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Doctor of Music

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Doctorate (PhD)

Southbank
Course Description The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.
Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Graduate Satisfaction
83.20%

Doctorate (PhD)

South Bank
As an experienced musician, this degree will provide you with the opportunity to upgrade your skills and qualifications through research based on your practice. This program emphasises work-based learning and will utilise your experience and working environment.
Entry Requirements

For admission as a candidate, an applicant will:

  • hold a bachelor degree with first-class or second-class honours (Division A) or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution or
  • hold a masters degree from a recognised institution or equivalent qualification deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a bachelor degree with second class honours (Division A) or
  • possess a record of research or a qualification granted by a professional or other body, deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School to be of a standard comparable at least to a bachelor degree with second-class honours (Division A)
  • have been enrolled in a research Masters degree at the University for not less than one year as a full-time candidate and two years as a part-time candidate and will have had their work as a research Masters candidate certified by the Dean to be of a standard required for candidature in a professional doctorate.

Students admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts program will normally have at least five years professional experience.

A portfolio assessment and/or interview will be part of the admission process. If specialist equipment or computer programs are required, this must be stated within the application. In cases where the candidate does not meet all formal criteria, the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School can establish equivalence on the basis of curriculum vitae, portfolio and publications.

The following University policy will apply to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs:

  • Higher Degree Research Policy
Scholarships

Applicants wishing to commence in Research Intake 1 should lodge their application prior to the closing date listed at the top of this page. Applicants applying to commence at any other time should submit their application at least four months before their preferred intake date. Refer to the Scholarship Key Dates for further information.

Duration
4 years full-time, 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
International Tuition Fees
$34,500 per year / $138,000 total
Graduate Satisfaction
89.80%

Doctor of Music overview

A doctorate program in music is an opportunity to develop a musical thesis in depth. PhD degrees in music tend to focus on either musical arts or philosophy components.

PhD programs in musical arts and music tend to take between three to four years to complete studying full-time. You can also complete the degree studied part-time in between six to eight years.

Employment options

Completing a doctorate degree in music is an essential step for working in the higher levels of musical academia.

Scholarships and funding

Check our scholarship search tool to see which Australian universities offer financial support for PhD programs in music.

Australian citizens who are going to study full-time could also be eligible for Youth Allowance or Austudy. Learn more here.

Prerequisites and selection process

The requirements to secure your selection in a doctoral program of music will depend on your particular area of focus and where you wish to study.

You will need to have completed at least a bachelor’s of music or equivalent, and likely an honours and/or a master’s degree in music prior to admission in a PhD music program. Some universities require proof of proficiency in English as well.

Your application process will also involve a proposal of your thesis, as well as getting the support of a supervisory board to guide your studies.