Master of Musical Arts
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
Study advanced composition, sonic arts or performance and become a leader in your field as an artist and an innovator.
Not available from 2027
The Master of Musical Arts (MMA) is not available to new students from 2027. You can study Music: Composition/Sonic Arts or Music Performance through the new Master of Arts (Coursework).
Build on your Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma and get the high-level music skills and critical perspective you need for a career in music or a related field. This one-year Master's programme will further your knowledge in either composition, sonic arts or performance and is also designed to prepare you for the Doctor of Musical Arts.
Study at New Zealand's most prestigious music school and learn from world-class musicians and academics who are leaders in their fields.
Pathway to the MMA
If you have a Bachelor of Music with Honours or a Postgraduate Diploma in Music, and want to continue your studies, then the MMA could be the right 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.
In your MMA you'll complete both coursework and a thesis.
Coursework
Choose 30 points worth of courses at 400 or 500 level. You'll need to select topics that explore critical perspectives relating to your creative work, such as aesthetics, performance practice and critical analysis. Your courses must contain substantial written components.
Thesis
You'll complete a 90-point creative research thesis on an approved topic of your choice.
Composition students will complete a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works, and a written report of between 10,000 and 20,000 words.
Performance students will express their research through one or two public recitals, and a written report of around 10,000 to 20,000 words.
Research proposal
You'll need to submit a research proposal within one month of enrolment for approval by the NZSM Postgraduate Committee. Performance students will express their research through one or two public recitals, and a written report of between 10,000 and 20,000 words.
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 MMA within one year, but it 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 MMA within one year, but it 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 doctoral 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 Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).
A doctoral degree is the highest academic qualification offered by the University. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Music.
As a doctoral candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Bachelor of Music with Honours or a Postgraduate Diploma in Music and audition/portfolio.
English language requirements
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
About the provider
Victoria University of Wellington, full name Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, was founded in 1897 and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious universities. The University is located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city and its three city campuses are all within easy walking distance of one another, as well as local attractions, shopping districts, and cafés.
The University’s central location gives students access to a
variety of national organisations in the areas of business, government,
politics, culture and heritage, the arts and filmmaking industry, as well as
the science and technology communities. Wellington is a compact city where
students can easily explore nature trails, beaches, galleries, museums, and
events. It is multicultural, safe, friendly, and has a reputation for great
food and coffee—it regularly ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Victoria University of Wellington at a glance
- Top 1% of the world's universities for research quality and teaching
- 170+ subjects
- 20 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate programmes
- 40+ research institutes and 4 libraries
- 3,000 of our 17,000 students are international students, from 120+ countries
- 130+ clubs and societies
- 5+ stars from the latest QS Stars Rating of Excellence
- #1 in New Zealand for research intensity (in the latest assessment of the Performance-Based Research Fund)
- Wellington School of Business and Government is one of an elite group of commerce faculties worldwide that hold the Triple Crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA
- Top 2% of the world’s universities (QS World University Rankings 2026)
- Top 100 in the world in 7 subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Graduate outcomes*
- Of the graduates who responded that they are currently working full time, 91% were employed prior to or within 6 months of degree completion.
- 67% were in full-time employment.
*Based on those who completed the 2023–2024 Graduate Destinations Survey.
Entry requirements
To study at Victoria University of Wellington, international students need:
- a good command of the English language
- a good record of academic achievement.
Entry requirements are provided under each programme. The University considers each student’s academic and English-language background when assessing applications. If a student doesn’t meet entry requirements, our team can help them meet their study goals.
If a student doesn’t meet the entry requirements for:
- English language - Students can apply for our English for Academic Purposes programme
- Undergraduate study - Students can apply for our Foundation Studies programme
- Postgraduate study - Students can talk to us to help build a pathway to their degree
The University offers complete support for students through a range of wellbeing and learning services. These include a specialised international team that is dedicated to supporting students during their studies, which helps international students meet new friends and settle into university and Wellington life.
Some of the support services include:
- dedicated international student orientation and events
- a free arrival meeting service at the airport
- the International Buddy Programme, where you get paired with a ‘buddy’ from the get-go
Students can make the most of the many opportunities to get
involved in different communities, embrace new experiences, and develop skills
for their future careers. The university encourages all students to develop
strong global citizenship skills through their studies and extracurricular
programmes such as the Kitea
Impact Programme, which is also free to join.