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.
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.
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.
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.