Masters (Research)
The Master of Music by research is a graduate research degree designed for students to develop their potential for research, contribute to understandings of contemporary practice and theory, and, where relevant, develop mastery in their field of practice.
Completion of the Master of Music (Research) 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.
Except in the disciplines of Music Psychology, Music Therapy and Musicology/Ethnomusicology; candidates may submit a folio of compositions or a combination of performance folio and related written project.
The Master of Music (Research) is offered in the following discipline areas:
Students are enroled in the Research Project (MMus) subject for the duration of their candidature. At the completion of the course students submit their final project which can consist of a written thesis, a combination of creative and written work, or a folio, depending on the discipline area.
Students are expected to participate in Research Seminars and Intensive research weekends where relevant and students in Music Performance are expected to participate in Performance Class.
Your final submission will be as follows:
Composition
Students are supervised to produce a composition folio of 50 to 60 minutes duration including a minimum of 2 original compositions in different media.
Interactive Composition
Students are supervised to produce a 60 minute folio of music and sound-based creative work with other media. Students in the discipline of Interactive Composition may be required to complete FINA90002 Research Methods in their first semester of enrolment.
Jazz & Improvisation
Students undertake independent research under supervision and produce a thesis, equivalent to 40,000 words, which consists of live performance and related written work. Students in the discipline of Jazz & Improvisation are required to complete FINA90002 Research Methods in their first semester of enrolment.
Music Performance
Students undertake a supervised project leading to a live public recital consisting of 70 minutes of repertoire supported by an integrated written work of 8,000 to 10,000 words. Students in the discipline of Music Performance are required to complete MUSI90191 The Research Process for Musicians (RHD) in their first semester of enrolment.
For more details of the Music Performance specialisation please see the current students page for Music performance here: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/research-students/master-of-music-research-in-music-performance
Music Psychology
Under supervision students undertake a significant research project and prepare a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words.
Music Therapy
Under supervision students undertake a significant research project and prepare a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words.
Musicology/Ethnomusicology
Under supervision students undertake a significant research project and prepare a thesis of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 words. Alternately students may produce a transcription of a substantial body of music together with a critical study of between 10,000 and 20,000 words, or, a minor thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words and 3 elective subjects.
The Master of Music (Research) provides you with a research-based foundation in your chosen discipline. You will develop skills in research, and develop understandings of contemporary artistic practice and theory. In relevant fields you will be supervised to develop mastery in your artistic practice.
Completion of a Master of Music (Research) will mean you are well placed to continue to a PhD in your chosen discipline.
The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music assesses applications in 2 rounds each year.
For courses which have mid-year entry applications are assessed in May and outcomes are generally sent out via email in late May or early June.
For courses which have start-year entry applications are assessed in October/November and outcomes are generally sent out via email in late November or December.