Work with leaders in performance, composition, musicology and music education who have developed distinctive research across all areas of music.
Postgraduate research degrees in music can be taken at either a masters level or a doctoral level. The University of Sydney offers two doctoral degrees: a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) and a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). Doctoral degrees are the highest qualifications within the Australian Qualifications Framework. Your research will involve a thesis that explores a specific area in music, deeming you an expert in that field. Our supervising research staff are versed in a range of disciplines and will support the development of your research and communication skills.
Research at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music can be pursued in the following courses:
All prospective students are encouraged to register for and attend a Preparing for a Research Degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music workshop before beginning the application process.
The workshops discuss application procedures, what our selection panels are looking for in research proposals, ways in which you might seek to answer research questions through your artistic practice, and how to approach potential supervisors. Workshop participants should be prepared to talk about their research plans with other participants.
Note: These are online-only sessions held on Zoom. The link will be sent to you several days before the session. For details and cancellation, see the automated email that is sent following registration.
All prospective students for all Sydney Conservatorium of Music Higher Degrees by Research must first lodge an Expression of Interest notice via the form link below.
As part of your expression of interest, you will be asked to upload:
We aim to respond to expressions of interest within 30 days of receipt.
If your expression of interest is successful and you are asked to submit a full application, you will need to
Have questions about admission to our Higher Degrees by research? Contact us at con.apply@sydney.edu.au.