The Sydney Conservatorium of Music places a high emphasis on its research activity, with a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students. The Master of Music (Musicology) aims to train students to become independent scholars in the discipline of musicology and to communicate their findings in appropriate written and spoken forms. The program of study culminates in a thesis consisting of a portfolio of papers on two or three distinct topics or a monograph on a single topic. Students are able to carry out research in a variety of fields supported by staff in the Musicology Division, including western historical musicology, ethnomusicology, popular music studies, empirical musicology, music analysis and more. This research degree may stand alone or serve as preliminary to PhD study in the discipline.

Through enrolment in required research training modules and coursework units of study, students develop knowledge of a variety of musicological research methods and understanding of different fields in the discipline. Throughout the candidature, a student will work with the supervisory team on the development and preparation of the thesis. The thesis of 25,000 to 40,000 words is the major component of the degree. 

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Music (Musicology) you must have completed the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in music.

These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and access to supervision remains highly competitive.

Applying for admission

1. Find a supervisor within the University whose field aligns with your proposed research.
2. Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email a supervisor and provide your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript your CV/resume, the area of focus for your MMus and why you believe your interests align with this supervisor.
3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop plans for your proposed candidature and prepare a preliminary research proposal of 1500-2000 words pertaining to your creative work and dissertation plans. The proposal should outline the subject area, objectives, introductory literature review, method proposed, significance of your research and schedule of research.
4. If required, obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements.
5. Submit your application along with your research proposal, CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts, supporting evidence (where required) and other supporting documents such as identification and evidence of residency status. Include examples of your current compositional work submitting at least three compositions (in different performance media) which represent your present level of achievement as a composer.