Masters programmes

MMus

Entrance requirements

  • Applicants must already have a four-year BMus degree or another Bachelor’s degree approved by the Senate. Supplementary work may also be required.
  • Prospective candidates should note that acceptance of the research proposal is subject to the successful completion of the Research Methodology course or its equivalent.

Course length:

  • One year (minimum)

What does the MMus entail?

  • The programme makes provision for the acquisition of research skills in the form of a research project that culminates in a thesis. The department prides itself in a wide range of research topics and interests that comprises the fields of Musicology, Composition, Education, Music Technology and Music Performance. The thesis may carry either a 100% or a 50% credit load.
  • In accordance with the chosen specialisation routes, Master’s modules are assessed by means of a thesis or a combination of public performances, written examinations, written assignments, research assignments and/or compositions.

The options for specialisation routes for Masters study are as follows:

MMus (Performance)

An audition is required for the options  MMus (Performance) which allow for Solo voice, Solo instrument, Accompaniment, Chamber Music, and Conducting. Practical studies culminate in three public exam recitals that are presented in the same academic year. See the departmental MMus(Performance) Guidelines for more detailed information.

MMus (Composition)

A portfolio of compositions must be submitted when applying for MMus (Composition).
Composition consists of the completion of an approved portfolio of works, at least one of which must be of considerable length (e.g. an orchestral work).

MMus (Musicology)

MMus (Music Education)

MMus (Music Technology)

The MMus in Music Technology facilitates the development of advanced technological and research skills in the areas of music technology and multimedia. Focus areas include sound for film, radio and television broadcast, music production as well as music information retrieval.

Application procedure for Master’s degrees:

1. Visit www.maties.com for information regarding study fees, bursaries and application processes.

2. Identify a possible field of study and contact a potential supervisor. If you are uncertain about the discipline of your study or the supervisor available in your field of study, please contact the postgraduate coordinator. 

3. Complete the online application via www.maties.com before the closing date. 

Additional to the application:

3a. Send a Statement of Intent about your proposed study to the postgraduate coordinator. 

3b. For postgraduate courses with a practical component applicants must do an audition. Please contact the postgraduate coordinator to organise an audition time. At the auditions students automatically are considered for a number of Departmental Bursaries.

3c.  For postgraduate courses in composition, a portfolio of compositions must be presented. Please send this to the postgraduate coordinator. 

The University will contact you within a few weeks regarding the success of your application. If you have not received any feedback, please contact the postgraduate coordinator. 

Should you require additional information, kindly contact the following members of staff:

Post-graduate co-ordinator: Prof. Pieter Grobler E-mail: pjcgrobler@sun.ac.za