- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 or 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
Programme overview
The Master of Music (MMus) is designed to further develop your musical skills, enabling entry to a high-level career in many areas of music. At masters level, you are able to specialise in one of six distinct areas – classical performance, jazz performance, popular music, composition, musicology or music education.
You will have the chance to investigate your individual interests and talents, engage in independent thought about music and critically analyse the theories and practices that influence your discipline.
Programme structure
The MMus is a 120-point or 180-point degree and is available as a research or taught option.
The research masters is ideally suited to students who want to work on a major project. This can include several different elements or with a focus on a single topic. Within the research option, you can also study a selection of elective (taught) courses.
In a taught masters you can choose from a wide range of elective courses, allowing you to explore a variety of subject areas in addition to completing a smaller research project.
Both research and taught options are available from a broad choice of areas including classical performance, jazz, popular music, music education, composition, music technology/production, musicology and more.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
- Bachelor of Music (Hons)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
- Bachelor of Music (Hons)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Music
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Music
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed the Bachelor of Music or a relevant bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.
You must have completed the Bachelor of Music or a relevant bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.
Other pathways to study
You may be able to gain entry to the 180-point Master of Music if you do not currently meet the requirements for the 120-point programme.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Music is a pathway option for Bachelor of Music graduates who do not meet the GPA requirement. The Postgraduate Certificate must not have been awarded.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
- Bachelor of Music (Honours)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
- Bachelor of Music (Honours)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You need to have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, after an undergraduate degree, in music or a similar field indicative of advanced study in music. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 4.0 or higher.
You need to have completed a one-year postgraduate degree, after an undergraduate degree, in music or a similar field indicative of advanced study in music. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 4.0 or higher.
Your Bachelors degree must be in a relevant discipline (arts, creative arts, education, humanities, or performing arts). It should have included a music component and the study must have been completed at a recognised university (or similar institution).
An audition portfolio will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your application for admission, the School of Music may contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).
Your Bachelors degree must be in a relevant discipline (arts, creative arts, education, humanities, or performing arts). It should have included a music component and the study must have been completed at a recognised university (or similar institution).
An audition portfolio will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your application for admission, the School of Music may contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).
Other pathways to study
The Postgraduate Certificate in Music could be a pathway option for those who do not currently quite meet the 180-point MMus requirement.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Music from this University is a pathway option for Bachelor degree graduates who do not meet the 180-point Master of Music GPA requirement.The Postgraduate Certificate must not have been awarded.
In exceptional circumstances, if you have at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience which is deemed equivalent to the above standard, then you may be considered for admission to the 180-point Master of Music.
An audition portfolio will be needed to assist in the assessment of your application. Once you submit your application for admission, the School of Music may contact you directly about scheduling an interview (in-person, telephone, Skype, or Zoom).
How much does a Master of Music cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$9,862.80 – $9,993.60*
- International students
- NZ$44,972*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
Subject to supervisor availability, a 1 December start is available. Please contact the faculty for this information.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Late Year Semester 2024
- 11 November 2024
- Late Year Semester 2025
- 11 November 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in the School of Music.
Contact our postgraduate adviser by phone or email.
Director of Postgraduate Studies
Dr Olivier Holland
Where could this programme take you?
Postgraduate study in music boosts your potential to build a successful performance or composition career. It also helps to secure a future in academia and research, contributing to influential projects in music and the wider arts community.
Jobs related to this programme
- Academic
- Arts director
- Arranger/composer
- Instrumental teacher
- Music educator
- Music journalist
- Music producer
- Performer
Clovis McEvoy shares his postgraduate experience of a Master of Music focused on Sonic Arts Composition.
Read Clovis's storyStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
For more, visit our careers webpage.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513