Doctor of Philosophy in Music

Summary

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years.

This course is also offered at overseas locations.

Music

At the School of Music, we provide a dynamic environment for study and investigation into a wide range of musical disciplines, including performance, composition, musicology, music education, popular music and jazz. Our range of doctoral programmes prepare candidates to research, perform, compose and/or teach at an internationally recognised level.

The traditional PhD thesis is a formal piece of advanced research, with a final examined thesis of up to 100,000 words. Your thesis serves as a contribution to the field of music research on both a local and international level.

PhD with a creative practice component

You can also consider completing your PhD with a creative practice component. This allows you to submit a portfolio of compositions, a performance or teaching portfolio as examinable work. There are some specific guidelines around the admission requirements and timing of the examination for creative works.

Programme structure

The University of Auckland PhD is a three-to-four year full-time advanced research degree.

On possible to the PhD programme, you will be enrolled provisionally. By the end of your first year, you must meet a number of goals to be confirmed into the PhD programme, including developing a full thesis proposal. After confirmation, you will continue to work on your research before submitting your thesis for examination after three years and within four years of your start date. The examination process includes an oral exam.

As part of your PhD study, you can take part in our doctoral skills programme, designed to help you achieve success in your research and develop skills for your future. We have a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor, and our library service includes specialist subject librarians to help you in your research. The central School of Graduate Studies provides dedicated support and advice for the doctoral community.

Where could this programme take you?

Our PhD graduates are successful in a wide range of fields and careers, as well as the traditional academic research career path. The PhD gives you extensive specialist and transferable skills, which are sought after in many sectors, including industry and government, and can even help you to develop entrepreneurship skills to run your own startup. This subject also available in faculty of arts.