Master of Music

Build on your Honours degree with advanced study and research at Master's level and become an expert in your area of music.

Take your musical skills and knowledge to the next level and focus on research with a Master of Music at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

This one-year Master's programme will further your knowledge in either composition (including sonic arts), performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory or music education. It is also designed to prepare you for research at PhD level.

Pathway to the MMus

If you have a Bachelor of Music (Honours), First or Second Class, and want to continue your studies, then the MMus is a good choice for you. Each subject has its own entry requirements you'll need to have met before enrolling. Performance students will need to do an audition and Composition students submit a portfolio. All students will need to outline their research plans and goals in a statement of research intent when they apply.

You'll also need to submit a research proposal within one month of enrolment for approval by the NZSM Postgraduate Committee.

Music thesis

All or most of your Master's study will involve completing a research thesis. You can choose to include 30 points worth of coursework in your programme.

Musicology students will complete a written 120-point thesis of up to 40,000 words which may include some creative work that helps explain your research. Or you can complete a 90-point written thesis of up to 30,000 words, which may also include some creative work, and 30 points from approved 400- or 500-level courses.

Composition and Performance students complete a 120-point thesis made up of a written exegesis of up to 25,000 words and significant creative work. Or you can do a 90-point thesis comprising creative work and a written report of between 10,000 and 20,000 words, and 30 points from approved 400- or 500-level courses. Research proposal You'll need to submit a research proposal within one month of enrolment for approval by the NZSM Postgraduate Committee. Composition and Performance students will need to outline the scope of your proposed recital or portfolio, and include an annotated bibliography demonstrating your awareness of the relevant literature and of how it relates to your creative work.

Master’s by research

Find information about studying for a Master’s degree by thesis on the Faculty of Graduate Research site.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Workload and duration

You'll normally complete your MMus within one year, but may take up to a year and six months from first enrolling. Part-time students can take up to four years to complete it.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week.

Workload and duration

You'll normally complete your MMus within one year, but may take up to a year and six months from first enrolling.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.

Scholarships

There is a large number of scholarships, prizes and awards available to music students at all levels. Find out about scholarships offered or promoted by the School.

You can also look on the University database for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Advance your expertise with PhD study

If you do well in your Master's degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you'll be able to apply to do a PhD.

You’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Music.

As a PhD candidate you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.