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 Master of Music (Musicology) aims to train students to become independent scholars in the discipline of musicology able to communicate their findings in appropriate written and spoken forms.
Students are able to carry out research in a variety of fields including music history, popular music studies, ethnomusicology, performance science, music theory and more. This research degree may stand alone or serve as preliminary to PhD study in the discipline.
Throughout the candidature, the student will work with the supervisory team on the development and preparation of the thesis. The thesis of 25,000 to 40,000 words is the major component of the degree. Enrolment in selected coursework units of study will assist students to develop knowledge of a variety of musicological research methods and understanding of topics and issues in the discipline.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
What you'll study
From 2021, the University is introducing a new coursework curriculum to support research success. Master of Music students will complete 18 credit points of coursework chosen from units offered by the Conservatorium and may also choose 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.
Applying for admission
- Find a supervisor within the University whose field aligns with your proposed research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect to start or contact the Conservatorium’s Associate Dean (Research Education) or Program Leader Postgraduate Research for advice. For information on our staff, click here.
- Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email a supervisor 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.
- 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.
- 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. Applicants based in composition include a portfolio of compositions together with their application. 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 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.
Domestic students
International students
