The South African College of Music offers a wide range of Postgraduate Degrees and Diplomas in Music:
| Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance (PG Dip) | minimum 2 years |
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| Bachelor of Music Honours (BMusHons) | 1 year |
|---|---|
| in musicology | |
| in composition | |
| in performance (African Music, Classical, Jazz and Opera) |
| Master of Music (MMus) | minimum 2 years |
|---|---|
| by dissertation | |
| by dissertation and performance | |
| by dissertation and composition | |
| by dissertation and course work | |
| by dissertation, course work and performance |
| Doctor of Music (DMus) | minimum 3 years |
|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy in Music (PhD) | minimum 3 years |
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Application deadline: 30 September
Postgraduate Performance Diploma structure
The diploma may be obtained with a focus in one of the following areas:
- Performance: African Music, Jazz, Western Music
- Accompanist/ Repetiteur
- Chamber Music
- Operatic Studies
- Conducting
The diploma consists of four recitals: two minor recitals and two major recitals.
Admission requirements (Postgraduate Handbook p. 22)
A candidate is required to
(a) hold an appropriate four-year BMus degree or an Advanced Diploma in Music/Opera or equivalent, of the University or of any other university or institution recognised by Senate for this purpose;
(b) have a first class pass in the performance requirements for the undergraduate degree or diploma;
(c) have sufficient musical and other relevant background to satisfy the Board of the Faculty of Humanities;
(d) if required, perform an audition and/ or submit an audio-visual recording of a recent performance; Candidates admitted to the diploma are required to pass the Interim Major Recital to be eligible to continue with the specialisation.
Application process
- Approach a possible practical supervisor
- Apply online via the UCT website (https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates)
- See below for audition requirements.
Material to be submitted
- CV
- Academic record (if not from UCT)
- A video recording
Funding
Application forms are obtainable from the Financial Aid Office – Middle Campus.
Please click on the relevant link below for audition information
Closed
Application deadline: 30 September
(Please note that many funding applications close much earlier - please refer to the link under “Funding” for specific deadlines)
BMus Honours degrees on offer
(please see Music - BMusHons and MMus programmes and specialisations in the postgraduate handbook for the exact course structures. https://www.uct.ac.za/sites/default/files/media/documents/2026-hum-handbook-9b-final-web.pdf )
BMus Honours in Performance (Classical, Jazz, African Music)
The BMus Honours in Performance is aimed at outstanding performers. The degree consists of a number of recitals and a research essay or a creative project with explication.
BMus Honours in Composition (Classical, Jazz)
The BMus Honours in Composition provides composers and arrangers with the support to further develop their personal practise. Students will prepare a short portfolio of works and a research paper or a creative project with explication.
BMus Honours in Musicology
The BMus Honours in Musicology aims to further academic skills and critical thinking. The degree consists of coursework and a research essay. Up to two courses may be taken in Humanities subjects other than Music.
Admission requirements (Postgraduate Handbook p. 100)
(a) Faculty admission requirements as set out under Rule FH3 apply.
(b) Programme admission requirements: A candidate for the degree would normally hold the degree of Bachelor of Music, Advanced Diploma in Music/Opera or an equivalent qualification with an average of 65% or above.
(c) Acceptance is at the discretion of the Higher Degrees Committee of the South African College of Music.
(d) A candidate for the degree by Performance must have at least a first class pass in the performance requirements for the undergraduate degree. A candidate may be required to play an audition.
(e) A candidate for the degree by Composition (Classical) must have 70% in MUZ4355H Orchestration II, a first-class pass in MUZ4351H Music Theory and Analysis IV and MUZ4330H Composition III or equivalent at another university;
(f) A candidate for the degree by Composition (Jazz) must have a first-class pass in MUZ3384H Jazz Arranging A or equivalent at another university.
(g) Candidates must have at least 70% in one of the following: MUZ3324F Advanced Topics in African and World Musics 3, MUZ3340H Music in History and Society 3, MUZ3339H Jazz in Context III, a 3000-level non-music course or an equivalent course from another institution. A candidate who does not meet this requirement, will be asked to demonstrate an ability to propound and express ideas clearly and show evidence of musical insight to the satisfaction of the SACM Higher Degrees Committee by submitting a substantial paper on an analytical or historical subject.
(h) When the relevant material on the research topic chosen is in a language other than English, the candidate must at the time of application demonstrate by examination or other acceptable evidence, a reading knowledge of that language. If the required standard is not achieved, the prospective candidate may either be allowed to register on condition that a course in that language be taken and passed by examination at a relevant point in time as determined by the Higher Degrees Committee, or will have to pursue a preparatory course before being permitted to register.
