Course details

Master of Music

About the course

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 Master of Music (MMus) is designed for students who've already gained an Honours-level qualification in Music. It's an advanced, one-year programme of study. You'll be guided by experts who will supervise you in individual sessions. You'll complete substantial-sized tasks focused on your chosen area of specialty. During this process, you'll develop your skills and expertise, and show an understanding of the content of your work. You'll also develop the attributes you need to work in this field. Is your passion for performing music? During your MMus, you'll learn how to work towards a public musical recital, right up to the actual performance. This process involves planning and preparation, the integration of music research with performance, and you'll develop skills to be able to demonstrate each step leading up to your recital. Are you more interested in composition? You'll be given the opportunity to create a significant body of original music.  You'll develop the skills to write music to a professional standard, suitable for being performed in public at a concert or similar event. When you study for your MMus at Waikato, you'll have opportunities to network with professional groups working in the music industry. You'll be able to participate in your musical field and this will help you grow as a professional musician. Are you interested in orchestral work? Waikato's MMus programme has links with the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Symphony Orchestra, Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the Opus Orchestra. There are links with Chamber Music ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ and Opera ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ. In terms of local groups, Waikato has links with the Hamilton School of Instrumental Music, the Hamilton Community Centre of Music, the Waikato Museum Concert Series, Arts Waikato and the Hamilton Civic Choir. As far as other music-related groups and associations go, Waikato has connections with Atoll Records, ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Institute of Registered Music Teachers, Radio ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Concert, the Composers Association of ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ and the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Music Examinations Board. There are links with international organisations, including publishing companies: the Computer Music Journal (MIT Press, USA), Australasia Computer Music Association, Electronic Music Foundation (USA) and the Sonic Arts Network (UK). Also from overseas, there are links to Oxford Music on Line (Oxford Uni Press), Cambridge, UK, St Paul's Concert Series, Herne Hill, London, the Interlochen Arts Academy, USA and the Australian Centre for Interactive Design – Queensland Conservatorium of Music. By the end of your MMus, you'll be working at a professional level in your chosen field. If your passion is performance, you may choose to pursue a career as a studio musician or solo performer, in a chamber group or orchestra, or do experimental or theatrical work. You may prefer to go on to work in broadcasting or in radio, television or recording production. Perhaps you'd like to work in film or video music production, or in multi-media creation. You could alternatively work as a musical director or producer. You may use your MMus to work in a role as an arts administrator, communications coordinator or in community development (for tribal authorities). You may like to work in human-computer interface development or as an educator, in the primary, secondary or tertiary sectors. Perhaps you'd like to work as a journalist or as a librarian or information consultant and music technician.

About the provider

Established in 1964, the University of Waikato is recognised as the top university in ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ for research, ranked in the top three universities in ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ and 235th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The University of Waikato has over 2,000 placements or industry-led projects per year, and strong partnerships across government, industry and community organizations, thereby providing students with wider career options and practical learning opportunities.

The university features two vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga, both located in the heart of New Zealand's export-driven economy. These campuses offer a lively, inclusive atmosphere that fosters a supportive community where students can thrive academically and socially, making it easy for them to feel right at home while pursuing their studies.


Top 10 reasons to study at Waikato

  1. International Recognition: Ranked among the top 3 universities in ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ and 235th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025).
  2. Subject Rankings: 11 subjects ranked in the top 350 globally (QS Subject Rankings 2025); ranked in the 151–175 band globally for Business & Economics (THE Subject Rankings 2025)—the highest for any NZ university.
  3. Research Excellence: Recognised as the top university in ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ for research (QS World University Rankings 2025).
  4. Triple Crown Accreditation: Waikato Management School is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally.
  5. Academic Excellence: Learn fromaward-winning lecturers and researchers in a close-knit academic community known for innovative teaching and learning..
  6. Flexible Degree Structure: Choose from over 100 subjects to shape a qualification and 200 programs including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees, diplomas, and certificates —tailored to suit your strengths and career goals.
  7. Industry Connections: Benefit from over 2,000 industry placements and projects annually through strong partnerships with government, business, and community organisations. Access career and employability services to graduate job-ready.
  8. Student Support & Campus Life: Vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga offer modern facilities, easy access to nature, and dedicated student support—including international advisors, tutors, career services, and a buddy programme.
  9. ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ and Bursaries: A range of scholarships available to support both domestic and international students.
  10. Inclusive Student Community: Be part of a welcoming, diverse environment with 70+ clubs and 120+ societies covering academics, culture, sports, and more. Waikato is highly recommended by students, with excellent satisfaction ratings in the 2023 Student Barometer Survey.

Hamilton is a vibrant, student-friendly city located in the heart of ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ’s North Island. Surrounded by stunning nature, students can enjoy scenic parks, hiking trails, and the famous Hobbiton movie set nearby. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, multicultural community, and welcoming vibe making it a perfect place for students to live, study and explore.

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Tauranga is a beautiful coastal city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, offering students a perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure. With its stunning beaches, outdoor activities like hiking and water sports and a warm, sunny climate, it’s an ideal place for students looking to explore, learn and live in a welcoming environment.

Check out a range of available on our campuses.

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