Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with music subjects or an equivalent qualification with a weighted average of at least 60% for the final year modules. Students who only completed History of Music for the Bachelor's degree will not be admitted to Honours studies in Music.
• Candidates who wish to choose Practical Music (MUSH677) as one of the elective modules have to audition in the instrument of their choice. A well-balanced programme of approximately 20-25 minutes, consisting of works that are representative of various styles, genres and languages (if applicable), has to be presented to the panel.

Curriculum

All elective module selections are subject to approval.

Module descriptions

MUSH671 Research Methodology
The primary aim of this module is to enable students to conceptualise, plan, write, and then present and defend a research proposal with integrity at a public symposium. Students are encouraged to choose a topic they are passionate about! Prof van der Merwe guides students in conceptualising a study. Students explore different paradigms, research designs, approaches and methods. They also learn writing strategies and how to conduct research ethically. Students are encouraged to design proposals with internal integrity. They have the freedom to write a research proposal on their chosen topic and use a research approach best suited to answer their research question. This module prepares students for postgraduate music studies and publishing their research. Contact the lecturer, Prof Liesl van der Merwe, for further information.

MUSH672 Research Essay
This module consists of writing a research essay of limited scope and presenting a paper at a postgraduate seminar. In consultation with a designated supervisor, students will critically interrogate sources of knowledge, choose appropriate research methods, collect and analyse data, and present coherent arguments in drawing logical conclusions. Contact the Research Director, Prof Chris van Rhyn, for further information.

MUSH673 Historical Musicology
In this module, students will throroughly examine selected subjects focusing on musicians and/or genres of music, and in the process develop their knowledge, comprehension, and research and communication skills (both oral and written). Previous subjects included: Radiohead's Career and Music, Progressive Rock, Maverick American composers, and The Concept Album. Contact the lecturer, Mr Jaco van der Merwe, for further information.

MUSH674 Social Musicology
Social Musicology treats music as a form of action and expression that shapes human life. Its focus broadens from the personal musical experiences of the student to an overview of music as culture. Contact the lecturer, Prof Jaco Kruger, for further information.

MUSH675 Didactics: Practical Music Tuition
Upon completion of this module, students should be able to function independently as responsible and competent music educators, with integrated theoretical knowledge of the theories and strategies used to teach a specific instrument. Students should also have the necessary advanced skills to critically assess and apply that knowledge within a teaching and learning environment. Contact the programme leader, Mr Jaco van der Merwe, for further information.

MUSH676 Group Music
The purpose of this module is to assist students to master specific skills to refine their own teaching skills in accordance with the discipline of Music Education. Students will learn how to integrate their teaching skills with current trends in music education. This module will develop the knowledge on the facilitation of formal and informal learning experiences by working with various ensembles. Contact the lecturer, Ms Rineke Viljoen, for further information.

MUSH677 Practical Music Studies
This module entails the weekly practical lesson with an assigned lecturer in the student's instrument of choice. The student will prepare a well-balanced concert programme of 50-60 minutes (depending on the instrument/vocal studies) representing a variety of styles and including a substantial ensemble work, all to be presented at the end of the year during a public performance. Contact the programme leader, Mr Jaco van der Merwe, for further information.

MUSH679 African Music
This Honours level African music module is designed to provide students with in-depth analytical, theoretical and practical experience of selected musical cultures from across the African continent. Students will learn about the music of the New Year’s Carnival of Cape Town, Xhosa musical bows, mouthbows of eSwatini and Zimbabwe, the lamellophones of Zimbabwe, xylophones of Mozambique and Uganda, and the dance musics of Angola and DRC. Contact the lecturer, Ms Thandeka Mfinyongo, for further information.

MUSH680 Community Music
This module provides students with the skills needed to develop a critical understanding of the emergent field of community music in the South African context. Students will be required to leverage this critical understanding to evaluate community music practices in the South African context. Through their practical experience, together with their theoretical knowledge, students will learn to choose appropriate strategies to solve problems community music facilitators face within the South African context. Contact the lecturer, Prof Janelize Morelli, for further information.

MUSH681 Inquiry and Applications in Music Education
This module will focus on the understanding of everyday practical examples or activities in which music educators may engage in. This module will use relevant research to orientate the students to make informed choices, to become competent music educators who are aware of current trends in their field of expertise, and inspire creativity within music education. Contact the lecturer, Ms Rineke Viljoen, for further information.