Application process for UCT students
- Attend the Postgraduate Information Session led by Prof. Rebekka Sandmeier and Dr Rick Deja (details announced on Amathuba)
- Approach a potential supervisor and Chair of the HDC with your research interest/idea (students who do not approach a supervisor will be assigned one by the HDC)
- Apply online via the UCT website (https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates)
Application process for students from outside UCT
- Please review the material from the Postgraduate Information Session (add link)
- Approach a potential supervisor and Chair of the HDC with your research interest/idea (students who do not approach a supervisor will be assigned one by the HDC)
- Apply online via the UCT website (https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates)
- Please see below for audition requirements.
Documents to be submitted
- Writing sample (if condition (g) is not met)
- CV
- Academic record (if not from UCT)
- A portfolio for Composition applicants
OR
A short description of the essay/project, including the topic, method and, if applicable, project documentation (if condition (g) is met)
Funding
The South African College of Music offers limited opportunities for financial support. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the Postgraduate Funding Office for additional funding opportunities. Please see the below link for more information:
Research Essay
The word count for a BMus Honours Research Essay is 15,000 words. Alternatively, students can opt for a project with a 7500-word explication, chosen in consultation with the convener of the Honours programme specialising in Musicology OR of the Honours programmes specialising in Composition or Performance. Candidates are required to find appropriate ways of documenting the project for examination. The completed essay/project must be submitted by no later than 31 October.
Guidance on the structure and content of the research essay will be provided at the weekly postgraduate colloquia and in meetings with the supervisor.
Please click on the relevant link below for audition information
Closed
Application deadline: 30 September
(Please note that many funding applications close much earlier - please refer to the link under “Funding” for specific deadlines)
Master of Music degrees on offer
(please see Music - BMusHons and MMus programmes and specialisations in the postgraduate handbook for the exact course structures.)
A candidate may register for the MMus degree specialising in:
(a) composition and dissertation;
(b) coursework and dissertation;
(c) coursework, performance and dissertation;
(d) performance and dissertation;
or (e) by dissertation
Admission requirements (Postgraduate Handbook p. 102)
(a) Faculty admission requirements as set out under Rule FM3 apply.
(b) Programme admission requirements: A candidate is normally required to hold a four-year BMus and/or BMus Honours or equivalent qualification with an average of 65% or above.
(c) Acceptance is at the discretion of the Higher Degrees Committee of the South African College of Music. (d) Candidates must have at least 70% in one of the following: MUZ4033H Research Essay/Project, MUZ3324F Advanced Topics in African and World Musics 3, MUZ3340H Music in History and Society 3, a 3000-level non-music course or an equivalent course from another institution. All candidates will be asked to demonstrate an ability to propound and express ideas clearly and show evidence of musical insight by submitting a detailed research outline to the satisfaction of the SACM Higher Degrees Committee.
(e) When the relevant material on the research topic chosen is in a language other than English, the candidate must at the time of application demonstrate by examination or other acceptable evidence a reading knowledge of that language. If the required standard is not achieved, the prospective candidate may either be allowed to register on condition that a course in that language be taken and passed by examination at a relevant point in time as determined by the SACM Higher Degrees Committee, or will have to pursue a preparatory course before being permitted to register.
(f) A candidate for the degree by Dissertation and Performance
• must have at least a first-class pass in the performance requirements for the BMus or BMus (Honours) degree or equivalent qualification.
• will be required to submit an audio-visual recording of a recent performance and/or perform an audition before a panel appointed by SACM Higher Degrees Committee. Applicants admitted are required to pass the MUZ6007W Interim Major Recital if they wish to be eligible to continue with the specialisation.
(g) A candidate for the degree by Dissertation and Composition:
• (Classical) must have 70% in MUZ4355H Orchestration II, a first-class pass in MUZ4351H Music Theory and Analysis IV and MUZ4330H Composition III or equivalent at another university;
• (Jazz) must have a first-class pass in MUZ4384H Jazz Arranging B or equivalent at another university.
(h) A candidate for the Composition component must submit, for approval, an outline of a major piece and a portfolio of compositions which he/she intends to complete for the degree the nature of which is satisfactory to the SACM Higher Degrees Committee and for which supervision is available.
Application process for UCT students
- Attend the Postgraduate Information Session led by Prof. Rebekka Sandmeier and Dr Rick Deja (details announced on Amathuba)
- Approach a potential supervisor and Chair of the HDC with your research interest/idea (students who do not approach a supervisor will be assigned one by the HDC)
- Apply online via the UCT website (https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates)
Application process for students from outside UCT
- Please review the material from the Postgraduate Information Session (add link)
- Approach a potential supervisor and Chair of the HDC with your research interest/idea (students who do not approach a supervisor will be assigned one by the HDC)
- Apply online via the UCT website (https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates)
- If applying for a MMus by Performance and Dissertation or an MMus by Coursework, Performance and Dissertation please see below for audition requirements.
