Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Music programme is designed for extensive, self-directed research supported by a team of supervisors within the discipline of music. The programme aims to facilitate original contributions to knowledge and society through the submission of a written thesis.
Mode of instructions
The programme is conducted entirely in English. It is essential that all candidates are able to speak, read, and write fluently in English.
Area of Research
PhD candidates can undertake supervised research at the Institute of Music in a wide variety of areas of music including but not limited to:
- Composition
- Music Education
- Musicology
- Popular Music
Candidates may be admitted into the programme by meeting all the academic, language, music or audition, and proposal requirements below. Additional documentations such as prior experiences in the field and recommendation letters are required.
Academic Requirements
Candidates must meet either of the following requirements:
- A Master’s Degree accepted by the Higher Education Provider (HEPs) Senate of the institution; or
- Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s Degree, as accepted by the HEP’s Senate of the institution.
Notes for PhD by research:
- There shall be no direct entry from the bachelor’s degree level to the doctoral degree level.
- However, candidates with bachelor’s degree qualifications, registered for master’s degree programmes may apply to convert their candidacy to doctoral degree programmes
- Application of conversion must be done within one year after the candidate registers for master’s degree programmes.
- Application approval is subject to:
- Having shown competency and capability in conducting research at the doctoral degree level;
- Rigorous internal assessment by the HEP and;
- Approval by the HEP Senate
Research Proposal Requirements
Research proposals should be 1200-1500 words in length (excluding title and references) and include the following sections:
- Title
- Introduction
- Background and Rationale
- Review of Literature
- Research Question(s)
- Research Methods
- Timetable
- References
Please complete your proposal using this template and submit it along with your application.
English Language Requirements
For Local students
Linguaskill
154IELTS
Band 5.0Cambridge English Qualification and Test
154TOEFL
42Pearson Test of English
47For International Students
Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency, Linguaskill Online)
154 Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(OET)(Conventional/Online)
200IELTS
Band 5.0TOEFL IBT
40TOEFL ESSENTIALS (ONLINE)
7.5PTE Academic / Academic (online)
47MUET
Band 3.5Interview
All applicants will go through an initial screening and only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
Flow Chart
- Music Research Methodology*
- A thesis that can take different forms such as:
- 80,000-word thesis
- Composition portfolio and a 40,000-word thesis
- Successful defence of thesis in a viva voce.
Local Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 57,340
International Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 90,900
Note: This is an estimated fee, as different countries have different visa processing charges and administrative fees. For more information, kindly refer to your region’s counselor for the detailed fee breakdown.
