SCHOOL OF THE ARTS   |  UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

MUSIC

Postgraduate Music Programme

The postgraduate music program at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a unique opportunity for music enthusiasts. Designed for those passionate about music, the program offers advanced training in music theory, composition, ethnomusicology, pedagogy, performance and research.

Both the Masters and PhD are full research programmes.

They involve original research and dissertation production. Students collaborate closely with a faculty advisor, developing a research project within their chosen specialization.

USM's music program, led by a team of world-class faculty, provides practical experience, and a supportive learning environment.

Graduates pursue successful careers as performers, composers, educators, ethnomusicologists, and researchers. The music program offers diverse specializations to support individual 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
  3. 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
  4. CGPA between 2.00 - 2.49 (Bachelor's Degree with Honours) with the following additional conditions: or
  5. 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 46 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
  • A minimum of Band 8 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
  • A minimum of Band 5.5 for IELTS; or
  • A minimum score of 51 for PTE; or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Linguaskill Online; or
  • A minimum score of 108 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
  • A minimum of Band 4 for MUET

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 46 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
  • A minimum of Band 8 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
  • A minimum of Band 5.5 for IELTS; or
  • A minimum score of 51 for PTE; or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 160 for Linguaskill Online; or
  • A minimum score of 108 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
  • A minimum of Band 4 for MUET

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 : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Graduation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer
    80.00 (repeat)

PhD (Music)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,050.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1,000.00
  • Graduation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,515.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1,000.00
  • Graduation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,150.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer
    80.00 (repeat)
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,025.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00
  • Graduation Fee : 50.00
  • Malay Language (LKM111) : Free for first timer
    80.00 (repeat)

** 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)

 

  • Last Modified: Friday 16 May 2025.