Documents to be submitted
- 500-word research outline
- CV
- Academic record (if not from UCT)
- A portfolio for Composition applicants
Funding
The South African College of Music offers limited opportunities for financial support. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the Postgraduate Funding Office for additional funding opportunities. Please see the below link for more information:
Dissertation
MMus students will complete an appropriate research dissertation OR creative project chosen in consultation with the convener of the MMus programme specialising in Coursework OR of the MMus programmes specialising in Composition or Performance. The word count for an MMus dissertation is no more than 25 000 words, and for a project with a written explication no fewer than 8,000 words and no more than 15,000 words. The project may take the form of a single work or of a portfolio of work and must be supported by a written explication. Candidates are required to find appropriate ways of documenting the project for examination.
Please click on the relevant link below for audition information
Closed
Application deadline
DMus applicants may apply at any stage during the year. The department conducts two formal review cycles annually through the Higher Degrees Committee:
* First semester review: approximately late March / early April.
* Second semester review: approximately late September / early October.
(Please note that many funding applications close much earlier - please refer to the link under “Funding” for specific deadlines)
DMus degree structure
DMus in Performance: 5 recitals with a combined duration of 4-5 hours
DMus in Composition: A major work or portfolio of works with a total duration of 50-60 minutes
In addition, one of the following three options (for both the DMus in Performance and the DMus in Composition):
- A lecture recital/lecture presentation with a 15 000 – 20 000 word document
- A creative project including a written explication of 15 000 – 20 000 words
- A thesis of 25 000 – 30 000 words
Admission requirements
Applicants must have completed an MMus in Performance or Composition and will be required to audition or submit a composition portfolio. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) candidates with extensive professional experience may also be considered through a rigorous assessment process. https://humanities.uct.ac.za/hum/apply/rpl
Application process
- Approach a potential supervisor and Chair of the HDC with your research interest/idea (students who do not approach a supervisor will be assigned one by the HDC). Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the department's academic staff and research areas prior to making contact.
- Apply online via the UCT website (https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates)
Required application material:
- An up-to-date CV with specific reference to the candidate's performance experience/compositional output
- A research proposal (5 pages)
- Portfolio
For the Doctor of Music, a portfolio is required. If you intend on specialising in Performance, you are required to include a link to unedited video recording/s of recent public performance/s (no older than three years) with a minimum combined duration of 50 minutes. If you intend specialising in Composition, include a composition or portfolio of works with a minimum combined duration of 15 minutes. Please indicate your intended specialisation in your research proposal. Candidates may be required to attend a further audition or interview.
Funding
The South African College of Music offers limited opportunities for financial support. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the Postgraduate Funding Office for additional funding opportunities. Please see the below link for more information:
Written component
DMus candidates will complete a written component, either as a dissertation or in conjunction with a lecture-presentation or a creative project, which will require them to demonstrate new research insights in their respective fields. Additionally, the written component will strengthen the candidates’ ability to demonstrate intellectual independence and take full responsibility for their artistic/compositional decisions.
Closed
Application deadline
PhD applicants may apply at any stage during the year. The department conducts two formal review cycles annually through the Higher Degrees Committee:
* First semester review: approximately late March / early April.
* Second semester review: approximately late September / early October.
(Please note that many funding applications close much earlier - please refer to the link under “Funding” for specific deadlines)
PhD in Music
The degree exists in two versions: a thesis or a thesis and creative work.
Registration is provisional in the first instance, while student and supervisor work on the proposal and ethics clearance, if required. It is confirmed after the submission and acceptance of the proposal by the Higher Degrees Committee of the SACM and the Doctoral Degrees Board.
The usual duration of the degree is three years.
Examination is by thesis alone. Except by permission of Senate, the thesis submitted for the degree shall not be less than 40,000 words (in the case of a thesis incorporating creative work) or exceed 80,000 words.
In the case of a thesis incorporating the candidate’s original creative work in the field of Music, the creative work may comprise a portfolio of original musical compositions or practical performance/s which, together with the written part, form(s) a coherent whole.
Admission requirements
University General Rules GP6.1-9 apply.
Applicants must have the required academic background and submit an acceptable research proposal for which supervision is available. A candidate who wishes to include his or her own creative work as part of the thesis must indicate his or her plans for executing this work in the application for admission.
Application process
- Approach a potential supervisor and Chair of the HDC with your research interest/idea (students who do not approach a supervisor will be assigned one by the HDC). Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the department's academic staff and research areas prior to making contact.
- Apply online via the UCT website (https://uct.ac.za/students/applications/key-dates)
Required application material:
- An up-to-date CV
- A research proposal (10-15 pages)
For a PhD with a creative component, please include a recording (performers), or a portfolio (composers) in addition to the proposal.
Funding
The South African College of Music offers limited opportunities for financial support. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the Postgraduate Funding Office for additional funding opportunities. Please see the below link for more information:
Closed
