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Graduate Program in Music Faculty of Graduate Studies
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Admission Requirements

Preparing your application to graduate studies at York University and/or other interested universities requires research and planning. Some students start preparing their plans for graduate studies as early as two years before they submit their applications. Consider the following information below to help guide you through a successful application process.

MA

Combined MBA and MA

PhD

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Note for International Applicants: There are currently no funded positions. Should you still wish to apply, you will be considered for a non-funded position during the duration of the program.

Important: Please be advised that our international student acceptance rate is extremely low and we may not accept international MA applications every academic year.

To be considered for admission, an applicant must be a graduate of a recognized university, normally with at least a B standing, assessed over the last two years of academic study.  Strength in musicianship, as well as knowledge of European music history, is expected of students entering the program.

In addition, applicants should have an undergraduate degree in music or a relevant major in the humanities or social sciences.  If the undergraduate degree is in a subject other than music, applicants should have at least a minor concentration in music or the equivalent in training and experience (to be determined by the program’s graduate admissions committee). Applicants without the expected academic qualifications may be asked to make up for deficiencies.

All applicants should submit:

  • a statement of intent (no less than 500 words)
  • an updated résumé (curriculum vitae)
  • three recommendation letters (preferably from faculty members who knew the applicant in an academic capacity)
  • two samples of scholarly writing (can be any written material by the applicant used for academic purpose-i.e, assignments/articles/journals/essays)
  • official sealed transcript from each postsecondary institution attended

In addition to the above documents, applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio of their work in the form of audio/visuals (av). Applicants can provide us with link(s) to the AV files on their statement of intent.

We also advise that applicants identify a potential supervisor in the Program who shares their research interests. Applicants are requested to take the time to ensure that the Graduate Program in Music has a person they would like to work with and that the sentiment is mutual. Applicants can directly reach out to the faculty members by email and express their interest in working with them.

The program accepts only those qualified applicants who are able to benefit from the faculty and facilities available.

For acceptance into the combined program, students need to meet the application requirements for both the MA in Music and the MBA as outlined by the University. Students must have/meet the following criteria:

  • 4-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Fine Arts with a minimum B+ average.
  • GMAT score that meets or exceeds the minimum score required for admission into the MBA program
  • relevant work experience within the arts or cultural industries

Students may apply for admission after successful completion of one year in either the MBA program or the Graduate Program in Music.

Important: Please be advised that our international student acceptance rate is extremely low and we may not accept international Ph.D. applications every academic year.

Applicants for admission should hold a master’s degree in music or a relevant discipline from a recognized university with a minimum B+ average.

Strength in musicianship should be minimally equivalent to that of an undergraduate major in music.  Applicants with culture-specific expertise but without the expected academic qualifications may be given special consideration and/or may be asked to make up deficiencies.

All applicants should submit:

  • a statement of intent (no less than 500 words)
  • an updated résumé (curriculum vitae)
  • three recommendation letters (preferably from faculty members who knew the applicant in an academic capacity)
  • two samples of scholarly writing (can be any written material by the applicant used for academic purpose-i.e, assignments/articles/journals/essays)
  • official sealed transcript from each post-secondary institution attended

In addition to the above documents, applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio of their work in the form of audio/visuals (av). Applicants can provide us with link(s) to the AV files on their statement of intent.

We also advise that applicants identify a potential supervisor in the Program who shares their research interests. Applicants are requested to take the time to ensure that the Graduate Program in Music has a person they would like to work with and that the sentiment is mutual. Applicants can directly reach out to the faculty members by email and express their interest in working with them.

The program accepts only those qualified applicants who are able to benefit from the faculty and facilities available.

Learn More

The Graduate Program in Music at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.

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