Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD in Music Practices

The PhD in Music Practices offered by the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music is designed to develop artist-researchers who integrate advanced artistic practice with critical research. It addresses the growing need for cross-disciplinary music scholarship and expands opportunities for post-master’s study in the region.

Programme Requirements

The PhD in Music Practices comprises the following requirements to be completed within the advised duration of 4 years (or up to the maximum duration of 5 years):

• Coursework (32 Units)
  • Core (16 Units)
    • MUA6163 Advanced Research Practices in Music (4 Units)
    • MUA6771-MUA6774 Doctoral Seminar (4 x 2 Units)
    • NG5001 Academic Communication for Graduate Researchers (4 Units)
  • Electives (16 Units)
    • Level-5000 and above courses from any department within NUS, subject to approval from the programme director and doctoral supervisor
    • 4 Units from YST
    • 12 Units from outside YST or from a given list
• Qualifying Examination (QE)
  • The QE should be taken 12 to 24 months from the start of the doctoral study
  • Two comprehensive examinations (CE) as part of the QE:
    • The first CE (CE1) is a research-oriented paper
    • The second CE (CE2) is a presentation of a representative portfolio
• Thesis sample
  • The thesis sample should outline in detail the research question and context
  • A full literature review as pertaining to background/contextual research
  • A description of their methodology and planned timeline
• Oral defence of thesis sample
  • An extended discussion of the thesis sample between the student and the faculty panel
• Thesis
  • Artistic output — the format of the output will be dependent on the chosen research area
  • A written thesis in English, of minimum 40,000 and maximum 100,000 words
  • Oral examination comprising a final public presentation and a closed-door oral defence of research project

Programme Information

• Mode of Study and Residency Requirements
  • The PhD in Music Practices is offered only on a full-time basis
  • Research candidates are expected to commit at least 40 hours per week to their studies
  • All PhD candidates must spend a minimum residency of 18 months at NUS during their candidature
• Period of Candidature
  • The maximum period of candidature is 5 years
  • The recommended period of candidature for the PhD in Music Practices candidates is 4 years
• Continuation and Graduation Requirements
  • Students are expected to maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.50 during their enrolment in the PhD in Music Practices degree
  • To continue in the programme, a student may not have:
    • GPA below 3.50 (but greater than or equal to 3.00) for three consecutive semesters
    • GPA below 3.00 for two consecutive semesters
• Fees and Funding
  • Please refer to Cost of Attendance
  • The Master of Music Leadership is a self-funded programme
  • Full Tuition Fees: $43,000 (excluding GST)
  • Extra funding: YST-SSG Modules under the Free Electives component are eligible for SSG subsidies

Application Requirements

• Completed application form on the NUS Graduate Admission System (GDA2)
• Bachelor of Music or equivalent degree from an approved institution of higher education in music
• Two recommendations
• Non-English documents must be accompanied by an official English translation
• Applicants whose native tongue or language of undergraduate instruction is not English must complete the TOEFL, IELTS, or Diagnostic English Test with the minimum acceptable scores

Admission Requirements

• Prospective students may enrol in the MMusL programme either full-time or part-time
• Candidature period:
  • Full-time: 2-4 semesters (approx. 1-2 years)
  • Part-time: 5-8 semesters (approx. 2.5-4 years)
• Admission will be determined primarily through an interview, with other supporting documents considered
• Candidates are expected to have a strong grasp of the English language as classes are taught in English
• International applicants must be accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore to apply for a Student’s Pass
• Part-time courses and courses conducted in the evening or on weekends are not eligible

Additional Information

• The fastest mode of 2 semesters, or a single year of full-time is applicable for students who have already passed required modules via NUS L3 or CET500 prior to admission to the MMusL programme
• For further information, please refer to the relevant pages on the university website.