Master of Music

Part 1: Preliminary

1 Course codes

Part 2: Masters type

The Masters degrees in these resolutions are Masters by Research courses, as defined by University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2026

Part 3: Admission requirements

2 Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1) Master of Music (Composition)

(a) To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education), an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for:

(i) the degree of Bachelor of Music (Composition) from the University of Sydney; or

(ii) a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the (Research Education), are equivalent to that prescribed in sub-paragraph (i).

(b) An applicant must:

(i) present evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course through a portfolio of original compositions and a research proposal; and if required

(ii) attend an interview.

(c) In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education) may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a), provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.

(2) Master of Music (Music Education)

(a) To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education), an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for:

(i) the degree of Bachelor of Music (Music Education) from the University of Sydney; or

(ii) the degree of bachelor with a major in a relevant discipline from the University of Sydney; or

(iii) a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education), are equivalent to that prescribed in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii).

(b) An applicant must:

(i) present evidence of having the aptitude required to undertake the course through a portfolio of academic writing and research proposal; and if required

(ii) attend an interview.

(c) In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education) may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a), provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.

(3) Master of Music (Musicology)

(a) To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education), an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for:

(i) the degree of Bachelor of Music from the University of Sydney; or

(ii) the degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in music from the University of Sydney; or

(iii) a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education), are equivalent to that prescribed in sub-paragraph (i), (ii) or (iii).

(b) An applicant must:

(i) present evidence of having the aptitude required to undertake the course through a portfolio of academic writing and research proposal; and if required

(ii) attend an interview.

(c) In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education). may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a), provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.

(4) Master of Music (Performance)

(a) To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education), an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for:

(i) the degree of Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the University of Sydney; or

(ii) a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the University School Research Education Committee, are equivalent to that prescribed in sub-paragraph (i).

(b) An applicant must:

(i) present evidence of having the aptitude required to undertake the course through a program on their principal instrument in audition at graduating undergraduate standard or higher; and if required

(ii) attend an interview.

(c) In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean (Research Education) may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a), provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.

3 Application for admission to candidature

(1) An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the School:

(a) satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;

(b) a preliminary research proposal of 1000-1500 words;

(i) for applicants to the Master of Music (Composition) stream, a portfolio of compositions;

(ii) for applicants to the Master of Music (Music Education) stream, a portfolio of academic writing;

(iii) for applicants to the Master of Music (Musicology) stream, a portfolio of academic writing;

(iv) for applicants to the Master of Music (Performance) stream, a program on their principal instrument at graduating undergraduate standard or higher;

(c) written evidence confirming that an academic within the School, with an academic background appropriate to the candidate's proposed research

(i) supports the applicant's research proposal; and

(ii) is willing to supervise the research;

(d) a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the Higher Degree by Research Policy, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Library and made available for immediate public use.

(e) evidence of minimum English language requirements, where not demonstrated by academic qualifications;

(f) the contact details of two academic or practitioner referees.

(2) In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that they will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4 Credit transfer

(1) The HDR Rule and Higher Degree by Research Policy specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times.

Part 4: Candidature

5 Appointment of supervisor

(1) The Associate Dean (Research Education) will appoint suitably qualified supervisors for each candidate in accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy.

6 Control of candidature

(1) The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7 Location of candidature and attendance

(1) The Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 5: Requirements

8 Streams

(1) The degree is offered in the following streams:

(a) Composition;

(b) Music Education;

(c) Musicology; and

(d) Performance.

(2) The testamur will include the stream completed.

9 Degree requirements

(1) Master of Music (Composition)

(a) To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(i) complete any specified probationary requirements;

(ii) complete units of study as prescribed in a student's progress plan;

(iii) carry out composition and research on the approved topic; and

(iv) prepare a thesis comprising the portfolio of original compositions and the dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words associated with the candidate's composition portfolio.The composition portfolio will comprise 30 to 60 minutes of music, the length varying according to type of composition.

(2) Master of Music (Music Education)

(a) To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(i) complete any specified probationary requirements;

(ii) complete units of study as prescribed in a student's progress plan;

(iii) carry out research on the approved topic; and

(iv) write a thesis of 25,000 to 40,000 words embodying the results of the research.

(3) Master of Music (Musicology)

(a) To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(i) complete any specified probationary requirements;

(ii) complete units of study as prescribed in a student's progress plan; 

(iii) carry out research on the approved topic; and

(iv) write a thesis of 25,000 to 40,000 words embodying the results of the research.

(4) Master of Music (Performance)

(a) To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(i) complete any specified probationary requirements;

(ii) complete units of study as prescribed in a studen's progress plan;

(iii) carry out performance research on the approved topic; and

(iv) prepare a thesis embodying the results of the research and comprising a final creative work presentation of 50 to 60 minutes duration and the assocated written dissertation of 10,000 to 20,000 words.

10 The thesis

(1) A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by Research Thesis and Examinations Procedures.

Part 6: Enrolment and progression

11 Probation

(1) A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding four research periods according to the provisions of the Higher Degree by Research Policy..

(2) In the probationary period each candidate must:

(a) meet any conditions set by the University School Research Education Committee; and

(b) demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.

12 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

(1) The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

13 Mode of attendance

(1) The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice. Visa requirements commonly restrict international students to full-time study only.

14 Discontinuation of candidature

(1) A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

15 Suspension of candidature

(1) A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

16 Leave of absence

(1) A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the Higher Degree by Research Policy.

17 Progress

(1) A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by Research Candidature and Progress Procedures.

Part 7: Examination

18 Examination of the thesis

(1) Examination of the thesis, including theses containing composition or performance components, will be conducted in general accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Policy and the Higher Degree by Research Thesis and Examinations Procedures

(2) The University School Research Education Committee will act in place of the HDR Examinations Sub-Committee in determining the outcome of the examination.

19 Award of the degree

(1) The degree is awarded at the pass level only.

Part 8: Other

20 Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2021

(2) Students who commenced their candidature before 1 January 2021 should complete their candidature according to the resolutions in force at the time of their enrolment.