round 2
- Round 2 takes place on campus Bjergsted in week 10 and consists of auditions and interviews with a professional committee and the study administration
- Results of your application will be published in SøknadsWeb no later than the end of week 11
- Remember to reply to the offer and/or the waiting list in SøknadsWeb within the specified deadline
Description of the desires/plans for master project
In the additional apllication form, a desription must be attached to the PDM project, and this description may be subject to parts of the interview in connection with the auditions. The theme of the PDM project is, in principle, completely optional, and can be related to a special repertoire, a composer, an era, a tradition, or other interesting compilations.
Who can apply for postgraduate diploma in music performance (PDM)?
All applicants with a Norwegian social security number, as well as applicants from Sweden and Denmark, can apply for ordinary admission via SøknadsWeb, as long as the admission requirements are met.
The programme is also open to international applicants (without a Norwegian social security number and resident outside of Norway, Sweden or Denmark) who can document a certificate of English proficiency in accordance with UiS's regulations for international admission, in addition to formal admission requirements. Read more about our studies offered to international applicants.
Our highest offered study; Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (PDM) requires a very high level of the applicants main instrument. The PDM are for musical talents with ambitions to develop their musical and instrumental technical skills. Initially, the programme is open to students from various styles and genres, provided that expertise is available at the faculty for supervision and teaching within the applicants' musical choices.
Application documents - what do you need to upload in SøknadsWeb?
- Diploma and transcript of grades with completed and obtained Master's degree in performing music
- Certificate of English proficiency
- Other certificates and references if desired
If the master's degree is completed in the spring of the same year as you apply, confirmation from the place of study and a preliminary transcript of grades must be uploaded in SøknadsWeb.
Round 1 - Video audition
All applicants for Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance must complete round 1 audition of their main instrument on video uploaded to YouTube. Deadline for submitting video is 15 January. Video link(s) will be included in a separate email sent from the admission officer in December. Read more about specifications for recording video and sharing this under Submission of self-produced video - round 1
Round 2 - Audition and interview in week 10
All applicants found eligible after assessment of submitted video will be invited to round 2 in week 10. In round 2 there will be auditions and interviews on the Bjergsted campus in Stavanger. Read more about how the audtions are conducted in the article all about auditions in music - video in week 10
When your application has been reviewed by the admission officer, you will receive an e-mail confirming this.
File format:
We want you to use the PDF file format. All attachments you upload should be a picture of your original documents (do not scan copies). A check of the original diploma may be initiated at the beginning of the term.
Achieved master degree
In order to be admitted to Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (60 ECTS) a completed Master Degree in Music Performance (120 ECTS) is required.
Language requirement
As a general requirement for admission to Master in Music Performance, all applicants must document proficiency in English on advanced level through an international test, recognized by the University of Stavanger. UiS does not offer any preparatory courses in English. Please see English language requirements for detailed information regarding required score.
In some cases we offer conditional admission letters if the test results are below the required score. In this case, the Faculty of Performing Arts may evaluate your language proficiency through an arranged interview. You have until 1st of July to show a valid test. After the mentioned deadline, you may contact music-dance@uis.no to ask about the possibility to have your English language proficiency evaluated through an interview.
Pass the audition
You must be found qualified by the professional committee in order to be considered for admission to our faculty.
In order to be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma in Performing Music, you must, in addition to obtaining a master's degree in performing music, be eligible after auditions that are assessed on the subject of submitted video material (round 1) and ordinary audition and interview on campus (round 2).
Classical
Round 1
A self-produced video of your audition for Round 1 should be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty by January 15. Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; what the video link(s) contain. Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
No guidelines have been given for repertoire / program for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance,. All applicants must fill in an audition programme for 20-30 minutes repertoire, where at least one work must have a high degree of difficulty. The programme must consist of different styles and genres that are relevant to your principal instrument. The programme should be representative and in relation to your new specialized project/ PDM project
For round 1 (video recording), submit a 15 minute recording of your total audition program
Round 2
For round 2 (week 10 in Stavanger), the entire given audition program is prepared, including what is delivered on video. The repertoire is performed with an accompanist.
Length of full audition program in round 2: approx. 20 - 30 minutes.
Your full audition program for round 2 and sheet music to the accompanist should be shared together with the video link(s) of round 1.
For important information and more tips on how to arrange your video recording, see the section Submission of self-produced video - round 1. In the article Alt about the entrance exams in music - video and week 10 you will find information about how the auditions will take place in the spring of 2023.
