Master of Music (Composition)
Throughout candidature, each student works with the guidance of their supervisory team as agreed on the development and completion of both a composition portfolio (creative work) and the closely related research dissertation which, together, form the thesis.
Both components of the thesis, the composition portfolio and the related research dissertation will be pursued concurrently and at an even rate across the duration of the candidature. Demands of candidates in terms of craft skills and imaginative writing are high. Candidates may research compositional approaches of other composers, practitioners and artists, and create musical works based upon the results of this research.
Candidature includes:
- Supervised research on an approved topic. Supervision covers both written research work and composition as appropriate to the needs of the student.
- Completion of units of study as set out below
- Confirmation presentation in the first year of candidature
- Annual progress review (APR)
- Submission of a thesis comprising the portfolio of original compositions with accompanying recordings and the 10,000-20,000 word dissertation associated with the candidate’s composition portfolio and the research behind its creation. The composition portfolio will include 45-60 minutes of music (or as negotiated with the supervisory team depending on the nature of the project).
Units of Study
Students complete the following units of study during the first full-time year or part-time equivalent:
- MCGY5111 Creative Work Seminar 1
- MCGY5112 Creative Work Seminar 2
- 12 credit points of elective coursework units of study chosen from the list of graduate electives in the Faculty Handbook. With approval one or more postgraduate electives may be pursued in another faculty or university school.
Master of Music (Composition) - standard progression pattern (full-time)
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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MCGY5111 Creative Work Seminar 1 |
MCGY5112 Creative Work Seminar 2 |
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With guidance from the supervisory team, work on portfolio development and early stages of dissertation |
With guidance from the supervisory team, work on portfolio development and early stages of dissertation |
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Graduate elective |
Graduate elective |
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Confirmation presentation and progress review |
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Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
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With guidance from the supervisory team, work on portfolio and dissertation development |
With guidance from the supervisory team, complete full thesis for examination including composition portfolio and dissertation |
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Submit for examination |
Preparing for thesis submission
You will submit the thesis for examination including the final composition portfolio and the associated dissertation of 10,000-20,000 words.
A preface can be used to introduce the components of the thesis, and students should consider the entire project in choosing the thesis title.
Students should refer to the Current Students website pages on preparing for submission.