ip target image
You are currently browsing our site with content tailored to students in your country

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

New Zealand

6

1

What will I learn?

The Doctor of Musical Arts is a three-year full-time programme in Music with three areas of specialisation: Performance, Composition or Studio Production. The DMA offers creative musicians the opportunity to develop their skills to the highest artistic and professional levels, while working within the innovative and stimulating environment of Otago's Music Department.

Attaining a DMA will demonstrate your mastery in a creative field of music performance, composition or studio production. The DMA signals to the professional and creative musical world that you are capable of independently conceiving and presenting high quality musical creative outputs in your area of specialisation.

Why study Music?

Music is a very important part of our lives: the study of music enriches any student’s university course and opens the door to lifelong enjoyment. There are many types of music from different parts of the world, and from different times in the world’s history. At Otago we make Music, we know about Music, and we are passionate about Music and our role in educating a new generation of musicians and music lovers.

Duration of the Programme

a. A candidate shall pursue a programme of study and research under supervision for a period normally equivalent to 3 full-time years.

b. The minimum period of study shall be equivalent to 2.5 full-time years and the maximum period shall be equivalent to 4 full-time years. Exceptions shall be permitted only with approval of the Senate.

c. A candidate shall be enrolled continuously for the entire period of the candidacy, except that a candidate may apply to the Senate for permission to withdraw temporarily from study.

d. Candidates are normally expected to be resident and studying in New Zealand while enrolled for the degree. Exceptions shall be permitted only with approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

Intake: Anytime

Which department am I in?

Division of Humanities

Study options

Full Time (3 years)

Tuition fees
NZ$42,845.00 (US$ 25,688) per year

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

Application deadline

Expected May 2025

More details

Start date

24 February 2025

Venue

Dunedin Campus

University of Otago Clocktower Building,

362 Leith Street,

DUNEDIN,

North Dunedin,

9016, New Zealand

Entry requirements

For international students

Admission to the degree programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake study in the proposed area. Such evidence shall include:

  • a Bachelor’s degree with first or upper second class Honours or equivalent; or
  • a Master’s degree (including an appropriate research component); or
  • appropriate experience in the proposed area of study.

A candidate for a Master of Music degree may apply to transfer to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts, and may have the date of admission backdated as is considered appropriate.

English language requirements

  • IELTS (Academic module) (including IELTS Online) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.
  • C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) or C2 Proficiency (previously Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169).
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
  • Language Cert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill.
  • NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
  • English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2).
  • APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher.

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

ADD TO MY FAVOURITES

About University of Otago

The University of Otago is ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world and is often regarded as the best in New Zealand.

  • Top 5 most beautiful campuses globally
  • New Zealand’s No.1 university for educational performance
  • 95 percent of Otago graduates go into work or further study
  • Opportunity to apply for a three-year post-study work visa

Get in touch