The Master of Music by research is a graduate research degree designed for students to develop their potential for research, contribute to understandings of contemporary practice and theory, and, where relevant, develop mastery in their field of practice.

Completion of the Master of Music (Research) signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

The duration of Master of Music (Research) candidature is one and a half years for full-time candidates, one six month extension is allowed.

Except in the disciplines of Music Psychology, Music Therapy and Musicology/Ethnomusicology; candidates may submit a folio of compositions or a combination of performance folio and related written project.

The Master of Music (Research) is offered in the following discipline areas:

• Composition
• Interactive Composition
• Jazz & Improvisation
• Music Performance
• Music Psychology
• Music Therapy
• Musicology/Ethnomusicology

Students are enrolled in the Research Project (MMus) subject for the duration of their candidature. At the completion of the course students submit their final project which can consist of a written thesis, a combination of creative and written work, or a folio, depending on the discipline area.

Students are expected to participate in Research Seminars and Intensive research weekends where relevant and students in Music Performance are expected to participate in Performance Class.

Your final submission will be as follows:

Composition

Students are supervised to produce

1. A folio of works totalling 45–60 minutes in duration (75%), including a live or studio recording of at least one folio work.
2. An accompanying dissertation of approximately 10,000 words on a topic clearly related to the folio works, including at least 1 analysis of a work from the folio (25%).

The folio and dissertation are to be considered as a mutually reinforcing project, which taken together comprise the overall thesis.

Interactive Composition

Students are supervised to produce a 60 minute folio of music and sound-based creative work with other media. Students in the discipline of Interactive Composition may be required to complete CREA90001 Methods in Artistic Research in their first semester of enrolment.

Jazz & Improvisation

Students undertake independent research under supervision and produce a thesis, equivalent to 40,000 words, which consists of live performance and related written work. Students in the discipline of Jazz & Improvisation are required to complete FINA90002 Research Methods in their first semester of enrolment.

Music Performance

Students undertake a supervised project leading to a live public recital consisting of 60 to 70 minutes of repertoire (75%) supported by an integrated written work of 8,000 to 10,000 words (25%). Students in the discipline of Music Performance are required to complete MUSI90191 The Research Process for Musicians (RHD) in their first semester of enrolment.

For more details of the Music Performance specialisation please see the current students page for music performance.

Music Psychology

Music Psychology embraces aspects of research related to:

Psychology of Music: focusing on the role music plays in every society and culture, to explain the processes through which music is perceived, created, responded to, and incorporated into everyday life;

Performance Science: involving the multidisciplinary study of human performance, to understand the skills, mechanisms and outcomes of music involvement that enhance the professional delivery of music performance and music creation; and

Performance Teaching: understanding various aspects of musical development by applying empirical evidence related to skill acquisition and exploring targeted interventions that can be implemented by musicians and teachers within music education settings, both formal and informal.

Under supervision students undertake a significant research project and prepare a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words.

Candidates also complete MUSI90252 Research Process for Music Psychologists, participate in regular seminars, and may be required to complete additional research electives as part of their enrolment.

Music Therapy

Under supervision students undertake a significant research project and prepare a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words.

Musicology/Ethnomusicology

Under supervision students undertake a significant research project and prepare a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words. Alternately students may produce a transcription of a substantial body of music together with a critical study of between 10,000 and 20,000 words, or, a minor thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words and 3 elective subjects.

Learn more about the course structure

The Master of Music (Research) provides you with a research-based foundation in your chosen discipline. You will develop skills in research, and develop understandings of contemporary artistic practice and theory. In relevant fields you will be supervised to develop mastery in your artistic practice.

Completion of a Master of Music (Research) will mean you are well placed to continue to a PhD in your chosen discipline.

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree, or equivalent, with at least an H2A (75%) weighted average.

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.