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(Francisco de Goya: "Bravissimo!" Creation date: between 1797-1798)

Welcome to this year's PhD Course in Music Education and Social Theory! Six PhD students from the Nordic countries will be participating in interactive weekly online seminars 6 May-3 June, 2026, Wednesdays at 10:00-14:00.

All video lectures and digital content are now available and can be accessed by following the "Modules" link in the left menu.
Most of the syllabus literature should also be available through links in the relevant module pages.
Please note that there might be some broken links in the system still, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any problem with accessing content.

Contact: Live Weider Ellefsen, live.ellefsen@inn.no

We look forward to meeting you all!

Live Weider Ellefsen (course responsible), Eirik Askerøi, Petter Dyndahl & Alexandra Kertz-Welzel

Why Music Education and Social Theory?

In today's world, increasing economic inequality, social polarisation, cultural diversity, and political conflict profoundly shape our personal and professional lives. These challenges also impact education and research globally, including the fields of music and music education – even in the Nordic welfare states.

Social theory provides valuable perspectives for understanding how music and music education respond to these issues. It offers a range of interpretations, from viewing music education as a space to foster equity and harmony, to seeing activist practices as tools for social justice and change, and even considering how music, culture, and education might contribute to societal problems.

Music Education and Social Theory is a fully digital PhD course (4 ECT) where we invite participants to critically explore and examine the role of music and education in addressing pressing social challenges. As a participant, you have access to online interactive seminars, a rich knowledge bank featuring video/audio lectures, podcasts, interviews, articles, and discussion forums, as well as curated resources. Organised around recurring themes and contemporary topics in music education and society at large, the course aims to stay highly relevant. This also includes integrating opportunities for participants to discuss and receive feedback on their PhD projects throughout.

What do I need to know about this course?

How do I sign up?

Course organisation schedule

Course content

Teachers

Course assignments and evaluation

About the University of Inland Norway

About the PhD in Educational Sciences - UTVIT