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The Master of Philosophy (Elder Con) is a research higher degree offered at the Elder Conservatorium of Music — one of Australia's oldest and most prestigious music academies — operating within the Faculty of Arts. Unlike coursework postgraduate degrees, this MPhil is primarily research-driven, with candidates undertaking a self-directed program of study that culminates in a substantial thesis and, where applicable, a creative performance or composition portfolio. Specialisations available include Composition, Musicology, Music Education, Music Performance, Instrumental Pedagogy, and Sonic Arts, allowing candidates to pursue deeply focused inquiry within their chosen musical discipline. The program is designed for musicians and music scholars who wish to advance specialised knowledge, pioneer new artistic or academic contributions, and develop the independent research capabilities needed for a career in academia, elite performance, or arts leadership.
The course is particularly suited to graduates who already hold strong academic and/or professional credentials in music and are ready to work closely with academic supervisors on an original research question. Candidates complete a structured program that includes the development of a detailed research proposal and timeline, engagement with the broader conservatorium community, attendance at inductions, and — for those in creative practice disciplines — the preparation of original musical works or recitals integrated with scholarly writing. Employers of graduates include universities and conservatoria, state and national arts organisations, orchestras, opera companies, schools, broadcasting organisations, government arts agencies, music publishing and recording industries, and cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, libraries, and archives.
Australia's creative and cultural industries are growing, with increasing demand for highly trained music professionals who can combine deep artistic expertise with rigorous research skills. The Master of Philosophy (Elder Con) equips graduates with the rare ability to generate original knowledge in music — whether through scholarly investigation, compositional practice, performance research, or music education — making them highly competitive for senior academic, curatorial, and arts leadership roles. Australian universities, arts councils, and cultural institutions are actively seeking researchers who can engage with complex questions about music's role in society, history, and technology.
There is also a well-documented skills gap in research-trained music educators and music scholars in Australia, particularly in areas such as ethnomusicology, sonic arts, Indigenous music research, and contemporary composition. Completing an MPhil at a conservatorium of this calibre also provides a recognised pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), opening doors to academic careers both in Australia and internationally. Funding support through the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) means eligible domestic students can access tuition fee exemptions, and competitive scholarships further reduce the financial barriers of undertaking this advanced study.
Applicants to the Master of Philosophy (Elder Con) are typically required to hold an Honours degree (minimum Second Class Honours, Division A — i.e., H2A or above) or a Master's degree in Music or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution. In some cases, substantial professional experience in music combined with a relevant undergraduate qualification may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to identify and make contact with a potential academic supervisor before formally applying, as confirmation of supervisory support is generally a prerequisite for admission. A detailed research proposal outlining the intended area of investigation, research questions, methodology, and timeline is a compulsory part of the application. Depending on the specialisation, applicants may also need to submit a portfolio of original compositions, a recording or evidence of recent performance, or an example of scholarly writing.
For international applicants, English language proficiency must be demonstrated, typically via an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), or an equivalent score in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other accepted tests. The Conservatorium does not normally accept applications for fully remote candidature, though residency requirements for interstate or international candidates may be negotiated individually. Eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens may be entitled to a tuition fee exemption under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) for up to two years of full-time equivalent study.
This course may be offered in different study modes depending on the university, campus location, course structure and student type. Students should check the available delivery mode before applying, as not every study option is available at every institution.
On-campus study is the traditional mode of delivery where students attend classes, lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars at the university campus. This option may suit students who prefer face-to-face learning, access to campus facilities, networking with classmates, practical workshops, group projects and direct engagement with academic staff.
Some universities may offer programs fully online or with online subject options. Online study can be attractive for students who need flexibility due to work, family, location or other commitments. Online study may suit domestic students, working professionals or students who want to study from outside Australia.
Hybrid or blended study usually combines online learning with some on-campus classes, workshops, intensive sessions or practical components. This mode may suit students who want flexibility but still want some face-to-face interaction. The exact structure varies between institutions.
Programs in Australia may have different intake structures depending on the university. The most common intake systems are semester, trimester and block mode.
