Overview
The Sydney Conservatorium of Music places a high emphasis on its research activity, with a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students. The Doctor of Musical Arts at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music is a research-based doctorate in music performance, conducting or composition open to professional-skilled musicians with strong scholarly abilities and interests. The DMA will suit candidates with a research background who wish to enhance their already high-level research and creative work abilities and experience by taking advantage of the exceptional research and teaching community available at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Students pursue a supervised research program leading to the submission of a thesis comprising two components:
(i) a public presentation of creative work (recital, lecture recital, recording or other appropriate format), or a composition portfolio; and
(ii) a written research dissertation of 25,000–35,000 words. Both components are expected to be an original contribution to the candidate's field of creative research.
Research development is supported by coursework normally taken during the first full year of candidature.
Subject areas
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
Applications are open all year round. Apply at least 6 weeks prior to your start date to allow for a timely response to your application. If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Follow the applying for admission instructions on this course page.
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply. See the website for more information.
Starting dates
Research period 2: March - June.
Enrol between 1 February and 31 March. Commence no later than the census date: 31 March.
Research period 3: July - September.
Enrol between 1 April -31 August. Commence no later than the census date: 31 August.
Applications are open all year round. Apply at least 6 weeks prior to your start date to allow for a timely response to your application. If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Follow the applying for admission instructions on this course page.
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply. See the website for more information.
Starting dates
Research period 2: March - June.
Enrol between 1 February and 31 March. Commence no later than the census date: 31 March.
Research period 3: July - September.
Enrol between 1 April -31 August. Commence no later than the census date: 31 August.
Research areas
Innovative and research-based performance, conducting or composition.
What you'll study
Doctor of Musical Arts students will complete 24 credits points of coursework. 12 credit points are mandatory (MCGY5111 Creative Work Seminar 1 and MCGY5112 Creative Work Seminar 2) and 12 credit points are elective from the University pool of units. The pool comprises a range of development opportunities that include specialist analytical methods, professional development units and discipline-specific subjects relevant for research students. Browse all available units here.
There is no separate tuition fee cost for the coursework units of study you will undertake, it is part of the tuition fee for the course. See the 'Your Fee' section for fee information. Additional non-tuition course costs vary depending on the units of study.
You will be able to see and enrol in any of the units available, subject to capacity constraints and your own background. Note that your faculty may elect to make certain units compulsory for a given doctoral degree pathway.
Applying for admission
Note: Prospective students interested in undertaking a DMA with a music education topic must first lodge an expression of interest notice via con.apply@sydney.edu.au before making contact with potential supervisors. Please include a cover letter, a one-page CV, and a research proposal when lodging your expression of interest notice. We will respond to expressions of interest within 30 days of receipt.
- Determine your eligibility for admission by reading through the eligibility requirements listed below and by attending a Preparing for a Research Degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Online Workshop. See the faculty admissions page for details on how to register for a workshop.
- Develop a preliminary research proposal of no less than 1500 words that outlines the subject area, objectives, introductory literature review, method proposed, significance and schedule of your proposed research project. For tips on writing a compelling research proposal, visit our guide.
- Contact at least two supervisors whose fields align with your proposed research project. Browse potential supervisors on our Academic staff webpage. Provide an overview of your academic/educational background and research experience, a copy of your proposal, and an explanation of how your research project aligns with their particular expertise.
- Once you have gained agreement from a supervisory team of at least two eligible supervisors, obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. We recommend that you use our template for the referee reports.
- If you intend to study part-time (international student visa holders must enroll full-time), you will also need to supply evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time enrolment; and a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
- Submit your application along with your research proposal, CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts, supporting evidence (where required) and other supporting documents such as identification and evidence of residency status. The Doctor of Musical Arts is an artistic research degree. As artistic research approaches vary considerably, it is your responsibility to select and present at least three examples of creative work that demonstrate capacity for carrying out your proposed project. The scope of submitted material should be discussed in advance with your proposed supervisory team. Applications are made via the University's online application portal.
- When you are ready to apply, click Apply on the right hand side of this page.
- Following receipt of the application, the Conservatorium will invite prospective candidates whose applications articulate a viable research area to attend a Zoom face to face interview. Depending on the approach outlined in your research proposal, the Chair of your admissions panel may require a demonstration of the technical musical skills required to deliver your research project during your interview. If a demonstration of technical music skills is required at the interview, the specifics of this request will be communicated to you in advance.
Completion requirement
Requirements and examination procedure as set out in the School resolutions for this course, and in the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011.
Admission requirement
To be eligible for admission, you must have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree in music with a major in composition.
In exceptional circumstances the Dean or Associate Dean may admit an applicant who does not meet this requirement provided that the applicant has exceptional qualifications and presents evidence of having the aptitude required for undertaking the course.
The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.
Domestic students
International students
