Master of Music (Research) (CRICOS course code 099325E) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 2 years. This AQF Level 9 program is designed for performers, composers, and scholars who wish to undertake a sustained research project in music. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00116K), it meets Australian Government standards for international students, ensuring ESOS Act protections and student visa eligibility. The University of Melbourne, a Group of Eight university consistently ranked among the world's top institutions, delivers this course at its Southbank campus in the creative heart of Melbourne. Whether you aim to advance your performance practice, explore musicology, or develop new compositional techniques, this research degree offers a supported pathway to deepen your expertise.
Master of Music (Research) (CRICOS course code 099325E) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) over 2 years. It sits at AQF Level 9 and belongs to the field of Music (100101), within the Creative Arts discipline. This course is ideal for international students who have completed a bachelor's degree in music or a related field and wish to pursue independent research under expert supervision. The program typically culminates in a thesis, portfolio, or creative work that contributes new knowledge or insight to the field of music. As a research degree, it emphasises critical thinking, advanced methodology, and scholarly communication, preparing graduates for PhD study, academic roles, or leadership positions in the music industry.
While the exact syllabus is set by The University of Melbourne and may vary by specialisation, students undertaking a Master of Music (Research) generally engage in a sustained research project supported by coursework in research methods and music scholarship. The field of education – Creative Arts (10) and Performing Arts (1001) – encompasses areas such as music performance, composition, musicology, ethnomusicology, and music technology. Graduates demonstrate advanced skills in critical analysis, creative practice, and independent inquiry. The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music (formerly the Victorian College of the Arts and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music) is renowned for its vibrant research culture and industry connections, providing access to state-of-the-art performance spaces, recording studios, and libraries.
The CRICOS register lists the duration of Master of Music (Research) as 2 years (104 weeks). The course is delivered in English and is a single qualification – it does not lead to a dual award. There is no mandatory work component. You will be expected to study full-time on campus at the Southbank campus, though some supervision meetings may be conducted flexibly in accordance with university policy. This duration aligns with the standard full-time load for a Masters Degree (Research) in Australia, allowing time for in-depth research and completion of a major project or thesis.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$98,650, with non-tuition fees of A$150, giving an estimated total of A$98,800. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. International students should also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs (approximately A$20,000–A$25,000 per year in Melbourne for a single student), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600 for the main applicant). For the most current fee schedule and any scholarship opportunities, always check The University of Melbourne’s official website at unimelb.edu.au. HeadStart Academy does not set fees and recommends confirming directly with the provider before applying.
English language requirements vary by provider – typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For a Masters Degree (Research), a higher IELTS score (often 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0) is common. Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in music or a related discipline, usually with honours or a strong academic record. Prior research experience or a portfolio may be required. The University of Melbourne sets specific entry criteria; consult their website for detailed prerequisites. If you do not meet the academic or English requirements, pathway or foundation studies are not available for this course, but you may consider a Graduate Certificate or Diploma as a stepping stone. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting the provider directly for personalised advice.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Any work undertaken is separate from the course curriculum.
Master of Music (Research) is delivered at The University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus, located at 234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC. This campus is part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, one of Australia’s most vibrant cultural hubs, housing the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, the Victorian College of the Arts, and the Southbank Theatre. The campus is easily accessible by tram, train, and bus from central Melbourne. Southbank is a lively inner-city suburb with a mix of student accommodation, cafes, and galleries. Melbourne itself is Australia’s second-largest city with over 5 million residents, including a large international student population. The typical weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Southbank ranges from A$400–A$600, groceries around A$80–A$120, and a monthly public transport pass is approximately A$160. With over 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia and 26,433 courses available, Melbourne alone hosts many institutions offering music programs at all levels.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and providing evidence of English language proficiency. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your stay. Student work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. All CRICOS-registered providers are subject to the ESOS Act, which protects your tuition fees and ensures quality education. For visa and migration advice, HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or visiting the Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au).
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's free search to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm that The University of Melbourne (CRICOS 00116K) and this course (099325E) meet your goals.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check entry requirements, English test scores, and deadlines on The University of Melbourne’s website. Submit your application along with academic transcripts, a research proposal, and any required portfolios or references.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, you’ll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC arranged and sufficient funds for your stay.
Ready to apply? Start by researching CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy, then contact The University of Melbourne for admission details.
View the full The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) profile →
Master of Music (Research) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.