Programme details

Master of Music – MMus

Enhance your expertise in music by advancing from an Honours degree to specialized Master's-level study and research in your chosen area of specialization.

Course description

Elevate your musical skills and expertise with the MMus, a focused one-year Master’s program emphasizing research. Tailored for graduates with a Bachelor of Music (Honours), First or Second Class, the MMus offers specialized tracks in composition (including sonic arts), performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, or music education. It is structured to prepare you for further research at the PhD level.

Each specialization within the program has specific entry requirements; performance applicants must audition, while composition students submit a portfolio. All prospective students must articulate their research plans and objectives in a statement of research intent during the application process.

Upon enrollment, you will be required to submit a research proposal within one month for review and approval by the NZSM Postgraduate Committee.

Specialisations

Composition
Musicology
Performance

Immigration benefits

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master of Music (MMus) program have a wide range of career options in the music industry and academia. Potential roles include composer, performer, music educator, musicologist, ethnomusicologist, music theorist, or arts administrator. They may find opportunities in orchestras, opera houses, music schools and conservatories, universities, research institutions, and cultural organizations. Some may pursue careers as freelance musicians, conductors, arrangers, or music directors, while others might choose paths in music journalism, publishing, or music therapy. The MMus equips graduates with advanced skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields within the global music community.

Entry requirements

– A Bachelor of Music with Honours with at least a high B range average
– To have met the prerequisites for the subject you wish to study (see subject section below)
– To be accepted by the director of NZSM as being capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

EL requirement (any one of the following)
– IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0
– TOEFL (Internet-based test): Minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in writing
– Pearson Test of English: Minimum score of 58, with a ‘Communicative’ score of no less than 50
– EAP: Minimum final scores of 4, 4, 5, 5
– Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
– New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)
– NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3, with no skill lower than Level 2