Repertoire requirements for classical percussion:
Video specifications and guidelines (length, content, guidelines) will be available by November 1.
Jazz
No guidelines have been given for repertoire / programme for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance,
Round 1
A self-produced video of your audition for Round 1 should be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty by January 15. Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; what the video link(s) contain. Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
No guidelines have been given for repertoire / programme for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance. All applicants must fill in an audition programme for 20-30 minutes repertoire, where at least one work must have a high degree of difficulty. The programme must consist of different styles and genres that are relevant to the instrument. The 20-30 minute programme must otherwise be representative and should be in proportion to your new specialization area.
- The audition program should be approx. 20 - 30 minutes long
- Round 1; please send a 15 minute recording of your total audition program
- Each recording (each song) should be delivered as a continuous, unedited recording that should not be more than 6 months old
- The video material should contain interaction. Exceptions can be made to this requirement if, for practical reasons, it is impossible to achieve interaction. If so, you must explain why it has not been possible
- The video material should normally contain improvisation, so that you can clearly show your soloist and ensemble abilities. The extent of improvisation and the type of improvisation is up to yourself to decide, based on your musical profile and type of genre
- Together with the video material, you will submit a review of the audition program for round 1, a review of the total audition program for round 2, as well as sheet music if you want accompaniment from the faculty
For round 1 (video recording), submit a 15 minute recording of your total audition program
Round 2
The entire stated repertoire of 20 - 30 minutes should be prepared for round 2, also what is submitted on video. The repertoire is performed with accompaniment.
The faculty provides its own accompaniment for all auditions, but jazz applicants for extension studies in music performance, master's degrees or PDM have the opportunity to use their own accompaniment during the audition round 2 if desired.
For important information and more tips on how to arrange your video recording, see the section Submission of self-produced video - round 1. In the article All about Auditions in music - video and week 10 you will find information about how the entrance exams will take place in the spring of 2022.
Conducting
Round 1
A self-produced video of your audition for Round 1 should be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty by January 15. Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; what the video link(s) contain. Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
The video must include following two things:
- Conducting two works that have a contrasting musical character. The works should be played from start to finish non-stop. Minimum 15 minutes
- Recording of a rehersal lead by the applicant. Minimum 10 minutes
Note:
- The conductor's hands and face should be clearly visible in the video.
- The ensemble/ensembles should consist of mimimum five musicians on a professional level, alternatively consisting of amateurs or students at a high musical/technical level
For important information and more tips on how to arrange your video recording, see the section Guidelines audition video for Extension Studies in Music Performance. All about the entrance exams in music - video and week 10 you will find information about how the auditions will take place in the spring of 2022.
If you want accompaniment to your audition on your own instrument in round 2, please share the sheet music to the accompanist together with the video link(s) in round 1.
Round 2
Round 2 will consist of auditions in conducting, playing your own instrument, interview with a committee and a pracitcal test. The audition commence after a briefing with compulsory attendance at 09:00
Conducting audition
Applicants will conduct a chamber ensemble consisting of strings, woodwind/brass and piano. The audition will consist of both rehersal and performance.
REPERTOIRE:
- Aaron Copland: Appalachian spring (original score from 1944 for 13 musicians)
- Jean Sibelius: Valse triste
Audition with own instrument:
A high level of own instrument must be documented. Optional repertoire, with or without accompaniment for approximately 10 - 15 minutes.
Interview/practical test:
There will be an interview about the applicant's objective and motivation for the programme. During the interview the applicant will have the opportunity to ask questions to the committee and a representative from the administration.
A part of the interview will include a conversation about the repertoire for the conducted audition as well as a practical test that may contains the following:
- Aural (chords, melodies, rhythms, correction of played rhythms and pitches in relation to a score)
- Play the score on a piano
- Instrumentation and instrument knowledge: Scope, transposing and playing techniques (band and orchestral instruments)
- Repertoire insights (band and orchestra)
- Harmonic analysis
- Musical terminology
Note!
If you apply for the course Instrumental Main Instrument (VUA100) with conducting, this will be combined with another 30 credits course to form a full-time study of 60 credits. If you wish to combine main instrument conducting with a topic on another instrument, video of 2 separate audition programmes must be submitted.
Video specifications and guidelines (length, content, guidelines) will be available by November 1.
