Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology

The scholarly and artistic Ethnomusicology MA programme at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna is intended to deepen and expand upon students’ prior academic and artistic professional training on the basis of relevant bachelor’s degree-level studies. 

The objective of the scholarly and artistic Ethnomusicology MA programme is to impart well-founded academic qualifications in the discipline that are consistently linked with and contextualised by active musical and artistic practice. Dealing in a well-considered manner with the diversity of musical traditions should, in keeping with § 1 UG, contribute to the successful negotiation of societal challenges in a changing, humane, and gender-neutral society with its various cultural standpoints. It also provides the necessary qualifications for embarking on doctoral studies of a scholarly nature, especially in the field of ethnomusicology / folk music research. This programme of study furthermore strives to increase the representation of musical diversity in the Austrian university landscape.

Upcoming Events

You’re cordially invited to attend our student recitals. They’re a good opportunity to speak with students and teaching staff members in person! Admission is free. You’ll find our event schedule under Events.

Applying for this Programme of Study

1. The document “Information on Entrance Examinations” (download link above) informs you about what you need to prepare for this examination. Some documents (such as your exam programme) need to be uploaded as part of the online registration process.
2. Please set up an applicant account in mdwOnline if you don’t already have an mdwOnline account from another mdw programme of study.
3. Log into your account, click on “Entrance Exam Registration”, and then on the link “Enter new application” at the upper right. Follow the instructions that appear. If you can’t find a particular programme of study in the online registration system, it means either that the registration deadline has passed or that registration is not yet possible!
4. If German is not your first language, please submit documentation of your German skills. You’ll find more detailed information on this in the document “Information on Entrance Examinations”.
5. Important: If you are a citizen of a “third country” (from a country not belonging to the EU/EEA; exceptions: Switzerland and Liechtenstein), please inform yourself in a timely manner concerning the applicable requirements for entering and staying in Austria.
6. Once you’ve registered to take the entrance exam, you’ll receive an E-mail that informs you of your assigned exam date.
7. Take the entrance examination. Remember to bring along a photo ID.

After the Entrance Examination

1. You’ll receive the results of your entrance exam by E-mail.
2. If you have passed the entrance exam, you’ll still need to register in order to be enrolled and commence your studies at the mdw. You can do so by visiting the Studies Center within the admissions period; please bring along your passport or personal ID.
3. You can find out about the further steps you need to take in the brochure “New at the mdw?”.