Why Study / Key Benefits

The Doctor of Musical Arts is UC's specialist professional doctorate for advanced research in music composition or performance.

Key benefits include:

• Combines advanced scholarly research with high-level creative musical practice.
• Allows students to specialise in either music performance or composition.
• Develops the ability to undertake independent, sustained research in music.
• Performance candidates integrate research with public performance and recorded work.
• Composition candidates integrate research with original compositions and their public dissemination.
• The qualification is designed to make a significant intellectual and practical contribution to musical performance or composition.
• Provides doctoral-level preparation for advanced careers in performance, composition, research, teaching and music leadership.
• UC's Music department provides postgraduate study opportunities alongside other advanced music qualifications, including the Master of Music and PhD in Music.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The DMA is divided into three parts and combines research with creative musical practice.

For Performance, the programme includes:

Part I:

• A lecture demonstration of at least 45 minutes related to the DMA research.
• A public recital on the principal instrument, including voice, with programme notes and repertoire relevant to the research.

Part II:

• A 45-minute research seminar.
• A written paper of no more than 3,000 words following the seminar.
• A public recital with programme notes and research-related repertoire.

Part III:

• A high-quality digital audio or video recording of at least 40 minutes.
• A written thesis of no more than 35,000 words, excluding appendices.
• A public recital demonstrating mastery of repertoire directly relevant to the research.

For Composition, the programme includes:

Part I:

• A presentation of at least 45 minutes on the research.
• Public dissemination of at least one original work reflecting the research.

Part II:

• A 45-minute research seminar.
• A written paper of no more than 3,000 words.
• Public dissemination of at least one original work.

Part III:

• A public presentation of at least 90 minutes.
• A creative portfolio of music or sound-based artworks.
• Normally three substantial works, including one for large forces unless an exemption is granted.
• Public dissemination of at least part of the portfolio.
• A written thesis of no more than 35,000 words, excluding appendices.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The DMA has two official subjects:

• Music Performance
• Composition

Programme Highlights

• Doctoral qualification at NZQF Level 10.
• 360 points.
• Three-year full-time structure.
• Up to six years part-time according to UC's programme page, subject to doctoral enrolment rules.
• Start on the first day of any month.
• Specialist doctorate in music.
• Two areas: Performance and Composition.
• Combines academic research with professional creative practice.
• Performance route includes public recitals, recording and thesis.
• Composition route includes original compositions, public dissemination, creative portfolio and thesis.
• Doctoral-level supervision and research.
• Audition/interview and/or previous-work assessment normally required.
• UC's current regulations require full-time enrolment unless an approved exemption is granted.

Career Outcomes

The DMA is designed for advanced professional and academic careers in music.

Potential career directions include:

• Professional performer.
• Concert musician.
• Composer.
• Music researcher.
• University or conservatory academic.
• Music lecturer or educator.
• Artistic director.
• Ensemble or orchestra leadership.
• Festival and arts organisation roles.
• Music programming and curation.
• Creative-industry research.
• Independent artistic practice.
• Interdisciplinary arts research.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC DMA regulations confirm several important requirements:

• The DMA was first offered in 2012.
• Total qualification value: 360 points.
• Students normally enrol full-time unless the Dean of Postgraduate Research grants an exemption.
• Maximum full-time enrolment period: 36 months.
• Parts I, II and III must each normally be completed within 12 months.
• Students require appropriate academic qualifications or approved equivalent standing.
• An audition, interview and/or previous-work submission is normally required.
• School of Music recommendation is required unless an exemption is granted.
• The two recognised subjects are Music Performance and Composition.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student undertaking the DMA in New Zealand, the relevant route is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's assessment.

Current INZ requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship/financial arrangement.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Meeting health and character requirements where applicable.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for onward travel.
• Compliance with study and progress requirements.