Round 1
A self-produced video of your audition for round 1 must be uploaded to YouTube and shared with the faculty by January 15. Along with the video link(s), you must also share a review of submitted video material; what you've recorded. You will receive information on how to share the video link(s) in a separate e-mail that will be received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline.
The Postgraduate programme has an extensive and versatile repertoire requirement for main instrument, and exact guidelines have been given for repertoire/audition programmes for both round 1 and round 2 for applicants with percussion as their main instrument.
For round 1 (video recording), all three pieces listed under Round 1 are supplied in relation to the repertoire choice you choose; either orchestral or soloistically oriented (see further down the page).
Round 2
For round 2, prepare a selected audition program for approximately 25 minutes. In addition, you may be asked to perform parts of what you have delivered on video. The audition program for Round 2 is compiled based on the pieces listed under Round 2, depending on whether you have chosen orchestral or solo repertoire.
If you wish, parts of round 2 can be performed with an accompanist.
Length of complete audition program until Round 2: approximately 25 minutes.
Audition programs for round 2, as well as notes for the accompanist, should be shared along with the video link(s) to round 1.
You will find important information and more tips on how to arrange the video recording under the section Submission of self-produced video - round 1. In the article All about the entrance exams in music - video and week 10 you will find information about how the entrance exams will take place in spring 2023
Choice of repertoire for round 1 and round 2
For the audtions, you can choose between two different selections of repertoire; orchestral or soloist based. You must select one of the parts. The choice will guide academic content in the programme, including the Post project. The repertoire focus will not have consequences for other parts of the programme. The applicants for both repertoire elections shall, in the event of admission, carry out ordinary study: participate in orchestral projects, soloist assignments and chamber music as well as performing ordinary exam repertoire.
Repertoire selection 1 - Orchestral audition
ROUND 1
- A study for snare drum
- A study for timpani
- A melodic piece for 4 mallets
ROUND 2
20 orchestral excerpts, consists of the following:
- 4 excerpts for snare drum
- 4 excerpts for timpani
- 2 excerpts for xylophone
- 2 excerpt for glockenspiel
- 2 excerpt for tamburine
- 2 excerpt for A2 cymbals
- 2 excerpt for triangle
- 2 excerpt for bass drum
- Sight-reading
NOTE:
- The applicant should assemble a programme of wide variety, to show as many different aspects as possible within the orchestral repertoire.
- The applicant is expected to choose excerpts that reflects the repertoire of a professional audition.
Repertoire selection 2 - soloist/stage performance
ROUND 1
- A study snare drum
- A study for timpani
- A melodic piece for 4 mallets
ROUND 2
- A piece for a multi-setup. Use of electronics are allowed, In which case, the applicant must specify all technical instruments, and the piece must be approved by the faculty.
- Two solos of own choice. These can also contains electronics ( same specs as above). Three orchestral excerpts can replace one piece of own choice.
- Sight-reading
Interview/conversation
After the audition for round 2, there will be an interview about the applicant's objective and motivation for the programme. During the interview the applicant will have the opportunity to ask questions to the committee and a representative from the administration.
Suggested list for repertoire selection 1
The repertoire list is only indicative, not mandatory.
Snare drum:
- J. Delécluse: Study no. 9
- B. Lylloff: Århus Study no. 9
- J. Delécluse: Test-claire
Timpani:
- S. Monrad: Test for timpani
- J. Delécluse: Study no. 29
- E. Keune: Study no. 142
Marimba:
- J. S. Bach: A movement from one of the partitas or the sonatas for violin
- A. Lauro: Valse Venezolano No. 3
- J. Druckman: a movement from Reflections on the Nature of Water
Suggested list for repertoire selection 2
The repertoire list is only indicative, not mandatory.
