Doctor of Musical Arts
Become an outstanding musician or composer with a deep knowledge of your art. Graduate with the skills you need to be able to perform, compose or teach at a high professional level.
In this three-year programme you'll combine research with creative practice, each illuminating the other.
Available subjects
Composition/Sonic Arts
Performance
Pathway to the DMA
To enter the DMA programme you must have completed a Master of Musical Arts (MMA) or Master of Music (MMus) in either Performance or Composition/Sonic Arts at an equivalent standard to Distinction or Merit.
Performance applicants will need to pass an audition. Composition applicants have to submit a comprehensive portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. You'll also need to be able to show you have advanced research and writing skills. Find out more about what you need to do to apply.
What to expect
In your first year, or Part 1, you'll complete a full year of coursework to prepare you for the creative work and exegesis components of your thesis in Part 2. For composers or sonic artists, Part 1 will culminate in a research proposal and a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. For performers, Part 1 will culminate in a research proposal and a recital.
In order to continue to Part 2, you'll need to:
achieve a GPA of 6 (B+ average) or better across all Part 1 courses
achieve a grade of A- or better in NZSM 640 or NZSM 641
satisfy a panel that you're ready to proceed, through the public presentation of your research proposal.
In Part 2, the second and third years, you'll complete research that you demonstrate through creative work and an exegesis. This will be a substantive piece of writing of up to 40,000 words that gives a critical perspective on the creative work. For Composition or Sonic Arts students, this will include a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. For Performance students, this will include recorded presentations of two recitals and two lecture recitals.
Campus Information
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand
Intakes
- Feb Deadline: Dec
- July Deadline: May
- Nov Deadline: Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Wellington Careers and Employment
Get connected with employers and the community and prepare for your future employment. Develop your skills and experiences through our programmes and launch your career with confidence.
CV checks
Get your CV checked at a drop-in session.
Talk to someone
Make an appointment for one-to-one guidance with a careers consultant.
Network with employers
Explore your career possibilities and network with potential employers at our expos and other upcoming events.
Employers
Engage with us to build your organisation’s profile on campus and connect with our talented students and graduates.
Graduate recruitment
We host a number of graduate recruitment events throughout the year, where you can meet potential employers and find out about jobs and internships.
PSW Opportunity
- During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
- After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
- After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
International applicants are expected to have equivalent qualifications to those required of New Zealand applicants:
Applicants who have a four year Bachelor’s degree graded in a four point GPA system should have a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.
Applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree graded in the British system, including India, must be awarded the degree with first or upper second-class Honours.
For some programmes evidence of relevant work or research experience may be necessary.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also meet the English language requirements below.
You must provide certified copies of academic transcripts for all qualifications except those you have obtained at Victoria University of Wellington.
English language requirements
Victoria University of Wellington's English language requirements are not negotiable.
If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency before you will be accepted as a PhD candidate. Minimum requirements are:
TOEFL 90 points on the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing, or
IELTS overall band of 6.5, no sub-score below 6, or
a minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in the Victoria University of Wellington English Proficiency Programme test, or
Pearson Test of English, with a score of 58 (with a communicative score of not less than 50).
Find out more about English language requirements and other important things to consider for international students.
As you are aware, several English language testing centres around the world, including TOEFL test centres, may be closed due to the global issues surrounding COVID-19. ETS/TOEFL is now offering a Special Home edition of the TOEFL iBT test. Victoria University of Wellington will proudly accept scores from applicants who have taken the Special Home Edition version of the TOEFL iBT test, as this At-Home version is the same as the regular TOEFL iBT taken at a testing centre, the only difference being the mode of test delivery.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
- Duration: 03 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
123000 NZD
Annual Cost of Living: 20000 NZD
Application Fee: N/A