Hamilton ,
New Zealand
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
Doctor of Musical Arts in Hamilton New Zealand | University of Waikato
University of Waikato
|
Hamilton New Zealand
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Professional Doctorate
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
NZD
45,900
(c. USD26,802.48)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months
The Doctor of Musical Arts program at Waikato University combines performance with scholarly research. You'll engage with musically significant works while developing your artistic interpretation, supported by an original written thesis documenting your research findings.
For those dedicated to musical performance, the DMA represents the ideal doctoral pathway. If your musical interests lean toward composition, musicology, digital media, or music technology, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) may better suit your aspirations.
During your DMA studies at Waikato, you'll divide your time equally between performance practice and thesis development. Weekly performances allow you to demonstrate your evolving understanding to faculty supervisors - all accomplished musicians. You'll have access to cutting-edge performance facilities for your practical work.
This program equips graduates for diverse musical careers, from solo performance and ensemble work to music journalism or education. Many alumni become performer-academics, studio teachers, or apply their skills in media and cultural sectors.
Research topics are student-driven, with past projects examining: composer studies (including NZ figures like Trowell and Ritchie); performance practice (such as Bach's chorale variations); music education research; indigenous music traditions (like Kƒ´ngitanga musical heritage); and technological innovations in music performance and composition.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
To qualify to enrol for the DMA, an applicant must
- have qualified for the award of a New Zealand Master of Music (MMus) degree with at least second class honours (first division) or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, and
- pass an audition.
Applicants must apply through the online Application to Enrol. Their application must include an audition recording.
English Language Requirements
- an Academic IELTS Overall score of at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band), or
- a TOEFL iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
- a TOEFL iBT Home Edition overall score of 90 with a Writing score of 21, or
- a B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English, or
- a PTE Academic overall score of 56 with no band less than 46, or
- a Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) C1 Expert with an overall high pass and no less than a pass in each skill, or
- a Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B2 Communicator with 38-50 score per skill, or
- awarded a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Academic) (Level 5), or
- a Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) III with a pass in all four components, or
- a B2 First (formally known as Cambridge English: First (FCE)) with an overall score of 176 and no bands below 169, or
- a C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) with an overall score of 176 and no bands below 169, or
- a Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)) minimum score of 59.
Tuition
NZD
45,900