Doctor of Musical Arts
Course details
| NZQF Level | 10 |
|---|
About the course
Become an outstanding musician or composer with this specialist doctorate that combines coursework, research, and creative practice.
Become an outstanding musician or composer with a deep knowledge of your art. Graduate with the skills you need to be able to perform, compose or teach at a high professional level.
In this three-year programme you'll combine research with creative practice, each illuminating the other.
Pathway to the DMA
To enter the DMA programme you must have completed a Master of Musical Arts (MMA) or Master of Music (MMus) in either Performance or Composition/Sonic Arts at an equivalent standard to Distinction or Merit.
Performance applicants will need to pass an audition. Composition applicants have to submit a comprehensive portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. You'll also need to be able to show you have advanced research and writing skills. Find out more about what you need to do to apply.
What to expect
In your first year, or Part 1, you'll complete a full year of coursework to prepare you for the creative work and exegesis components of your thesis in Part 2. For composers or sonic artists, Part 1 will culminate in a research proposal and a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. For performers, Part 1 will culminate in a research proposal and a recital.
In order to continue to Part 2, you'll need to:
- achieve a GPA of 6 (B+ average) or better across all Part 1 courses
- achieve a grade of A- or better in NZSM 640 or NZSM 641
- satisfy a panel that you're ready to proceed, through the public presentation of your research proposal.
In Part 2, the second and third years, you'll complete research that you demonstrate through creative work and an exegesis. This will be a substantive piece of writing of up to 40,000 words that gives a critical perspective on the creative work. For Composition or Sonic Arts students, this will include a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. For Performance students, this will include recorded presentations of two recitals and two lecture recitals.
Workload and duration
Most candidates finish their DMA in three years but you can take up to five years if studying part time. The dean of the Faculty of Graduate Research may extend the maximum period in special cases. You can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week for much of the year.
Scholarships
To help fund your studies, you can apply for one of our postgraduate scholarships—including the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship.
You can also use our Find a scholarship tool to look for other scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Entry requirements
Domestic entry requirements
Master of Music or a Master of Musical Arts 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.