Doctor of Philosophy - Composition/Sonic Arts: Fees & Entry Requirements at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Doctor of Philosophy - Composition/Sonic Arts

New Zealand

What will I learn?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree involves original and sustained research, mentored by an academic supervisor. It’s an opportunity to make new discoveries, address some of the big issues of our time, challenge yourself, and develop a mix of transferable and specialised skills. Extend your creative abilities and turn your ideas into inspiring music and sound. Build on your undergraduate degree and take the opportunity to really hone your craft, opening more doors to a career in music or related fields. You'll study under some of New Zealand's most prominent composers and be able to draw from their extensive expertise in areas such as film scoring, orchestral works, live electronic music, musical robotics, sound design/audio post-production and sound installations. At the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) you'll work in a collaborative environment that will enrich your experience and fire your imagination. Opportunities for working with students from Film, Theatre, Design, Computer Science and Engineering will give you some of the broadest creative possibilities in New Zealand. Weekly Composition Workshops give you the opportunity to present your work to fellow students, staff and guests. The feedback you receive and give will help you polish your ideas and approach. You'll also take part in the Postgraduate Music Forum each week, where students discuss each other's research and share and develop new ideas about music.

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
NZ$41,850.00 (21,06,296) per year
Books & Stationery – 1000 (1 year of study)

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

December 2026

Venue

Kelburn Campus

Kelburn, Wellington,

Wellington,

6012, North Island, New Zealand

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees
NZ$41,850.00 (21,06,296) per year
Books & Stationery – 1000 (1 year of study)

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

December 2025

Venue

Kelburn Campus

Kelburn, Wellington,

Wellington,

6012, North Island, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For international students

Research degree such as Honours or Master's by thesis from a New Zealand university with an average grade of B+ or higher, an approved international equivalent, or other approved evidence of adequate training and ability.If you have a four-year Bachelor's degree graded in a four-point GPA system, you will need to have a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0.If you have a Bachelor's degree graded in the British system (including from India), you must have been awarded the degree with first or upper second-class Honours.Either a Bachelors degree with Honours or a Masters degree from a New Zealand university, with an overall GPA of no less than 6 (letter grade B+);Or to be currently enrolled in a Masters thesis at the Victoria University of Wellington and meet the requirements for conversion to a PhD;arrange references from two refereesupload a sample of your academic writing in Englishprepare an overview of your intended research project.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

Add to my favourites

About Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington ranks in the top one percent of the world’s universities in 14 subject areas.

  • 5-Stars Plus from the QS Stars Rating of Excellence
  • Number one in New Zealand for research intensity
  • 92 percent of graduates are employed or furthering their stu
  • Located in the heart of New Zealand’s vibrant capital city
Get FREE expert advice