Department of Performing Arts, Film and Media

We prepare our students for a creative career in film, TV, and Computer Arts – supported by research and close collaboration with the industry.

The institute offers a work‑life‑relevant and practice‑oriented education in performing arts, film and media. We provide students with the tools to develop as independent artists and creators, and to shape the artistic and media landscape of the future.

All our study programmes combine theory, practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. From day one, students work on relevant projects and are taught by academic staff who are themselves active artists and creators, as well as guest lecturers from the industry.

Academic Profile

The institute has its roots in Norges Dansehøyskole, Musikkteaterhøyskolen, NISS, NITH, and Westerdals. Our academic staff consists of performing and creative artists and industry experts who are closely connected to developments in the field.

Through artistic research and academic inquiry, we place both performing arts and media studies within a broader social context. We drive forward new pedagogical ideas and groundbreaking projects, actively involving students in research and development activities.

Facilities

Kristiania offers unique facilities at both Fjerdingen and Urtegata, tailored to our creative disciplines. Here, students have access to dance studios, black box studios, mixing cinemas, editing suites, computer labs, and sound studios, all equipped to industry standards.

Research Arena

The institute is not just an educational hub but also a center for research and artistic development. We host several research groups and artistic development projects, including Collaborative Media Arts (CoMA), EcoSystem, and PRISMA, all of which contribute to developing new storytelling formats and exploring the role of media in society and culture. Projects like Writing the Writer exemplify how we combine artistic research with academic reflection to challenge and evolve the media landscape.

Kunnskap Kristiania

  • Six Million NOK for Unique Research Project
    Westerdals institutt for film og medier

    Six Million NOK for Unique Research Project

    Professor Siri Senje has received external funding from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir) for artistic research within the biographical drama series format.
    Read more

Studies