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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.

From 2021, Higher Degree by Research students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study relevant for research students.

Subject areas
Shared pool

Entry, fees, funding & how to apply

Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.

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.

Units of Study

Applying for admission

  1. Find a supervisor within the University whose field aligns with your proposed research. You may visit Academic staff - Sydney Conservatorium of Music or contact the Conservatorium’s Associate Dean (Research Education) or Program Leader Postgraduate Research for advice. 

  2. Contact a research supervisor via email  and provide your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript your CV/resume, your proposed research area and why you believe your research interests align with this supervisor.

  3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop plans for your proposed candidature and prepare a preliminary research proposal of 1500-2000 words on your creative work and dissertation plans. The proposal should outline the subject area, objectives, introductory literature review, method proposed, significance of your research and schedule of research.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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. Applicants based in composition include a portfolio of compositions together with their application. Applications are made via the University's online application portal.

  7. When you are ready to apply, click Apply on the right hand side of this page.

  8. Following receipt of the application, the Conservatorium will invite prospective candidates whose applications articulate a viable research area to attend a face to face interview, and, for those based in performance and conducting, including an audition. The applicant should demonstrate potential to undertake doctoral level creative work and research. When necessary, interviews may be undertaken by video conference and auditions may be in the form of submitted recordings.

 

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.

 

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.