Doctor of Musical Arts – DMA
Become an outstanding musician or composer with this specialist doctorate that combines coursework, research, and creative practice.
Become an outstanding musician or composer with a deep knowledge of your art. Graduate with the skills you need to be able to perform, compose or teach at a high professional level.
In this three-year programme you'll combine research with creative practice, each illuminating the other.
Available subjects
Pathway to the DMA
To enter the DMA programme you must have completed a Master of Musical Arts (MMA) or Master of Music (MMus) in either Performance or Composition/Sonic Arts at an equivalent standard to Distinction or Merit.
Performance applicants will need to pass an audition. Composition applicants have to submit a comprehensive portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. You'll also need to be able to show you have advanced research and writing skills. Find out more about what you need to do to apply.
What to expect
In your first year, or Part 1, you'll complete a full year of coursework to prepare you for the creative work and exegesis components of your thesis in Part 2. For composers or sonic artists, Part 1 will culminate in a research proposal and a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works. For performers, Part 1 will culminate in a research proposal and a recital.
In order to continue to Part 2, you'll need to:
- achieve a GPA of 6 (B+ average) or better across all Part 1 courses
- achieve a grade of A- or better in NZSM 640 or NZSM 641
- satisfy a panel that you're ready to proceed, through the public presentation of your research proposal.
Workload and duration
Most candidates finish their DMA in three years but you can take up to five years if studying part time. The dean of the Faculty of Graduate Research may extend the maximum period in special cases.
You can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week for much of the year.
Scholarships
You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship offered by Victoria University of Wellington to help fund your studies.
You can also apply for funding through the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' Research Grants. Contact the Joint Research Committee Administrator for more information.
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Requirements