Snare drum:
- N. Martinciow: Impressions or Tchik
- J. Delécluse: Test Claire
- S. Hodkinson: Kerberos
- A. Masson: Prim or Kim
- M. Markovitch: Tornado
Timpani:
- J. Delécluse: one of the studies from Vingt études
- J. Delécluse: study no. 29
- B. Cambreling: Thor
- A. Féron: Ta'wil
- T. Ishiyanagi: Rhythm Graduatiom
- E. Keune: Study 142
- S. Monrad: Test for timpanists
Marimba:
- P. Hurel: Loops 4
- J. S. Bach: Chaconne from 2nd partita for violin (D minor)
- K. Abe: Marimba d'amore
- A. Vinao: Khan variations
- J. Druckman: Reflections on the Nature of Water
- B. Mantovani: Moi, Jeu
- Y. Sueyoshi: Mirage
Vibraphone:
- G. Burton (trans.: Errol Rackipov): Chega De Saudade
- G. Pérotin: Étude 6
- P. Hurel: Loops 2
- P. Manoury: Solo de Vibraphone
- M. Matalon: Short stories
- Donatoni: Omar, 1st movement
Multi-setup:
- B. Giner: Satz
- K. Volans: She who sleeps with a small blanket
- Y. Xenakis: Rebons A and B
- D. Land: The anvil chorus
Round 1 - Video recording spesifications:
- Start recording yourself well in advance of the submission deadline
- It is allowed to deliver several different videos, for example, different works / pieces / songs can be recorded separately.
- Each work must be delivered in the form of an unedited recording.
- The video should contain the entire audition program for round 1 and comply with set repertoire requirements
- Length of audition program can be found under repertoire requirements
- We do not accept audio files.
- We only accept Youtube-links.
- The audition video must be up to date. Not older than 1 November, 2022
Note!
Remember to record yourself facing forward in order for us to see you play/sing/conduct. Be sure to check that the audio is ok and that you have uploaded the file to YouTube with the settings that give us rights to play it.
NB! There is no guarantee that all of your recorded video material will be viewed by the Commission.
Deadline for submitting video is 15 January.
Together with the video link(s), you will also share a review of submitted video material; your audition program for Round 1. In addition, you must share your full audition program for a round 2, as well as sheet music to the accompanist/band.
Information about how to share the video link(s) can be obtained in a separate e-mail received from the admission officer shortly after the application deadline. In the email you will find a link to an online additional application form.
Admission letter, Rejection letter or Waiting list letter will be published in SøknadsWeb under ''My applications''. You will receive an e-mail when the results are ready.
Remember to reply
If you are offered letter of admission or waiting list letter you must remember to reply ''Yes'' or ''No'' in SøknadsWeb within the mentioned deadline. Information regarding deadline is shared in the admission letter/waiting list letter.
Admission regulations for music performing arts
1. Scope and basis for the regulations
These regulations apply to admission to all study programmes in music performance at the Faculty of Performing Arts (UK), UiS based on the academic standards that apply to performing and creative music relating to Universities and University Colleges (The Universities and University Colleges Act), of 1 April 2005 § 3-6 item 7 and FOR-2007-01-31-173: Regulations on admission to higher education, and Regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Stavanger, of 18 October 2018 §1-1.
These regulations apply for admission to the following studies:
- One-year programme in music performance, 60 credits, advertised for Nordic countries
- Bachelor's Programme in Music Performance, 240 ECTS credits, advertised for Nordic countries
- Further education in music performance, 60 ECTS credits,advertised for Nordic countries and international
- Master's Programme in Music Performance, 120 ECTS, advertised for Nordic countries and international
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance, 60 ECTS, advertised for Nordic countries and international
Adopted by IR/IMD on 30 September 2008. Revised and adopted by the Quality Committee/ Department of Music and Dance 4 September 2012. Last revised and adopted by the Quality Committee/Faculty of Performing Arts on 23 October 2018.
2. Conceptual explanations
Main instrument: Applicants' primary performing instrument.
Main discipline: Instrument, vocals/song, composition.
Entrance exam: contains auditions, submitted documentation and interview.
Auditions/performing test: audition on main discipline.
3. Basis for admission
3.1 Applicants for a bachelor's degree in music performance/one-year programme in music performance must document their Higher Education Entrance Qualification (GSK).
Alternatively, applicants from the age of 25, without documented Higher Education Entrance Qualifications, may request an assessment of their qualifications based on prior relevant experience. The applicant must reach the age of 25 in the year in which he/she applies for admission.
3.2 Applicants for a Master's degree in music performance must document completed lower degree studies in music, preferably a 3- or 4-year Bachelor's degree with instrumental training courses of at least 90 credits.
3.3 Applicants for Extension Studies in Music Performance must document completed lower degree programmes, preferably a 3- or 4-year Bachelor's Programme in Music Performance
3.4 Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance must document the completed master's degree in music performance.
3.5 The following language proficiency must be passed for admission to the individual study programme:
- One-year programme in music performance – Language proficiency in Norwegian/other Scandinavian languages must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements/Samordna Opptak.