Many Australian universities follow a two-semester academic calendar. The main intakes are commonly Semester 1 (around February or March) and Semester 2 (around July). Semester-based study usually allows students to complete a set number of subjects over approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Some universities use a trimester system, which generally provides three study periods a year — around February/March, June/July and October/November. Trimester study may provide more flexibility and may help some students complete their course faster.
Some institutions may offer selected subjects or programs in block mode, where students focus on one subject at a time over a shorter, more intensive teaching period. Block mode may suit students who prefer concentrated learning or working professionals managing study around employment.
Some online or professionally focused programs may offer more frequent start dates or flexible entry points throughout the year. Students should not assume that every course has monthly or multiple intakes — availability depends on the institution, course structure and student type.
Graduates of the Master of Philosophy (Elder Con) are equipped for a wide range of careers across academia, performance, arts administration, education, and the broader creative industries in Australia. The advanced research and creative skills developed through this degree make graduates attractive to universities and conservatoria seeking music academics and researchers, to cultural institutions such as arts councils, national libraries, museums, and broadcasters, as well as to the performing arts sector, including orchestras, opera companies, and festivals. Many graduates go on to pursue a PhD and academic careers, while others leverage their expertise in music education, composition for screen and media, arts management, and policy.
Entry Level
Graduate Musician / Research Assistant
Sessional Music Tutor, Research Assistant, Graduate Composer, Community Music Facilitator, Junior Music Officer
Early Career
Music Practitioner / Coordinator
Instrumental Teacher, Music Programme Coordinator, Emerging Composer, Junior Musicologist, Arts Administration Officer, Performing Artist
Mid-Level
Music Specialist / Adviser
University Lecturer, Music Researcher, Composer (Screen and Concert), Music Curator, Sound Designer, Cultural Policy Adviser, Conservatorium Tutor
Senior Level
Senior Lecturer / Music Manager
Senior Lecturer, Music Department Head (School), Senior Music Researcher, Principal Composer, Senior Arts Administrator, Music Programme Manager
Leadership
Professor / Director / Principal
Associate Professor, Professor of Music, Conservatorium Director, Director of Artistic Programmes, Head of Composition or Musicology, Dean of Creative Arts Faculty, Principal Conductor
Salaries for music professionals in Australia vary significantly by specialisation, sector (academic, arts, education, private), and experience level.
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and boasts a world-class live music scene, Opera Australia, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and numerous arts festivals, providing MPhil music students with exceptional industry networks and performance opportunities. The city's concentration of conservatoria, arts organisations, and universities creates a vibrant research environment for music scholars.
Sydney
Sydney is home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, making it a premier destination for music research students seeking exposure to elite performance and arts management environments. The city's multicultural landscape also provides rich opportunities for ethnomusicological research and cross-cultural musical practice.
Brisbane
Brisbane's growing arts precinct, including QPAC and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, offers music researchers a dynamic and expanding professional scene, while Queensland's diverse cultural communities provide unique opportunities for ethnomusicological and community music research. The city's subtropical lifestyle and lower cost of living are attractive for research candidates focused on long-term study.
Perth
Perth is home to the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and a thriving independent music culture, offering MPhil candidates strong industry connections and a focused, less-crowded creative environment. The city's geographic isolation has fostered a distinctive local music identity, making it a compelling setting for research into Australian regional and Indigenous music traditions.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the home city of the Elder Conservatorium of Music itself, making it the most direct location for students enrolling in this specific qualification. The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is based a short walk from the Conservatorium and provides training and collaboration opportunities, while the city's internationally acclaimed arts festivals — including the Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide — create an exceptionally vibrant music research environment.
Canberra
Canberra hosts the Australian National University's School of Music and major national cultural institutions including the National Library of Australia, the National Archives, and the Australian War Memorial, giving music researchers unparalleled access to primary source collections and archival materials. The city's compact academic community also fosters close interdisciplinary collaboration between music, humanities, and social science researchers.
Before choosing a course, students should compare:
International students who want to study in Australia should also consider additional requirements before applying.
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