Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Music (MMus) at the University of Waikato is an advanced one-year postgraduate music qualification designed for students who already have Honours-level music preparation. It is particularly suited to students who want to develop professional-level expertise in musical composition, performance, or opera.

Key benefits include:

• Close academic supervision and individual sessions with experienced music specialists.
• Substantial advanced-level work in the student's chosen area.
• Opportunities for performers to prepare and present a public recital and connect music research with performance practice.
• Opportunities for composers to create a substantial body of original music and prepare works for public performance.
• Connections with professional music organisations, orchestras, opera, chamber music groups and music associations in New Zealand and internationally.
• Development of professional skills alongside advanced musical expertise.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MMus consists of 120 points at Level 500 or above and is structured around one of three specialist streams: Composition Portfolio, Advanced Performance, or Advanced Opera.

Composition Portfolio Stream

Students complete:

• MUSIC514 Composition Portfolio – 120 points
• Level 500
• Hamilton
• 2027 teaching period: 1 March 2027 – 27 February 2028
• In-person delivery
• Advanced study of music composition, with students developing their own musical voice and producing substantial original work.

Advanced Performance Stream

Students complete:

• MUSIC524 Advanced Performance – 120 points
• Level 500
• Hamilton
• 2027 teaching period: 1 March 2027 – 27 February 2028
• In-person delivery
• Develops advanced performance skills, interpretation, repertoire knowledge and understanding of the historical and musicological context of works. Entry is subject to a successful audition or Music Department approval.

Advanced Opera Stream

Students complete:

• MUSIC525 Advanced Opera Studies – 120 points
• Level 500
• Hamilton
• 2027 teaching period: 8 March 2027 – 5 March 2028
• Entry by audition.
• Applicants need a BMus or academic equivalent and demonstrated potential as a singer.
• Application evidence includes a CV, links to two or more performance recordings and up to two references from a teacher or opera practitioner.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The formal MMus regulations recognise three streams:

1. Composition
2. Advanced Performance
3. Advanced Opera

Programme Highlights

• Advanced one-year postgraduate music qualification.
• 120-point programme.
• Hamilton-based study.
• Three clearly defined streams: Composition, Performance and Opera.
• Individual academic supervision.
• Performance students can work toward a public recital.
• Composition students create a significant body of original music.
• Opera students receive intensive vocational training and performance/audition opportunities.
• Opportunities to interact with professional music organisations and industry groups.
• Potential exposure to both New Zealand and international music networks. 

Career Outcomes

The University states that MMus graduates should be working at a professional level in their chosen field. Potential career directions include:

• Studio musician
• Solo performer
• Chamber musician
• Orchestra musician
• Experimental or theatrical music professional
• Broadcasting
• Radio, television or recording production
• Film or video music production
• Multimedia creation
• Musical director
• Music producer
• Arts administrator
• Communications coordinator
• Community development roles
• Human-computer interface development
• Music educator in primary, secondary or tertiary education
• Music journalist
• Librarian or information consultant
• Music technician 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest 2027 Music subject regulations confirm that the MMus continues to use three principal 120-point streams: MUSIC514 Composition Portfolio, MUSIC524 Advanced Performance and MUSIC525 Advanced Opera Studies.

Special requirements include:

• Composition: advanced composition study and creation of a substantial portfolio.
• Performance: successful audition or Music Department approval.
• Opera: audition-only entry, BMus or equivalent, demonstrated singing ability, CV, two or more performance recordings and up to two references.
• Admission to the overall MMus is also subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a valid New Zealand student visa to study at the University of Waikato. The University states that the student visa must name the University of Waikato as the place of study.

For a typical self-funded international MMus student, the relevant visa is the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient tuition funding or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the applicant can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.