- Bachelor's programme in Music Performance – Language proficiency in Norwegian/other Scandinavian languages must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements/Samordna Opptak.
- Further education in music performance – Language proficiency in English must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements.
- Master's Programme in Music Performance – Language proficiency in English must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance – Language proficiency in English must be passed in accordance with the UiS requirements.
3.6 Exceptions to language proficiency are granted on the basis of the dean's decision. Exceptions to language proficiency cannot be made for graduate studies.
3.7 Applications for approval/adaptation of other education must be made in accordance with the faculty's guidelines. Applications for approval are made via Digital Student Service desk. Further information can be found on the UK website. The application deadline for approval is 20 August in the year you start your studies.
4. Organization of the entrance exam in music performance
4.1 The entrance exam for music performance studies consist of two rounds. Both rounds are conducted on the basis of defined repertoire requirements published on the UK's website.
Round 1 consists of a self-produced video recording. Round 2 will be held at campus Bjergsted in Stavanger in week 10.
4.2 Applicants who have passed round 1 are invited to round 2 according to the scheduled schedule no later than week 8.
4.3 Round 2 consists of:
a) performance tests (main instrument and, if applicable, supporting instrument)
If there are many applicants for a main discipline, the test is discontinued over two days.
b) test in music theory/aural for bachelor applicants
The national test in music theory/hearing for bachelor applicants must be passed in the same year for which admission is sought.
c) interview
5. Academic commission
5.1 The academic commission for the individual main disciplines is appointed by the head of department and consists of at least two teachers, at least one of which shall represent the main discipline in which the applicant is auditioning for. The committee's representatives have the right to speak and vote. Student representatives, appointed by the student council at the Faculty, have the right to be present as an observer during the auditions, but do not have the right to comment.
5.2 The commission is responsible for:
1) assessment of qualifications and skills
2) ranking of applicants according (see point 6)
The Commission assesses the applicants as passed/not passed. The Commission then ranks applicants according to the results of the audtions and interviews within the main discipline and/or instrument group. The results are collected by the faculty's admissions office and presented to the heads of the departments and the dean. During the final decision meeting, the applicants will be found qualified/ineligible. The final decision is made by the Dean.
5.3 In the event of any auditions on a supporting instrument, the Committee will consider the applicant's audition as passed or not passed.
6. Ranking
6.1 Applicants are ranked according to criteria based on the commission's professional assessment.
7. Admissions procedure
7.1 The heads of departments and the Dean make an overall assessment of the applicants. Applicants are assessed as qualified/ineligible on the basis of submitted video material and other submitted application material, auditions during the admission week, interviews and the academic commission's assessments and rankings.
7.2 The heads of the departments recommends to the Dean admissions based on an overall assessment of the number of available study places and budgetary consequences. Final admissions are decided by the Dean.
The Dean determines admissions according to:
- assessment and ranking by the commission and heads of the departments.
- results from the theory and aural test (for bachelor applicants)
- Consideration of instrumental/vocal casts
- Other resource considerations
7.3 Qualified applicants are offered admission to the extent that there are available places on the applied programme. If the faculty has more qualified applicants than the admission framework indicates that we can offer, the applicants will be placed on a waiting list based on the commission's ranking list.
7.4 Applicants who are placed on a waiting list after the first admissions round will not automatically have priority over qualified applicants from the secondary admissions round.
7.5 If there are unfilled places available after the end of the primary admissions round, the head of department may decide to hold a secondary admissions round. (See point 10). Supplementary admissions can also be made by the head of department, with the final decision by the Dean.
7.6 Qualification for admission in a particular academic year does not grant qualification for future admission.
7.7 The admissions process is confidential and exempt from public disclosure.
8. Admissions follow-up
8.1 Applicants are informed of either an offer of admission to the program, placement on the waiting list or rejection.
8.2 If an applicant does not confirm an offer of admission within the given deadline, their place will be offered to another qualified applicant from the primary or secondary admissions round. The offer does not necessarily apply within the same main discipline. Applicants placed on the waiting list after the primary round must compete with applicants in the secondary round.
8.3 Students with admission who are on leave from performing art studies for one year or more will normally be required to complete a new main instrument audition to confirm their level.
