University of Queensland
Master of Music
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
Enhance your existing knowledge and skills in music, while teaching you how to improve your creative and intellectual focus.
Course overview
This program incorporates contemporary theory and practice, intensive courses and overseas independent study opportunities. This program is designed for music professionals working in school-based music education, independent studio music education and community music education.
With a flexible study program customised to your individual career goals, you can diversify and extend your existing professional practice. Select courses according to your interests as you deepen and broaden your learning in areas such as performance, conducting and music theory, education, technology and composition.
You'll complete core courses in research methods and a research thesis or a professional engagement project, according to your interests. You'll also select from a range of advanced elective courses, including practical studies of your instrument, choral and instrumental conducting, composition, advanced music theory and music technology.
Graduates gain the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the music profession in a range of educational, independent and community settings.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 24 units comprising:
- Eight units for all MMus Core Courses
- 16 units from MMus Program Elective Courses
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is valued at two units.
Complete eight units for all of the following:
- Applications of Music Technology
- Advanced Musicianship
- Psychology for Musicians: Performing, Teaching and Wellbeing
- Counterpoint
Complete exactly 16 units from the following:
- Academic English and Thesis Writing
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Musicianship 1
- Advanced Directing Choral Ensembles
- Contemporary Perspectives in Music Education
- Practical Studies 9
- Practical Studies 10
- Instrumental and Vocal Studio Pedagogy
- Ensemble Studies 9
- Ensemble Studies 10
- Composing Music
- Or up to six units of Level 3 or higher courses as approved by the MMus Program Convenor
Students may only complete one of the following research courses:
- Research Design in the Social Sciences (four units)
- Research Design in Humanities (four units)
- Research Design in Arts and Culture (four units)
Students may only complete one of the following theses:
- Thesis - MUSC7000 (eight units)
- Thesis - MUSC7001 (eight units)
Please note: A student can only complete a maximum of 6 units of courses at Level 3 towards their Master of Music program requirements.
Entry requirements
It's possible to complete this degree in 1.5 years or one year, depending on your qualifications and experience.
You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below).
- The Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Music from UQ.
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, plus two years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below).
- Have successfully completed three years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, with a formal pathway to the Master of Music (1.5-year duration).
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Please note that if the Graduate Certificate is used as the basis of entry into the program, you will not be eligible for credit towards the Master's program.
If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.
To be eligible to complete the degree in one year full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need a bachelor honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below).
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
You must have completed a substantial research project in your Honours degree equivalent to at least one semester of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include studies in performance, composition, musicology, or music education.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience includes work in music teaching, arts administration, or any other profession where you have built a portfolio demonstrating your music expertise.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Head of Music
- Composer
- Conductor
- Music Therapist
- Vocal Performer
- Instrumental Performer
- Music School Coordinator
- Music Program Director
- Music Researcher
- Instrument Teacher
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $10,515 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 16 units (normally eight courses) per year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.