Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover

Bachelor admission

Access to Bachelor's programmes requires a German university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). In artistic and artistic-pedagogical Bachelor's programmes this can be replaced by proof of outstanding artistic ability, so study without Abitur is possible in principle. All artistic and artistic-pedagogical programmes require an entrance examination (Aufnahmeprüfung) proving artistic and, where relevant, pedagogical aptitude; most procedures are competitive. Requirements and repertoire are set out per programme in the admission regulations (Zulassungsordnungen).

Application route and deadlines

Applications for entrance examinations (start in winter semester) are made only through the Muvac application portal, not by post. A separate application is needed for each programme, with a maximum of three applications. The portal is open from 15 February to 15 March each year for music and music-related programmes, with the exception of the M.A. Musikwissenschaft und Musikvermittlung, whose portal is open from 20 May to 15 June (winter semester) and, expected, 20 December to 15 January (summer semester). Some programmes hold a two-stage examination with a digital video round and a live main round. Live music examinations for 2026 are scheduled for 8 to 12 June (Soloklasse 13 and 14 June, IFF 30 and 31 May). Results usually follow within two weeks via Muvac. Enrolment is for the winter semester of the year of the examination, starting 1 October; a later start needs a new examination. Applications for the Diplom Schauspiel (start summer semester 2027) run from 15 September to 15 November 2026. The Master of Education programmes (Lehramt an Gymnasien and Lehramt für Sonderpädagogik) are applied for at Leibniz Universität Hannover, and the IJK programmes have their own application phase. An administrative fee for the entrance examination of 50 euros for the first programme and 30 euros for each further one is paid through the portal and is not refunded.

Language requirements

German language proof is required for international applicants (except Kammermusik and Soloklasse). The level lies between B1 and C1 depending on the programme. Bachelor of Music programmes require B2 (Goethe-Zertifikat B2, telc B2, ÖSD B2, TestDaF with an average of TDN 3, or DSH-1). The B.A. programmes (Kommunikationswissenschaft, Fächerübergreifender Bachelor, Lehramt für Sonderpädagogik) require C1 (DSH-2, or TestDaF with 4 x TDN 4, Studienkolleg Feststellungsprüfung German part, DSD II, Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule, ÖSD C2). For Master of Music, B1 applies to Künstlerische Ausbildung, Gesang/Oper, Komposition and JazzRockPop; B2 to Dirigieren, Gesang in freiberuflicher Tätigkeit, Kinder- und Jugendchorleitung, Kirchenmusik, Künstlerisch-pädagogische Ausbildung and Tasteninstrumente; C1 to Musiktheorie. M.A. and M.Ed. programmes require C1; the Diplom Schauspiel requires B2. For the M.A. Musikwissenschaft und Musikvermittlung (ethnomusicology and Jewish ethnology specialisations only), English at the level set in the regulations may be accepted instead. Programmes at level B1 or B2 may be started with proof due by the end of the first semester (one extension of a semester possible); C1 is to be proven at application and at the latest at enrolment. Language courses are available at the Leibniz Language Centre of Leibniz Universität Hannover when places are free.

Master admission

Master's programmes require a relevant Bachelor's degree or equivalent. For artistic and artistic-pedagogical programmes this is usually a four-year Bachelor's (240 credits); for the communication science programmes at the IJK usually a three-year Bachelor's (180 credits). In exceptional cases with proven outstanding aptitude, applicants with a three-year Bachelor's or no Bachelor's degree can be admitted, with artistic ability tested at the same level in the entrance examination. Admission regulations exist for the M.Mus., M.A. Musikwissenschaft und Musikvermittlung, M.A. Medien und Musik and M.A. Kommunikations- und Medienforschung.

Doctoral admission

The Promotion to Dr. phil. is available in musicology, music education and communication science. Admission conditions are laid down in the Promotionsordnung (2023 edition current), and doctoral candidates must enrol as Promotionsstudierende under section 9 of the Niedersächsisches Hochschulgesetz.

Guest students

Guest students (Gasthörende) may attend individual courses regardless of age or school qualification; applications are due 1 March for the summer semester and 1 September for the winter semester.

The university is spread across several sites in Hannover.

• Neues Haus 1 / Loebensteinstraße 2 (main site), Hannover: main building at Emmichplatz, built in 1972, next to the Eilenriede forest; central administration, registrar's and International Office, and most music and drama teaching.
• Uhlemeyerstraße 21: includes the Kammermusiksaal (chamber music hall) used for concerts.
• Leisewitzstraße 39: Zentralbibliothek (central library), moved here in summer 2023 and extended with the holdings of the former Music Education Research Library and the European Centre for Jewish Music library.
• Expo Plaza 12 (Expo grounds, reached by Stadtbahn line 6): Institute for Journalism and Communication Research (IJK) with its examinations office.
• Other sites: Seelhorststraße 3, Schiffgraben 48, Plathnerstraße 35 and Weidendamm 8.

Facilities include the central library (loans, study places, e-scores, catalogue and special collections), the Tonstudio Tessmar recording studio, the Hanover Music Lab for music psychology research, specialist libraries and collections such as the Kurt-Schwitters-Forum and the Research Hub Archives, and the university ensembles (orchestra, LAB orchestra, concert choir, university choir, studio big band, The S'coolmasters, Vivid Voices, FüBrass and a children's and youth choir).