Overview

Features

Although the concentrations reflect recognized professional boundaries, the faculty as a whole embraces the spirit of interdisciplinary research and is actively engaged in diverse modes of scholarly inquiry.
Our Music research postgraduate students The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in addition to formal courses, have many other opportunities to become exposed to the latest academic research in music.
The department research forum series offers a platform for faculty and PhD students to present their work in progress, and the colloquium series features guest lectures by international scholars on a regular basis.
Faculty- and University-wide interdisciplinary lectures, forums and conferences, and exchange opportunities are also available.

Programme Structure

Fields of specialization available include:

Ethnomusicology: the composition division emphasizes traditional Western musical training, and offers many collaborative and performance opportunities both locally and internationally to its students
Historical Musicology: interdisciplinary work bridges the fields of anthropology, musicology, popular music studies, sound studies, cultural studies, and performance studies
Theory: offers training in research and analytical methodologies, and familiarizes students with the state of research within the field

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

18 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR)

Disciplines

Music View 3 other PhDs in Music in Hong Kong (SAR)

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

79

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Ethnomusicology:

Applicants should have majored in ethnomusicology, musicology, anthropology, or another related field.
All Ethnomusicology students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in Chinese and English.

Historical Musicology:

Applicants should have majored in musicology or another related field.
Ability to use a language other than Chinese and English, for research purposes, is required for all Historical Musicology students.

Theory:

Applicants should have majored in music theory, musicology, or another related field.

Applicants should submit:

a curriculum vitae;
a copy of Master’s thesis and/or other research papers and publications;
a research proposal written in English (3,000 - 4,000 words)
bibliography; and
attend an interview (shortlisted applicants).a

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and/or in Hong Kong (SAR), please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

47000 HKD / year

≈ 47000 HKD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

47000 HKD / year

≈ 47000 HKD / year

Living costs

Hong Kong

Hong Kong (SAR)

13720 - 23419 HKD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.