Victoria University of Wellington

Master of Music

Wellington, New Zealand 1 year Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • Scholarships available for international students
  • No application fee

About Master of Music

At Victoria University of Wellington, tuition comes to 27,268 USD per year.

Take your musical skills and knowledge to the next level and focus on research with a Master of Music at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. This one-year Master's programme will further your knowledge in either composition (including sonic arts), performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory or music education. It is also designed to prepare you for research at PhD level. If you have a Bachelor of Music (Honours), First or Second Class, and want to continue your studies, then the MMus is a good 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. You'll also need to submit a research proposal within one month of enrolment for approval by the NZSM Postgraduate Committee. All or most of your Master's study will involve completing a research thesis. You can choose to include 30 points worth of coursework in your programme. Musicology students will complete a written 120-point thesis of up to 40,000 words which may include some creative work that helps explain your research. Or you can complete a 90-point written thesis of up to 30,000 words, which may also include some creative work, and 30 points from approved 400- or 500-level courses. Composition and Performance students complete a 120-point thesis made up of a written exegesis of up to 25,000 words and significant creative work. Or you can do a 90-point thesis comprising creative work and a written report of between 10,000 and 20,000 words, and 30 points from approved 400- or 500-level courses. You'll need to submit a research proposal within one month of enrolment for approval by the NZSM Postgraduate Committee. Composition and Performance students will need to outline the scope of your proposed recital or portfolio, and include an annotated bibliography demonstrating your awareness of the relevant literature and of how it relates to your creative work. Find information about studying for a Master’s degree by thesis on the Faculty of Graduate Research site. You'll normally complete your MMus within one year, but 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. 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’ll work under supervision to produce original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge. Full-time candidates usually complete the degree within three to four years. You’ll carry out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the School of Music. I am a citizen of‐ Choose ‐AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBolivia (Plurinational State of)Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo (Democratic Republic of the)Cook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland Islands (Malvinas)Faroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreen

About Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington, established in 1897 and situated in New Zealand’s capital, is a research-led university serving a diverse student body of around 23,000. The university is known for strengths in arts, law, humanities, social sciences and research across public policy and environmental disciplines, offering a blend of rigorous scholarship and practical engagement with national institutions.

The Wellington campus places students at the heart of a lively cultural and political city, where internships, public-sector connections and creative industries are readily accessible. Academic programmes are complemented by research centres and community-facing projects, and teaching emphasises critical thinking, communication and transferable skills that prepare graduates for varied careers both locally and internationally.

For international students, the university provides support services including orientation, academic help and pathways into student life in Wellington. The city’s compact size, cultural amenities and outdoor opportunities make it friendly for newcomers. Overall, Victoria University of Wellington suits students seeking high-quality research and teaching in a capital-city setting that combines academic rigor with opportunities for professional and civic engagement.

Scholarships You Could Apply For at Victoria University of Wellington

Funding relevant to this program — the university's own awards and popular scholarships for studying in New Zealand.

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New Zealand · University

Hunter Postgraduate Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

Up to NZD 5,000 towards fees

Master's
Open · Next: No separate application — drawn from Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship applicants (1 November)
New Zealand · University

VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 10,000 towards tuition fees

Master's
Open · Next: No fixed date — same as the relevant programme application closing date; assessed automatically on application
New Zealand · University

Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 15,000/month

Master's
Open · Next: 1 November annually
New Zealand · University

Victoria University of Wellington Study Abroad Scholarship

Victoria University of Wellington

NZD 1,000

Master's
Open · Next: Trimester 1: 16 January; Trimester 2: 1 May
Browse all scholarships →

English Test Requirement

IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0

Master of Music: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for Master of Music?
Tuition: USD 27,267.52 per year.
Is Master of Music available online?
This is an on-campus program at Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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