Film music: ideologies, functions and theoretical perspectives

Education facts

Code: MV2121

The course is thematically structured around central concepts and questions in contemporary film music research. Throughout the course, these concepts and questions are studied from various theoretical, methodological, analytical, and critical perspectives. The term film music refers both to music originally composed for a specific film and to pre-existing music (e.g., folk music, Western art music, and popular music) used in film. The course addresses issues related to the central functions of film music, the interplay between music and other aspects of a film's soundtrack (spoken dialogue, sound effects, etc.), and the moving image. Additionally, the course covers theories on how film music affects the viewer, reinforces stereotypes and ideological messages, and how film music relates to the narrative and fictional worlds of films.

Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires the completion of courses totaling at least 180 higher education credits, equivalent to the requirements for a bachelor's degree in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, English 6/English B from Swedish upper secondary school or an equivalent level on an internationally recognized test, such as TOEFL or IELTS, is required.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Film music: ideologies, functions and theoretical perspectives

  University of Gothenburg

  GÖTEBORG

  Start date: 1 October 2026

  End date: 3 November 2026

  Pace of study: 100 %