Course details

Doctor of Musical Arts

Porn研究所 the course

The Doctor of Musical Arts at Waikato emphasises performance and research. Dive into musical works of artistic and creative integrity, complemented by a thesis showcasing your own independent research.

If you're passionate about musical performance 鈥 the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) is the doctoral degree for you. If your interests relating to music are more in the areas of composition, research-based musicology, multimedia work, music technology or electroacoustic music, then consider enrolling in the instead.

While working towards your Doctor of Musical Arts at Waikato, you'll spend half your time doing performances based on your research, and the other half putting your written thesis together. You'll perform every week, and during these performances you'll demonstrate to your supervisor what you've learned from your research. At Waikato, your DMA supervisors are leading musicians and you'll be able to use a state-of-the art performing arts venue for your practical lessons.

The Waikato DMA sets you up with the skills you'll need to turn your passion for musical performance into a career, whether that be as a solo artist, a chamber or orchestral musician, an accompanist, recording artist or repetiteur. You might prefer to use the skills you've learned in a different way, and work in either radio or print music journalism. You might also want to share what you have learned during your DMA and take on a teaching role, either as a performer-academic working in the tertiary area or as an instrument or vocal teacher.

You'll be able to choose a research topic that interests you. Topics previously chosen by students completing a DMA include those focusing on particular composers (such as New Zealand cellist and composer Arnold Trowell and New Zealand composer John Ritchie); a particular aspect of musical composition in performance (such as J.S. Bach's use of the variation form in treating Lutheran chorales); musical education (such as the application of ICT in the music classroom: Tools and trends in the New Zealand secondary classroom from 2007-2009); specific cultural music traditions (such as K墨ngitanga and Music: An examination of repertoire and composition of M膩ori waiata and puoro relating to the K墨ngitanga (King Movement) from 1912 to 2008); and using technology in music (such as a mouse driven interface for virtual stringed instrument controller).

Porn研究所 the provider

The University of Waikato has two campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga, both located in New Zealand's economic heartland. Our close-knit communities help international students settle in quickly, with the support and connections needed to succeed in their studies, and beyond.

What sets the University of Waikato apart is our commitment to real-world learning. The University has over 2,000 placements or industry-led projects per year. Strong partnerships across government, industry and community organisations provide students with wide career options and practical pathways into New Zealand's job market and beyond.

Established in 1964, we've built a reputation for research excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among New Zealand's top universities, our international student services, peer mentoring programmes, and close-knit campus communities ensure students feel at home from day one.

Ready to turn your academic goals into career success? Your journey starts at the University of Waikato.

Top 10 reasons to study at Waikato

  1. International Recognition: Ranked among the top 3 universities in New Zealand and 235th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025).
  2. Subject Rankings: 11 subjects ranked in the top 350 globally (QS Subject Rankings 2025); ranked in the 151鈥175 band globally for Business & Economics (THE Subject Rankings 2025)鈥攖he highest for any NZ university.
  3. Research Excellence: Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for research (QS World University Rankings 2025).
  4. Triple Crown Accreditation: Waikato Management School is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally.
  5. Academic Excellence: Learn fromaward-winning lecturers and researchers in a close-knit academic community known for innovative teaching and learning..
  6. Flexible Degree Structure: Choose from over 100 subjects to shape a qualification and 200 programs including bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, doctoral degrees, diplomas, and certificates 鈥攖ailored to suit your strengths and career goals.
  7. Industry Connections: Benefit from over 2,000 industry placements and projects annually through strong partnerships with government, business, and community organisations. Access career and employability services to graduate job-ready.
  8. Student Support and Campus Life: Vibrant campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga offer modern facilities, easy access to nature, and dedicated student support鈥攊ncluding international advisors, tutors, career services, and a buddy programme.
  9. Scholarships and Bursaries: A range of scholarships available to support both domestic and international students.
  10. Inclusive Student Community: Be part of a welcoming, diverse environment with 70+ clubs and 120+ societies covering academics, culture, sports, and more. Waikato is highly recommended by students, with excellent satisfaction ratings in the 2023 Student Barometer Survey.

Hamilton is a vibrant, student-friendly city located in the heart of New Zealand鈥檚 North Island. Surrounded by stunning nature, students can enjoy scenic parks, hiking trails, and the famous Hobbiton movie set nearby. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, multicultural community, and welcoming vibe making it a perfect place for students to live, study and explore.

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Tauranga is a beautiful coastal city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, offering students a perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure. With its stunning beaches, outdoor activities like hiking and water sports and a warm, sunny climate, it鈥檚 an ideal place for students looking to explore, learn and live in a welcoming environment.

Check out a range of available on our campuses.

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