Ph.D.- Music (651AA) // Course structure

Course structure

PhD candidates are first admitted as 'probationary' candidates, except for those who have converted from a Masters by Research, or, in some cases, have transferred from another institution.

Probationary Candidature (Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Composition, Music Therapy, Music Psychology and Performance Science)

Probationary candidature is for a minimum of 9 months and a maximum of 12 months (or 18 and 24 months for part-time students) except where an extension is officially approved. During the probationary period the student's suitability for sustained independent work is assessed, and the Student's Confirmation Committee must be satisfied of the student's readiness for full PhD candidacy before recommending Confirmation.

The Confirmation Report Form is sent to the candidate after 9 months (full-time) probationary candidature. A Committee comprising the the student's supervisor(s), and additional members of academic staff co-opted for the confirmation, meets to interview the candidate toward the end of the probationary period. The candidate may be required to verbally defend his or her written report to the Confirmation Committee, and the Committee will assess the feasibility and resource requirements of the proposed project and offer suggestions towards its successful completion.

In the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, confirmation is generally recommended when all of the following are satisfied:

• A precise thesis topic and a fully-developed thesis proposal has been submitted, presented to, and approved by the Confirmation Panel;
• The candidate has attended an interview with their Confirmation Committee and satisfied the Committee that he or she is ready for full PhD candidacy.
• The Committee will normally require the presentation of 10,000 words of the thesis or, in the case of Composition, the presentation of at least 30 minutes of music and at least 3,000 words of the dissertation component;
• The Confirmation Committee is satisfied with the student's research aptitude and progress;
• The candidate has attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Postgraduate Seminar at least nine times.

Some students will be transferring from a Masters degree, where they will have met some of these requirements. Consequently, the probationary program for each PhD student is arranged individually according to the research training and background of the student.

Probationary Candidature (Music Performance)

In the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, confirmation is generally recommended when all of the following are satisfied:

• A precise thesis topic and a fully-developed thesis proposal have been submitted, presented to, and approved by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Confirmation Panel;
• The candidate has attended an interview with their Confirmation Committee and satisfied the Committee that he or she is ready for full PhD candidacy. In the case of Music Performance, the Committee will normally require the presentation of a CD or DVD of performance equivalent to a public recital of at least 70 minutes and at least 4000 words of the dissertation component. If a public recital is to be presented in support of confirmation, candidates may present in Melba Hall during the graduate performance assessment period in mid year or December. Audio-visual technical support will be available for recording the recital if required.
• The candidate has attended the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Postgraduate Seminar at least nine times.

Some students will be transferring from a Masters degree, where they will have met some of these requirements. Consequently, the probationary program for each PhD student is arranged individually according to the research training and background of the student.

Probationary Candidature (Jazz & Improvisation, Interactive Composition)

In the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, confirmation is generally recommended when all of the following are satisfied:

• A precise thesis topic and a fully-developed thesis proposal have been submitted, presented to, and approved by the Confirmation Panel
• The candidate has attended an interview with their Confirmation Panel and satisfied the Panel that s/he is ready for full PhD candidacy

Confirmed Candidature (Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Music Therapy, Music Psychology and Performance Science)

Once confirmed, a PhD candidate undertakes supervised work that leads to a thesis (of approximately 80,000 words). The thesis may be presented after two or three years of full-time study (four to six years part-time), depending on whether the student entered with a prior Masters degree. Candidates are required to present the findings of their research at the Postgraduate Seminar prior to submission.

Confirmed Candidature (Composition)

For the PhD (composition), the folio will constitute 90-120 minutes of music and is weighted at 70%. The accompanying dissertation will be 20-25,000 words and weighted at 30%.

In addition to the consolidation of compositional output and engagement, this degree prepares composers for the demands and responsibilities of employment in the tertiary sector.

Confirmed Candidature (Music Performance)

Once confirmed, a PhD candidate undertakes supervised work that leads, in the case of the PhD (Music Performance), to a thesis normally of 20-25,000 words and a folio of performances in CD, DVD or other approved format equivalent to 3 full recitals or 210 minutes. The thesis and folio may be presented for examination after two or three years of full-time study (four to six years part-time), depending on whether the student entered with a prior Masters degree. Candidates are required to present the findings of their research in a Completion Seminar at the Conservatorium’s Postgraduate Seminar prior to submission.

The thesis and folio must be presented in a form that can be sent for assessment by external examiners who are usually international. The performance folio therefore must consist of CDs and/or DVDs created during the candidature for the purposes of fulfilling the requirements of the PhD.

Confirmed Candidature (Jazz & Improvisation, Interactive Composition)

Once confirmed, a PhD candidate undertakes supervised work that leads to a thesis normally of 40,000-50,000 words and a folio of creative work in CD, DVD or other approved format. The thesis and folio may be presented for examination after two or three years of full-time study (four to six years part-time), depending on whether the student entered with a prior Masters degree. Candidates are required to present the findings of their research in a Completion Seminar at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music prior to submission.

The thesis and folio must be presented in a form that can be sent for assessment by external examiners who are usually international.

Last updated: 30 January 2024