Massey University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced practical work with critical and professional studies. You will design and complete a substantial creative project (such as a recorded album, multimedia work, live production or commercial portfolio) accompanied by a written exegesis that situates your practice within contemporary industry and research contexts.

• Creative project – a practice-led major work developed under supervision, demonstrating original commercial and artistic outcomes.
• Advanced production and sound design – techniques in recording, mixing, mastering, synthesis and immersive audio suited to commercial release and broadcast.
• Composition and arrangement – contemporary approaches for studio, screen and live settings, including scoring for media and bespoke commercial briefs.
• Music business and entrepreneurship – publishing, rights management, digital distribution, marketing, A&R, and business models for independent and label-based careers.
• Performance practice and live production – professional approaches to live shows, touring logistics, stagecraft and artist development.
• Research methods and exegesis – methodologies for practice-based research, critical reflection and positioning creative work within scholarly and industry discourse.

Study is typically delivered through a mix of supervised independent practice, seminars, workshops and one-to-one supervision. Students may also have access to industry placements or collaborative projects with other departments and external partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally require a relevant bachelor's degree with honours or a postgraduate diploma in music, music technology, creative arts or a closely related field. Applicants with substantial professional experience and an equivalent portfolio of work may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Academic background – an undergraduate degree with a substantial component of music or creative practice, or a recognised postgraduate qualification.
• Portfolio/audition – submission of audio/video examples of recent work, scores or project documentation that demonstrate technical and creative competence relevant to the proposed project.
• Research proposal – a concise outline of the proposed creative project and accompanying exegesis, including aims, methods and intended outcomes.
• References – academic or professional referees who can attest to the applicant's suitability for postgraduate study.
• English language – evidence of English proficiency where English is not the applicant's first language, in line with university requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of creative and industry-facing roles. The programme emphasises transferable skills in composition, production, project management and entrepreneurship that support diverse career paths.

• Record producer, mixing/mastering engineer
• Composer for screen, games and media
• Artist manager, A&R or label/indie business roles
• Music director, creative director or live production specialist
• Sync/licensing specialist and music publisher roles
• Freelance creative entrepreneur or founder of music startups
• Teaching and research roles in higher education or community arts organisations

Why study at Massey University

Massey has a long-established commitment to practice-led creative programmes and strong links with the New Zealand music industry. The university offers access to professional-grade studios, production facilities and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration with media, communication and business units.

Students benefit from supervision by academics and industry practitioners with active professional profiles, support for commercialisation and entrepreneurship, and flexible study pathways that can accommodate both on-campus and distance learners. The programme is designed to balance creative freedom with rigorous professional and research training, helping graduates transition into sustainable careers in contemporary music industries.