Cost of Tuition

Approximately R50,000 for the programme (based on 2024 fees)

Applications

Applications close annually on 30 September for admission in the following year.

Programme Leader

Mr Thomas Erlank
Tel. +27 18 299-1709
thomas.erlank@nwu.ac.za

Entry Requirements

In addition to General Rule A.4.2 of the University the following is also applicable:

• Students must obtain a minimum of 70% for the BMus IV or equivalent reseach assignment. Students may be requested to present this assignment to the research committee for approval to continue with their studies;
• Students must be able to demonstrate academic competence to engage in the research topic they wish to pursue;
• If students should be unable to comply with these requirements for a specific reason, they may obtain permission to present the research committee with acceptable proof that they are sufficiently prepared to continue with their studies.

Applications close annually on 31 October for admission in the following year.

Curriculum

Dissertation [180 credits].

With the approval of the faculty, a student may present articles that have been submitted for publication to an accredited journal, for examination in lieu of a dissertation. The articles must still be presented as a unit, supplemented with an inclusive problem statement, a focused literature analysis and integration and with a synoptic conclusion, and the guidelines of the journal concerned must also be included.

Cost of Tuition

Approximately R23,000 per year (based on 2024 fees)

Programme Leader

Prof Janelize Morelli
Tel. +27 18 285-2663
janelize.morelli@nwu.ac.za

Entry Requirements

In addition to General Rule A.4.2 of the University the following is also applicable:

• Students must obtain a minimum of 65% for the BMus IV or equivalent reseach assignment. Students may be requested to present this assignment to the research committee for approval to continue with their studies;
• Students must be able to demonstrate academic competence to engage in the research topic and/or practical work they wish to pursue;
• If students should be unable to comply with these requirements for a specific reason, they may obtain permission to present the research committee with acceptable proof that they are sufficiently prepared to continue with their studies.

Applications close annually on 31 October for admission in the following year.

Curriculum

• Applied Music Studies Mini-Dissertation [90 credits].
• Community Music [45 credits].
• Applied Music Studies [45 credits].

In this degree, students will be required to actively participate in a community music project and to write articles about some aspect of the project or their participation in the project.

Cost of Tuition

Approximately R23,000 per year (based on 2024 fees)

Programme Leader

Prof Janelize Morelli
Tel. +27 18 285-2663
janelize.morelli@nwu.ac.za

Entry Requirements

In addition to General Rule A.4.2 of the University the following is also applicable:

• Students must have obtained a minimum of 70% for the practical performance module in the final year of the BMus course;
• Students must have obtained a minimum of 65% for the BMus IV or equivalent reseach assignment. Students may be requested to present this assignment to the research committee for approval to continue with their studies;
• Students must pass a practical audition and present a repertoire list prior to acceptance.
• Students must be able to demonstrate academic competence to engage in the research topic they wish to pursue;
• If students should be unable to comply with these requirements for a specific reason, they may obtain permission to present the research committee with acceptable proof that they are sufficiently prepared to continue with their studies.

Applications close annually on 31 October for admission in the following year.

Curriculum

• Research component consisting of a concert programme and a mini-dissertation [90 credits]
• Two concert programmes [45 credits each]
• The three concert programmes should each be at least 40 minutes (winds and singers) or 50 minutes (other instruments) in duration, with a total duration of 150 minutes (winds and singers) or 180 minutes (other instruments).

With the consent of the research committee of the relevant research entity and the Faculty Executive Committee, a student may substitute the submission of a mini-dissertation with an article, that will be examined and submitted for publication in an accredited journal.

Cost of Tuition

Approximately R23,000 per year (based on 2024 fees)

Programme Leader

Ms Jana Mathee
Tel. +27 18 285-2386
jana.mathee@nwu.ac.za

Entry Requirements

In addition to General Rule A.4.2 of the University the following is also applicable:

• Students must have obtained a minimum of 70% for composition in the final year of the BMus course. Students may be expected to present a portfolio of original compositions;
• Students must obtain a minimum of 65% for the BMus IV or equivalent reseach assignment. Students may be requested to present this assignment to the research committee for approval to continue with their studies;
• Students must be able to demonstrate academic competence to engage in the research topic they wish to pursue;
• If students should be unable to comply with these requirements for a specific reason, they may obtain permission to present the research committee with acceptable proof that they are sufficiently prepared to continue with their studies.

