15 Music Degree Programs in New Zealand

The Doctor of Musical Arts is a three-year full-time Program in Music with three areas of specialisation: Performance, Composition or Studio Production. The DMA offers creative musicians the opportunity to develop their skills to the highest artistic and professional levels, while working within the innovative and stimulating environment of Otago's Music Department.

The Bachelor of Music (MusB) degree requires three years of full-time.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) requires two semesters of full-time study. It entails a structured program of postgraduate coursework and, in some instances, a piece of supervised research that counts for one or two of the required papers. The normal admission requirement is a completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in the major of the proposed program.

Build on your Honours degree with advanced study and research at Master's level and become an expert in your area of music.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is Otago's most flexible undergraduate degree Program, enabling students to study from a selection of more than 40 arts and social science subjects, as well as papers offered elsewhere in the University. Academic breadth is complemented by in-depth knowledge gained through majoring in one or two subjects with the option of minors in one or two others.

The Master of Music (MMus) degree requires at least one year of full-time study. It may be awarded in Composition, Studio Production, or Performance.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Music (PGDipMus) requires one year of full-time or its equivalent in part-time study. It is intended for students who are composers or performers or both.

The Master of Arts (Coursework) program is designed to give students the skills sought-after by employers around the globe, with a balance of specific subject knowledge plus broad-based transferable skills – such as oral and written communication, and analytical skills.

With Master of Musical Arts you will be able to Study advanced composition, sonic arts or performance and become a leader in your field as an artist and an innovator.

The MA by thesis

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

Sharpen your musical talent with the guidance of our internationally acclaimed musicians and lecturers when you study a Bachelor of Music at Waikato. With countless opportunities for public performance and access to a world-class performing arts venue, you’ll be learning from the best.

Studying for a Master of Music at Waikato gives you the skills you need to pursue a music career and work as a professional musician. You'll focus on musical composition or musical performance.

The SAE Certificate in Electronic Music Production encourages individualism and combines the fundamentals of electronic music production with practical experimentation and personal creativity.

During this diploma you will be developing your practical skills in performance, composition, songwriting and audio production. Individual and group projects will prepare you for a diverse and exciting career in the music industry. With your diploma completed successfully you can continue on to the second year of the Bachelor of Creative Practice. This one year (34-week) project based programme studies popular music with an emphasis on advanced performance practice, composition and audio engineering. The practical component will be underpinned by a sound theoretical knowledge of contemporary music.