MA in Performing Arts

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MA program in performing arts is a two-year program intended for performing artists who want to improve their skills and knowledge of performing arts, either through playwriting, directing, stage writing studies or choreography. Students choose one of these specializations at the beginning of their studies and specialize in that field. 

  • Open for applications

    January 2028

  • Registration fee

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  • Name of study path

    MA in Performing Arts

  • Degree name

    MA

  • Units

    120 ECTS

  • Duration of study

    4 semesters - 2 years

Study structure

In the first year, students gain knowledge and skills within the performing arts and develop their artistic methods In the second year, the focus shifts to individualized research and artistic creation of students as they develop their artistic thinking and competence Emphasis is placed on promoting students' critical and creative approach to the medium, combining theory and practice, and creating diverse perspectives that challenge and deepen students' artistic thinking.

Each student develops their own methods and approaches in the performing arts through different courses, artistic projects and research, peer assessment, mentoring systems and public events At the end of their studies, each student develops an independent final project based on their own field of expertise Students graduate with 120 ECTS credits, ready to apply for a doctoral program in artistic research or work as independent performing artists.

The program is local and is closely related to the Icelandic performing arts scene, including theaters, festivals and independent performance venues.

Curriculum and syllabus

Admission requirements

General admission requirements are bachelor's degree or equivalent university degree based on the applicant's ability to respond to the requirements made by the master's program Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas together with other data requested by the relevant faculty Admission Committees evaluate applications based on submitted data and interviews with applicants The dean appoints admissions committees in consultation with the professional directors and work committees according to procedures presented to the candidates The decision of the admissions committees is final.

Application conditions depend on the specialization they apply for:

  • MA in Performing Arts (Directing): The applicant must have a BA in drama studies, acting studies or performing arts/performing arts studies.
  • MA in Performing Arts (Choreography): The applicant must have a BA in dance or choreography.
  • MA in Performing Arts (Playwriting): The applicant must have a bachelor's degree.
  • MA in Performing Arts (Sector): The applicant must have a bachelor's degree in arts.

Application and admission process

The application process is done in such a way that first is electronic application filled in, application fee paid and application confirmed.  

All applications for studies go through an application portal and all communications regarding the application process will take place there. An application can be saved while it is being worked on. 

If the number of applicants who meet the admission requirements for study programs is below the minimum criteria will not be included in the course for the coming school year. Are applicants informed of this as soon as possible and the registration fee refunded, if it has been paid. 

Electronic application

Open for applications

January 2028

Price list

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First part

The admissions process is divided into two parts The first part consists of submitted content The second part consists of an interview, a presentation and a group project.  

In order for the application to be valid, a registration fee must be paid and the following data* must be received by the University of the Arts: 

*Note - All electronic data must be returned as PDF.

  • Certified copy of diploma/diploma and curriculum vitae/course catalog (PDF)

    Duty

    Applicants must submit diplomas and a detailed study process with a curriculum vitae up to today. Documents can be submitted in Icelandic or English. 

  • Letter of introduction (PDF)

    Duty

    Applicants write a cover letter in Icelandic or English (maximum 3 pages in A4) about the reasons they apply for the program and about the chosen field of specialization (directing, playwriting, stage writer or choreography). Please explain the following points:

    • What artistic experience you have and how that experience has led to the decision to start studying.
    • The skills you possess and will benefit you in your studies and within your chosen field of expertise.
    • Your artistic vision and main areas of interest within your chosen field of expertise.
    • Ask your own artistic question in the relevant field of expertise you want to research in your studies.
    • Explain what in your own experience within performing arts and learning has led you to this particular question.
    • Explain how you think this master's program will help you deepen your skills.

  • Resume (PDF)

    Duty

    Applicants must submit a CV in Icelandic or English The CV should not be longer than two pages and include artistic projects. 

  • Career folder (PDF)

    Duty

    Photos, texts, recordings, audio and/or video (links to Dropbox, Youtube, Vimeo, etc).  

    Applicants must collect samples of their work in a portfolio. The folder must contain four samples, which should reflect the applicant and shed light on his areas of interest and his main topics of interest within the performing arts. From samples, it should be possible to read the applicant's artistic thinking and his ability to present his ideas.

    Furthermore, applicants are to write a summary of each sample detailing their role within the project, their artistic vision, work process and methods, and how the project reflects the applicant's main concerns within the performing arts Each summary should not be longer than 2-3 pages.

    Please note that full-length works are not requested and applicants are encouraged to choose a rather shorter part of longer works so that the admissions committee has the opportunity to review all data in the applicants' career folders. 

    Return to career portfolio/portfolio as follows:
    Applicants submit a folder in electronic form. The folder must be in .pdf format and the entire folder must be returned sem einu .pdf document. Audio works, video works and similar documents must be sent as active links/path inside the folder. An electronic folder is submitted in the electronic application under , Application career folder/portfolio” or ,, Tenglars”. 

  • Content submitted will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

    • Imagination: The applicant's ability to follow his intuition and find a creative way for his ideas.
    • Daring: The applicant's curiosity, initiative and independent working methods are looked at in artistic work, interpretation, processing of ideas and presentation.
    • Form perception: Awareness of the possibilities and boundaries of the forms of expression chosen by the applicant.
    • Structure: Applicant's ability to compile written or practical tasks. Flow, context and dramaturgy, application of stylistic tricks and outbursts to meaning creation are considered, among other things.
    • Reflection: How the applicant discusses his own projects, artistic vision and work process.

  • Language requirements

    The MA program in performing arts is an international program that takes place in English and Icelandic Students must have good English skills, both in spoken and written language, in an academic context Applicants may need to provide data on their English skills Icelandic skills are not required to complete the program.

Part Two

A group of candidates who pass Part One will be invited to participate in Part Two of the Admissions Process The second part consists of a group project, presentation and interview.

  • Group project

    Groupverkefni which inntdriveucommittee sets for, where applicants can demonstrate their cooperative and communication skills

  • Presentation

    A presentation in which the applicant describes and speaks to the admissions committee on an artistic project he has already completed The presentation, along with discussions, should not be longer than 20 minutes.

    Questions to think about before the presentation:  

    • How was the process?
    • What was your role within it?
    • What methods and approaches did you use?
    • What would you do differently?
    • How does this project reflect your artistic vision?
    • What would you develop further and how?

  • Interview

    Interview with the admissions committee - 30 minutes.

    Examples of questions:  

    • Why are you interested in the performing arts?
    • What kind of performing arts inspire you?
    • Why do you choose this specialty?
    • Questions about the applicant's methods and approaches, as well as about experience within the performing arts
    • Questions related to the admission process

  • In the second part, applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria:

    • Work ethic: The applicant's attitude towards work and study and the applicant's ability to work independently and collaborate The applicant's independence and initiative are looked at. Also, how the person takes criticism and ideas of others and uses them in artistic work.    
    • Communication skills and critical thinking: The applicant's ability to comment on their own work, the tasks that the person chooses and that are presented. As well as the applicant's ability to critically comment on contemporary arts, especially performing arts.   
    • Reflection: Applicants' ability to express their own projects, work processes, methods and approaches, as well as their artistic vision and areas of interest within the performing arts.