The numbering refers to the corresponding sections in the University of Agder Philosophiae doctor (PhD) regulations. Amended and adopted by the Research and Innovation Committee 12 June 2025.
To section 5 Admission
For the PhD specialisation in popular music performance:
Regardless of educational background, it is required that basic components of rhythmic music are included in the master's degree programme, the major or equivalent. These may be components/modules in music technology, studio work, improvisation, ensemble playing and conducting in popular music, etc. In addition, it is a requirement that modules in musical theory and method or the equivalent have been included in the master's degree programme, postgraduate programme or equivalent. The content and scope of such prior knowledge is determined on the basis of the topic and academic profile of the thesis.
Applicants who are considered to lack sufficient theoretical and/or practical prior knowledge in rhythmic music/popular music may be required to take additional examinations at a lower level. Alternatively, applicants can be given a reading syllabus that is tested by writing a paper to be approved, or through an oral, or possibly practical, exam. When the prior knowledge is not sufficient for admission, these must generally be tested and approved within six months of admission.
For the PhD specialisation in Art in Context, the following applies:
The relevance of the master's degree (or other equivalent education) will be assessed by the faculty in relation to the specific PhD project applied for. This applies both with regard to the project's academic affiliation and with regard to the choice of thesis format (artistic-scientific or scientific). The project description must account for the choice of thesis format.
Residency
Employees in research fellowship positions at the Faculty of Fine Arts must, as a general rule, be physically present at the workplace during the appointment period. The place of work is defined in the employment contract and in “The agreement on the completion of a doctoral degree at UiA.
To section 8 The course and training component
National and international credit-earning research courses and PhD courses may be included in the training component if the faculty approves this.
Presentations at international conferences may be included as part of a separate elective course in the programme if the faculty approves this.
All courses and courses that are to be included in the training component must have a final assessment.
The faculty approves the final training component. Information about the training component is stated in the programme description. The candidate must complete a 90% seminar.
To section 10 The PhD Thesis
A thesis that consists of a main component and an additional part in line with the descriptions in section 10.1, fourth paragraph, is defined as a combined thesis.
The main component of the thesis is referred to as the artistic part, while the additional part is referred to as the written part of the thesis. The two parts of the combined thesis form a single unit. The scope of the different parts may vary for different projects.
To section 12 Assessment
When assessing the combined thesis, the artistic part and the written part must be assessed as a whole. The scope of the different parts may vary for different projects.
The above means that it must be assessed whether the artistic and written parts together satisfy the requirements for an independent research work, cf. section 10.1 first paragraph.
To section 13 Submission
In order for a combined thesis to be in an ‘approved format’, the following points must be met:
- The artistic part of the thesis is archived in the current dissemination portal.
- The written part is submitted in a format approved by the University Library at UiA (UBA).