Master of Philosophy Music (Research)

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 21.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Waikato in New Zealand offers a range of scholarships specifically tailored to support international students pursuing their academic aspirations. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education.

International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the University of Waikato. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable based on academic performance.

International Bursary: The International Bursary aims to support outstanding students by providing a financial contribution toward tuition fees for the first year of study at the university. It is available to eligible international students undertaking full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme: This prestigious scholarship program is designed for exceptional international students who demonstrate leadership potential and excel academically. Recipients receive financial assistance along with additional support for leadership development and networking opportunities.

Pacific Excellence Scholarship: Dedicated to students from Pacific countries, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement and provides financial support to cover a portion of tuition fees for selected undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Waikato offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships vary in criteria and eligibility, aiming to support students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Research Scholarships: For international students pursuing research degrees (Ph.D. or Master's by Research), the university offers various scholarships to support their research endeavors. These scholarships provide financial assistance, allowing students to focus on their studies and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives at the university.

Graduates from the Master of Philosophy in Music (Research) program at the University of Waikato possess advanced musical skills, critical analysis, and research expertise, enabling them to pursue various career paths.

Music Researcher/Professor: Individuals can pursue careers in academia as music researchers, professors, or lecturers in universities, conducting research, publishing scholarly work, and teaching music theory, history, or performance.

Composer/Arranger: Graduates may work as composers or arrangers, creating original music compositions, scores for films, TV, advertising, or arranging music for various ensembles or performances.

Musicologist/Ethnomusicologist: Professionals can work as musicologists or ethnomusicologists, studying the history, cultural context, and societal impact of music or specializing in the study of music within specific cultures or regions.

Music Performer/Conductor: Graduates can pursue careers as professional musicians, instrumentalists, vocalists, conductors, or music directors, performing in orchestras, ensembles, bands, or solo performances.

Music Educator/Teacher: Professionals may work as music educators, teachers, or instructors in schools, universities, or private institutions, imparting music education, conducting workshops, or offering private lessons.

Sound Engineer/Producer: Graduates with a focus on music technology can work as sound engineers or producers in recording studios, radio, TV, or the film industry, overseeing sound production, mixing, or mastering.

Music Critic/Journalist: Professionals can work as music critics, journalists, or reviewers for media outlets, writing articles, reviews, or critiques about music performances, albums, or industry trends.

Music Industry Professional: Graduates may work in various roles within the music industry, including artist management, music marketing, event management, music publishing, or working for record labels or music agencies.

Music Therapist: Professionals can explore roles in music therapy, utilizing music for therapeutic purposes in healthcare settings, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers, or special education programs.

Independent Musician/Entrepreneur: Graduates can pursue entrepreneurial paths, establishing their music-related businesses, forming bands, creating music startups, or offering music-related services independently.