Applications close annually on 31 October for admission in the following year.

Curriculum

• Mini-dissertation [60 credits]
• Three portfolios of original compositions [40 credits each] of at least 20 minutes each, with a total duration of at least 75 minutes.

With the consent of the research committee of the relevant research entity and the Faculty Executive Committee, a student may substitute the submission of a mini-dissertation with an article, that will be examined and submitted for publication in an accredited journal.

Cost of Tuition

Approximately R23,000 per year (based on 2024 fees)

Programme Leader

Ms Jana Mathee
Tel. +27 18 285-2386
jana.mathee@nwu.ac.za

Entry Requirements

Apart from the requirements set out in General Rule A.5.2 of the University, the following admission requirements apply:

• A candidate must have a Master’s degree in Music or an equivalent qualification, obtained with mark of at least 65%;
• When a candidate plans to present compositions or concerts as part of the degree, the candidate should have achieved a mark of at least 70% in the instrument of choice or in composition at Masters level;
• In addition, a practical audition should be passed, or a composition portfolio and at least one recording of a composition should be approved, prior to admission;
• If students should be unable to comply with these requirements for a specific reason, they may obtain permission to present the research committee with acceptable proof that they are sufficiently prepared to continue with their studies.

Applications close annually on 31 October for admission in the following year.

Curriculum

The programme consists of two phases, all components of which should be passed. The phases may run concurrently.

Phase 1 consists of practical or composition work, and candidates must either present two concert programmes or two composition portfolios. These concerts or portfolios serve to hone and assess the candidate’s applied skills (including, for example, technical and interpretive skills) in the relevant instrument/voice or composition

Phase 2 consists of an artistic research process and product or products. The research proposal on which this phase is based should be completed within 6 months after registration. Phase 2 may be structured in the following ways:

1. A thesis (may also consist of two journal articles with an extended introduction and conclusion) OR
2. Two concert recitals or two composition portfolios AND a formal assignment or one journal article OR
3. One concert recital and one lecture recital or one composition portfolio and one lecture presentation (which should include a live performance of a composition/compositions by the candidate or the playback of a recording thereof) AND a formal assignment or one journal article OR
4. Two lecture recitals or two lecture presentations (which should include a live performance of a composition/compositions by the candidate or the playback of a recording thereof) AND a formal assignment or one journal article.

If option (a) is chosen, the creative work in phase 1 and the thesis in phase 2 should form an integrated whole;

If option (b), (c) or (d) is chosen, phase 1 and 2 are treated separately and only the creative work presented in phase 2 should be integrated with the written work and presented as part of the research product;

Documentation in the form of, for example, audio/video recordings, concert programmes (including programme notes), lecture notes, composition portfolios, composition scores and presentation materials (whichever may be relevant) should be submitted as evidence along with the written document in both cases, to be assessed as a whole.

Cost of Tuition

Approximately R24,000 per year (based on 2024 fees)

Programme Leader

Ms Jana Mathee
Tel. +27 18 285-2386
jana.mathee@nwu.ac.za

Entry Requirements

Apart from the requirements set out in General Rule A.5.2 of the University the following is also applicable:

• A candidate must have passed a Master’s degree in music or a degree from another discipline where the research focus incorporated music with a minimum of 65%;
• If the previous qualification was a taught Master’s degree, the candidate must present the research committee with sufficient proof that they are adequately prepared for the continuation of their studies;
• If students should be unable to comply with these requirements for a specific reason, they may obtain permission to present the research committee with acceptable proof that they are sufficiently prepared to continue with their studies.

Applications close annually on 31 October for admission in the following year.

Curriculum

Thesis [360 credits].

With the approval of the relevant entity's research committee and Faculty Executive Committee, a student may present a series of articles that has been submitted for publication to accredited journals, for examination in lieu of a thesis. The thesis must still be presented as a unit, supplemented with an inclusive problem statement, a focused literature analysis and integration and with a synoptic conclusion, and the guidelines of the journals concerned must also be included.

Cost of Tuition

Approximately R24,000 per year (based on 2024 fees)

Programme Leader

Prof Janelize Morelli
Tel. +27 18 285-2663
janelize.morelli@nwu.ac.za