Not a fully English programme. The register lists German and English as the language of instruction, so part of the teaching is not in English. Check on the official programme page which parts are taught in English before you apply.
How the fees work. EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester.
About this programme
Master in Music in Society is a master’s programme at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna in Vienna, taught in German and English. It runs for 2 years (4 semesters) and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Vienna as the campus town. It lists the academic degree as Master of Arts (MA). University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna is a public university in Vienna.
What you will study
What you study
This is a research and practice master's at the mdw in Vienna. Over four semesters you look at music through sociological, cultural, economic and gender lenses. The programme brings together theories from music sociology, art and cultural sociology, cultural studies, Cultural Institutions Studies (Kulturbetriebslehre) and gender studies. You also learn to do your own empirical research.
Alongside the theory you deepen your practical music skills in one of three areas: Popularmusik, Musizieren in sozialen Kontexten, or Traditionelle Musiken. The focus is on scientific and artistic practice in music and the performing arts, with attention to social difference and inequality. You also look at ways to counter social inequality in music cultures.
How the programme is organised
The degree runs for 2 years (4 semesters) and carries 120 ECTS. It is a wissenschaftlich-künstlerisches Masterstudium, so research and artistic work sit side by side. Teaching is in German and English, so the programme is partly taught in English. Check with the institution which parts are in which language. The curriculum is available as a PDF in German and English, and the course offer is listed in mdwOnline.
Who it suits
You should already have a bachelor's or diploma degree in a relevant field. You need proof of language skills in both German and English before admission. The programme suits people who want to connect music practice with social questions and who are ready for empirical research. It also prepares you for a doctoral programme, especially in music sociology, art sociology, Kulturbetriebslehre, gender studies or cultural studies.
Admission, language and next steps
Admission requires passing the Zulassungsprüfung (admission exam). The application period runs from 1 March 2027 to 31 May 2027. The date of the admission exam is on the website of the Institut für Musiksoziologie. There is no central application portal: you apply directly to the mdw, and the programme page gives the details. As a public university, EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters. Other students pay a fee per semester. Contact the Institut für Musiksoziologie or the StudienCenter for advice.
What the register says
The scientific-artistic master's programme Music in Society offers students the opportunity to acquire comprehensive musical knowledge and competencies from sociological, cultural, economic and gender-specific perspectives over four semesters. It combines theories and approaches from the sociology of music, art and culture as well as the fields of cultural studies, cultural institutions studies and gender studies, culminating with a qualification for independent empirical research and a deepening of practical musical skills.
Text as the Austrian national register publishes it. Some entries are in German. For the current content and structure, use the official programme page.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Doctoral study in music sociology, art sociology, Kulturbetriebslehre, gender studies or cultural studies
- Research in music sociology and cultural institutions
- Work in cultural institutions and music organisations
- Music practice in social contexts
- Popular music and traditional music fields
- Gender studies and equality work in music cultures
Before you apply
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, the student residence permit and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). Fees are in euros as the register lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and dates with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Music in Society taught in English?
Partly. The register’s study finder lists the language of instruction as German and English at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Some of the teaching is not in English, so check on the programme page which parts are taught in English before you apply.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years (4 semesters) of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Vienna as the campus town for this programme at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
How do I apply?
There is no central application portal in Austria: you apply to the institution, here University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. A public university sets the admission requirements and dates for this level, so read them on the programme page.
What does it cost?
EU/EEA and Swiss students pay no tuition within the standard duration plus two semesters, then EUR 363.36 per semester. Most other students pay EUR 726.72 per semester (about EUR 1,453 a year); nationals of a list of least developed countries are exempt. The compulsory student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) is EUR 26.20 per semester. Fees are in euros as the register lists them; confirm the amount for your intake with University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Austrian national register (BMFWF open data and studienwahl.at, which states the language of instruction). The OeAD, the Austrian agency for international education, publishes the official information for international students at studyinaustria.at. The programme page at University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna is linked from this page so you can compare.