8.4. Reservations are made regarding the start of study programmes and courses
9. Postponed entrance exam
9.1 Applicants who due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances cannot attend the primary entrance exam at the stipulated time and place may apply for a postponed exam. The postponed entrance exam will normally be carried out in connection with the Faculty's secondary admissions round, if there are still available places in the program.
10. Secondary admissions round
10.1 A secondary entrance exam may be arranged if, after the primary entrance exam, there are available study places. The secondary entrance exam is arranged for applicants who did not have the opportunity to attend the primary exam, as well as for any new applicants (cf. points 4 and 5).
10.2 Applicants who have undergone the primary entrance exam are not allowed to retake the exam during a secondary admissions round.
10.3 Admission of secondary applicants is decided by the Head of department and the Dean in accordance with the same procedure as mentioned in paragraph 7.
11. Video recording and digital interview as a basis for admission assessment round 2
11.1 A self-produced video recording in main dicipline with good sound and image quality, as well as a digital interview, may replace the in-person entrance exam for international applicants residing outside the Nordic region. This does not apply to applicants for conducting.
12. Admission of exchange students
12.1 International students who wish to study for a limited period through an exchange program are assessed academically by members of the faculty. An unedited video recording with good sound quality of the audition in the main discipline is attached to the application and is used as a basis for the admission of exchange students.
13. Right of appeal
13.1 Individual decisions made pursuant to these regulations may be appealed pursuant to sections 28-32 of the Public Administration Act. The deadline for appeal is 3 weeks from the day the admissions results are published, or 3 weeks after receipt of reasons given for the decision.
13.2 Appeals against individual decisions regarding admission to programs that are not included in the Norwegian Universities and Colleges Admission Service (Samordna opptak) are considered by the Appeals Board of the University of Stavanger pursuant to Sections 5-1 of the Act relating to Universities and University Colleges.
13.3 Complaints about formal errors in the admissions process are first handled by the Faculty of Performing Arts. If the Faculty upholds the original decision, and the applicant chooses to continue the appeal, the appeal will be forwarded to the university's appeals board. Pursuant to Sections 28 and 29 of the Public Administration Act, decisions may be appealed in writing within 3 weeks of the date of receipt of notification of the decision. The appeal must be sent to the University of Stavanger.
Adopted by IR/IMD on 30 September 2008. Revised and adopted by the Quality Committee/ Department of Music and Dance on 4 September 2012, and by the Quality Committee/Faculty of Performing Arts on 23 October 2018. Last revised and adopted by the Study Portfolio Committee/Faculty of Performing Arts 18 October 2022.
Where there are linguistic differences the Norwegian version is the official version.
Questions and Answers
Do I have access to rehearsal rooms during the weekend? When will I have access to my schedule? Below you will find answers to these questions.

Where does the teaching take place?
As a student at the Faculty of Performing Arts, you will have all your teaching on campus Bjergsted. On campus, we have concert halls and ensemble rooms, in addition to good capacity for rehearsal rooms that you as a student can use both on weekdays and on weekends. In addition, during project weeks you will participate in various performances and events associated with other cultural institutions and stages in the Stavanger region.
Where can I find Campus Bjergsted and the Faculty of Performing Arts?
The Faculty of Performing Arts has its own campus (Campus Bjergsted) which is located in a park (Bjergstedparken) close to Stavanger city center. Campus Bjergsted is located very close to Old Stavanger and has Stavanger Concert Hall as its nearest neighbor. Check out UiS's interactive map for information about the location.
When do I learn who is going to be my teachers during my studies?
In the beginning of August when your study right has been activated and you have completed the registration in StudentWeb, you will gain access to Canvas where you will find information about the tuition, teachers and schedule.
When will I have access to my schedule?
The schedule will be ready in the beginning of the semester in August. You will gain access to this as soon as you have finished the registration in StudentWeb. One-to-one lessons on the main instrument will be arranged between student and main instrument teacher. The schedule for project weeks will be available no later than three weeks before the project takes place.
Is it possible to study PDM part-time?
Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance is a full-time study.
Can I go on exhange while I study PDM?
No, you have to study the programme at the Faculty of Performing Arts in Stavanger.
If you have questions concerning admssion procedures, audition or the study programme, please contact: music-dance@uis.no
Teachers
at the Faculty of Performing Arts
Fields of Studies
We have a one year programme called Music Production and Recording. Students studying this programme will possess knowledge of artistic practice, concept development and project management in relation to music production and recording.
Study Programmes
at the Faculty of Performing Arts