To start the application process, apply directly with the university. The university deadline for applications is 30 November. We advise you to apply as early as possible so that you do not have a rushed application process.

Postgraduate Diploma Applications:

Please contact Dr Gerhard Roux for more information. E-mail: groux@sun.ac.za.

BMus Hons and Master’s Applications:

You need to hand in a statement of intent about proposed research with the department, and complete an audition (in case of practical music studies or an integrated degree). BMusHons applicants only need to send a concise paragraph outlining the proposed research and specialisation area, followed by an audition in case of practical studies.

New applicants: please contact the postgraduate programme leader Prof. Pieter Grobler by e-mail: postgradmusic@sun.ac.za to submit your statement of intent. Similarly contact Dr. Suzanne Martens by e-mail: martens@sun.ac.za if you need to set up an audition.

Current students: advise your practical lecturer in a timely fashion if you would like to use your final S-exam as an audition. Contact Dr. Suzanne Martens or your primary lecturer of choice if you need to set up an audition.

Deadline to submit Statement of intent: 30 November. We prefer to conclude all admissions before the university closes for the calendar year.

Guidelines for the Statement of Intent (Master’s Application)

All Master’s  applications must be accompanied by a statement of intent which addresses the following in no more than two pages:

• What is the central question driving the proposed project?
  • What current research is being done in the proposed area of interest?
  • What are the aims and outcomes of the proposed research?
  • Why is the proposed research worth pursuing?
  • How are you qualified to undertake this research?

In brief, we want to see that you have done preliminary reading on the proposed topic, are able to engage — critically and carefully — the issues central to this topic, possess the ability to articulate your thoughts concisely in good prose, and are familiar with the conventions of academic writing. It would also be helpful if you could indicate as part of the statement of intent possible supervisors for your project (do visit the departmental website for a list of staff members should you require to familiarise yourself with potential supervisors).

Please submit your statement of intent to Prof Pieter Grobler, by e-mail to: postgradmusic@sun.ac.za at your earliest convenience.

PhD Applications:

Each PhD study is treated as a unique and individual case.  Please contact Prof Pieter Grobler by e-mail: postgradmusic@sun.ac.za for more information.  In addition to departmental guidelines for integrated studies, the faculty guidelines for applications are also relevant.  The Faculty PhD prospectus can be found on the Higher Degrees and Research committee website: https://arts.sun.ac.za/hdrc (scroll down to the document repository for PhD and Doctoral Students).