Overview
The Master of Music (Performance Studies) programme, with a focus in Western Art Music tradition, is designed to cater to the changing needs of musicians today. It has a strong emphasis on performance with the Principal Study instruction at its core embracing both solo and collaborative performance and yet, develop Master’s level skills of critical enquiry and research through a secondary specialization in areas of teaching, research, or community music.
* This programme received a 100% graduate employability score in the Ministry of Higher Education’s Graduate Employability 2020. (Source: ge.mohe.gov.my/)
Mode of instructions
The programme is conducted entirely in English. It is essential that all candidates are able to speak, read, and write fluently in English.
Candidates may be admitted into the programme by meeting the 4 requirements:
- Academic Requirements
- English Language Requirements
- Music Audition Requirements
- Professional Profile
Academic Requirements
Candidates must meet either of the following requirements:
- Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or its equivalent as accepted by the Senate of the institution; or
- A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent, but with a CGPA lower than 2.50, may be accepted subject to a minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience; or
- Other qualifications recognized as equivalent by the Government of Malaysia;
Music Audition Requirements
Professional Profile
Professional documentation is required when submitting the application. These documents include:
- A list of repertoires studied and performed in the last five years
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Two recommendation letters from individuals that are familiar with:
- your growth, talent, and accomplishment
- your attitude and characteristic that indicate your ability and potential to succeed in the field.
All submitted documentation must be in English language. Translated documents must be notarized by the authorized governing body. Complete documentation must be submitted to the music office by early March, July, and November respectively.
Commencement of the Programme for International Students
Successful applicant will be able to proceed with the programme once the visa requirement is approved and received by the music office by the third week of April, August, and December respectively.
Placement Test***
Upon successful acceptance into the programme, the students will need to sit for the Music Theory Diagnostic Test and Music History Diagnostic Test. Students who do not perform well in the placement tests may be required to take remedial courses in music history and/or theory. Credits earned in these remedial courses will not count towards graduation.
The Music Theory Diagnostic Test covers on realization of figured bass in SATB setting including identification of non-chord tones, roman-numeral analysis of a brief extract from tonal music, and form/phrase analysis. The musical elements covered in the test are from the common practice of the tonal harmony. For further information on the system used in music theory, kindly refer to Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Post-Tonal Music by Stefan Kostka, Dorothy Payne, and Byron Almén.
The Music History Diagnostic Test consists of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, listening questions, and short essays. The areas covered ranges from Renaissance up to the 20th century period of Western Art Music.
Placement Test for both Music Theory Diagnostic Test and Music History Diagnostic Test will be conducted during the orientation week for each semester. Each placement tests will take 1.5 hours. Click the link for a sample of Audition Music Theory Test: https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/sites/default/files/audition_theory_test_-_mmus_-_sample_questions_-_5_sept_2021.pdf
English Language Requirements
For Local students
Cambridge Linguaskills
169 Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(OET)
250IELTS Academic
Band 6.0TOEFL
60Pearson Test of English
59MUET
Band 4.0Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) by ELS
109- * If your native language or the prior Bachelor’s degree studies is not in English, proof of English language proficiency is required when submitting your application. If English language is the medium of instruction from previous institution, supporting document is required.
For International Students
Cambridge Linguaskills
169 Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(OET)
250IELTS Academic
Band 6.0TOEFL
60Pearson Test of English
59MUET
Band 4.0Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) by ELS
109- Principal Study 1-4
- Music Research Methodology
- Performance Practice Seminar
- Musicology Seminar
- Music Analysis Seminar
- Research Project 1-2
- Repertoire Studies 1-3
- Music Pedagogy Seminar
- Community Music
- Music and Law
The courses will open career opportunities for instrumental teaching and performance, and enhance musical skills, knowledge and understanding to a level appropriate for undergraduate music teaching at college and university.
Local Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 48,810
International Students
Approximate Total Fees:
RM 81,284
Note:
- This is an estimated fee, as different countries have different visa processing charges and administrative fees. For more information, kindly refer to your region’s counselor for the detailed fee breakdown.
- In accordance with the Malaysian government tax regulation, effective 1st July 2025, a 6% service tax will be imposed on non-Malaysian citizens.
