Master of Musical Arts

Summary

Study advanced composition, sonic arts or performance and become a leader in your field as an artist and an innovator.

Not available from 2027

The Master of Musical Arts (MMA) is not available to new students from 2027. You can study Music: Composition/Sonic Arts or Music Performance through the new Master of Arts (Coursework).

Build on your Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma and get the high-level music skills and critical perspective you need for a career in music or a related field. This one-year Master's programme will further your knowledge in either composition, sonic arts or performance and is also designed to prepare you for the Doctor of Musical Arts.

Study at New Zealand's most prestigious music school and learn from world-class musicians and academics who are leaders in their fields.

Pathway to the MMA

If you have a Bachelor of Music with Honours or a Postgraduate Diploma in Music, and want to continue your studies, then the MMA could be the right choice for you. Each subject has its own entry requirements you'll need to have met before enrolling. Performance students will need to do an audition and Composition students submit a portfolio. All students will need to outline their research plans and goals in a statement of research intent when they apply.

In your MMA you'll complete both coursework and a thesis.

Coursework

Choose 30 points worth of courses at 400 or 500 level. You'll need to select topics that explore critical perspectives relating to your creative work, such as aesthetics, performance practice and critical analysis. Your courses must contain substantial written components.

Thesis

You'll complete a 90-point creative research thesis on an approved topic of your choice.

Composition students will complete a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works, and a written report of between 10,000 and 20,000 words.

Performance students will express their research through one or two public recitals, and a written report of around 10,000 to 20,000 words.

Research proposal

You'll need to submit a research proposal within one month of enrolment for approval by the NZSM Postgraduate Committee. Performance students will express their research through one or two public recitals, and a written report of between 10,000 and 20,000 words.

Master’s by research

Find information about studying for a Master’s degree by thesis on the Faculty of Graduate Research site.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Workload and duration

You'll normally complete your MMA within one year, but it may take up to a year and six months from first enrolling. Part-time students can take up to four years to complete it.

If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students will need to do around 20 to 23 hours of work a week.

Workload and duration

You’ll normally complete your MMA within one year, but it may take up to a year and six months from first enrolling.

Studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40 to 45 hours a week for much of the year.

Scholarships

There is a large number of scholarships, prizes and awards available to Music students at all levels. Find out about scholarships offered or promoted by the School.

You can also look on the University database for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area and background.

Advance your expertise with doctoral study

If you do well in your Master's degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you'll be able to apply to do a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).

A doctoral degree is the highest academic qualification offered by the University. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Music.

As a doctoral candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.