Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Mode (Location)
Mixed Attendance Mode (Southbank)
Intake
February
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
Learn more
Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Learn more
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, AND
- 12.5 credit points of psychology studies at tertiary level, or Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the approved list, AND
- High-level music skills - equivalent to 8th grade practical and 5th grade theory according to the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB), AND
- Documented relevant work experience in community or health-related fields.
You must also submit a supplementary application, submitted digitally via Fine Arts and Music’s SlideRoom):
- A practice portfolio, AND
- A personal statement.
Shortlisted applicants must also audition and attend an interview.
Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.
Don't meet the prerequisite subject requirements?
You may have the option to enrol in specific single subjects through the University's Community Access Program, even if you are not enrolled in a course. Completing these prerequisite subjects may qualify you for entry into this course. This option is not available to student visa holders or applicants. Learn more about single subject study.
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.IELTS
6.5
with writing 6.0; speaking 6.0; reading 6.0; listening 6.0TOEFL
81
with writing 19; speaking 19; reading 16; listening 16PEARSON
64
with writing 60; speaking 60; reading 60; listening 60CAMBRIDGE
169
with writing 170; speaking 179; reading 163; listening 163LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC
67
with writing 64; speaking 70; reading 60; listening 57MET
58
with writing 57; speaking 48; reading 55; listening 56
About selection
When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance
The Selection Committee will also consider your demonstrated music skills, relevant work experience and practice portfolio.
If your application is shortlisted, you must attend an audition and interview, both of which will also be assessed as part of your application.
1. Your practice portfolio must include six pieces of music as follows:
- Three pieces presented on your primary instrument, covering a range of contrasting styles. The pieces may be a combination of classical, jazz, improvisatory work etc. The three primary instrument recording must be completed in a single take.
- Three vocal songs accompanied by your own guitar playing. The pieces should demonstrate your vocal skill across a range of genres, styles or decades. Your guitar accompaniment should demonstrate a minimum of basic skills, including a minimum of 6 first-position chords; barre chords; bass runs; and various accompanying styles such as strumming and picking techniques. Only one song can be an original composition, and one song in a language other than English is permitted (but not required). The three voice and guitar recordings must be completed in a single take.
- The two recordings (3 primary instrument pieces and 3 vocal pieces) must be edited into a single file and uploaded via the supplementary application form. (If your primary instrument is guitar or voice, you are still required to complete all six recordings)
- Practice portfolio song suggestions can be found here.
2. Your practice portfolio must also include the contact details for three referees, who must complete and forward a referee report no later than one week after applications close. Of the three referees:
- one must provide a character reference
- one must provide an academic reference, and
- one must attest to your musical ability.
3. Your personal statement should detail your reasons for wanting to undertake the Master of Music Therapy course.
4. You are also strongly advised to observe the work of a qualified and registered music therapist. Have a look here for a list of suggested facilities.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional information
Enrolment Requirements
If your application is successful, you will be required to hold a current Working with Children Check and Police Check for the duration of your study.
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.
GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.
Advanced Standing
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
Students with a Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy (or equivalent) may be eligible for up to 50 points of credit.
FOR UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE UNDERGRADUATES
You may have the opportunity to complete the following subject. It can be credited towards the Master of Music Therapy. (Note: this subject is not equivalent to the psychology prerequisite described above)
- Music Psychology (MUSI20149)
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.