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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

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 taught or 180-point research degree.

The research masters is ideally suited to students who want to work on a major project. This can include several different elements or focus on a single topic. Within the research option, you can also complete 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.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

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

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland 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. 

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Music (Hons)

Postgraduate Diploma in Music

Taught (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Music

Research (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Music (Hons)

Postgraduate Diploma in Music

Research (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Music

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught and Research 180 points

You must have either:

  • completed the Bachelor of Music or a relevant bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points above Stage II.
  • completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music from this University or the equivalent completed prior study and completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded)
  • passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Diploma in Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded)


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 PGCertMus - 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.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

Subject to supervisor availability, a 1 December start is available. Please contact the faculty for this information.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music or another relevant bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music or another relevant bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Music from this University or the equivalent completed prior study

and

(ii) (a) completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded

or

(b) passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Diploma in Music from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

3 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 and 2 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

4 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: A relevant Bachelors degree may be in arts, creative arts, education, humanities or performing arts, and should include a music component.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

7 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Music Schedule.

8 A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in MUS 785 or 786. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Music cannot continue.

9 A student who has previously passed any courses the same as, or similar to, courses required for this degree must substitute (an) alternative course(s) approved by the Programme Director.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

11 a The research project or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The research project or thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

c The research project or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

12 a The research portfolio is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The portfolio of creative work is to include a written component, in which the creative elements of the portfolio should be discussed in a scholarly and intellectually coherent manner.

c The research portfolio is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

13 If in exceptional circumstances beyond the student’s control, the Research Portfolio or Thesis has not been able to be completed by the date set under Regulation 5, the Associate Dean Postgraduate, acting upon the recommendation of the Academic Head, may approve a limited extension of time not normally exceeding four months, for the work to be completed. Fees will be as stated in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

14 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Music or Postgraduate Certificate in Music.

Transfer from Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma

15 A student who has passed courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Music that are available in this degree may apply to reassign those courses to this degree provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

Distinction

16 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

17 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

18 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

180 points Requirements

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Master of Music 180 points Taught

Year 1
Semester One
Advanced Music Research
180 points Requirements - MUSC-T3MMus - Master of Music specialisation in Music - Taught 180 - Compulsory Course
15 Points

Elective Course

30 Points

Choose a Skills course from MUS 707, 710, 720, 737, 747, 767, 770, 780

Elective Course

15 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Research Project
180 points Requirements - MUSC-T3MMus - Master of Music specialisation in Music - Taught 180 - Research Project
15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points
Year 2
Semester One
Research Project
180 points Requirements - MUSC-T3MMus - Master of Music specialisation in Music - Taught 180 - Research Project
15 Points

Elective Course

30 Points

Choose a Capstone course from MUS 711, 729, 738, 742, 768

Elective Course

15 Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map