SCHOOL OF THE ARTS   |  UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

MUSIC

Postgraduate Music Programme

The postgraduate music program at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is an exceptional opportunity for students who are enthusiastic about music and want to elevate their skills to a higher level. This program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in music theory, composition, ethnomusicology, pedagogy, and performance research.

At USM, students will have access to modern facilities and world-class faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The program offers a wide range of specializations, including composition, ethnomusicology, music education, and musicology. Students can opt to pursue a Master of Music (MMus) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in any of the areas of specialization.

The MMus program is a two-year program that emphasizes advanced coursework and a final project. Students will have the opportunity to take courses in music theory, history, and performance, as well as electives in their chosen specialization. The final project will be a recital or composition, depending on the student's area of focus.

The PhD program is a three- to a four-year program that requires students to conduct original research and produce a dissertation. Students will work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a research project in their chosen specialization. Ethnomusicology students will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the study of music in diverse cultures.

USM's music program boasts a team of world-class faculty members who are passionate about helping students achieve their goals. With state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on experience, and a challenging yet supportive learning environment, students will have the tools they need to take their skills to the next level.

Graduates of the program have successful careers as performers, composers, educators, ethnomusicologists, and researchers. Whether you are interested in composition, ethnomusicology, pedagogy, or performance, USM's music program offers a wide range of specializations to help you achieve your goals.


Area of Specialization

  • Ethnomusicology
  • Musicology
  • Composition
  • Pedagogy – Music Education

Admission Requirements

MA (Music)

Applicants should possess the following:

A. Bachelor's degree in related area

1. CGPA of at least 2.75 / 4.00; or

2. CGPA between 2.50 - 2.74 with the following additional conditions: or

a) Research experience for at least one year; or
b) Work experience in related field for at least one year; or
c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
e) Grade B+ for final year project

3. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or

a) Research experience for at least five (5) years; or
b) Work experience in related field for at least five (5) years; AND
c) At least one (1) academic publication in the relevant field; or
d) Grade B for major / elective courses; or
e) Grade B+ for final year project

PhD (Music)

Applicants should possess one of the following:

  • A Master's degree in research mode; or
  • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
  • A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
  • Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

Language Requirements

MA (Music)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

  • A minimum score of 35 in Internet-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or
  • A minimum of Band 5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System); or
  • A minimum score of 154 in Cambridge English Advance (CAE); or
  • A minimum score of 154 in Cambridge Proficiency Advance (CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 36 in Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
  • A minimum of Band 2 in MUET (Malaysian University English Test)

Exemption can be given if:

  • English is the candidate's mother tongue or National Language; or
  • The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English

PhD (Music)

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

  • A minimum score of 35 in Internet-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or
  • A minimum of Band 5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System); or
  • A minimum score of 154 in Cambridge English Advance (CAE); or
  • A minimum score of 154 in Cambridge Proficiency Advance (CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 36 in Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
  • A minimum of Band 2 in MUET (Malaysian University English Test)

Exemption can be given if:

  • English is the candidate's mother tongue or National Language; or
  • The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English


Duration

MA (Music)

  • Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
  • Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters

PhD (Music)

  • Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
  • Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

 


Fees

MA (Music)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 340.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Registration Fee : 340.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 227.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Registration Fee : 227.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00

** Fees are subject to change

PhD (Music)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 340.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1,000.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Registration Fee : 340.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 227.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Registration Fee : 227.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00

** Fees are subject to change

 

Trans Alps Adventure

School of The Arts
Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang Malaysia

t: 604 – 653 3888 ext: 3621 / 3415 | f: 604 – 657 6296
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Dean)
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Noor Rismafarra Binti Haris (Assistant Registrar)