The Sydney Conservatorium of Music places a high emphasis on its research activity, with a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students. The Master of Music (Composition) aims to facilitate the development of advanced compositional abilities and allow candidates to create compositions of a length and complexity not possible during undergraduate courses. Students prepare both a composition portfolio (creative work) and a related dissertation which, together, will form their final thesis.
Within the degree structure, candidates receive training in research methods and areas of study pertinent to their field, and work with supervisors on the preparation of their composition portfolio and dissertation.
Candidates can specialise in music technology, electro-acoustic, ensemble/orchestral, jazz and music theatre composition, and are encouraged to develop skills in, and an understanding of all aspects toward the successful completion of a composition project. Discover more of the Composition and Music Technology study options at the University of Sydney.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
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. Apply before the following closing dates:
Research Period 2: 31 October
Research Period 3: 30 April
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply. See the website for more information.
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. Apply before the following closing dates:
Research Period 2: 31 October
Research Period 3: 30 April
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply. See the website for more information.
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.
Master of Music (Composition) students will complete 12 compulsory credit points of coursework (MCGY5111 Creative Work Seminar 1 and MCGY5112 Creative Work Seminar 2) and 6 elective credit points 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. Refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies handbook.
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.
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.
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.