SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN DOCTOR OF MUSIC PROGRAMME PROSPECTUS 2024
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) was founded in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-foreign Cooperation in Running Schools upon approval by the Ministry of Education. With the mission to explore a new path for higher education that bridges China and the world, CUHK-Shenzhen inherits the educational philosophy, management model, and academic system of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It is characterized by the collegiate system, internationalization, general education, and bilingual teaching in both Chinese and English. It seeks to cultivate innovative talents with a global perspective, Chinese cultural traditions, and social responsibilities in mind.
The School of Music, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen aims to become an international, innovative, and world-leading higher education institution for music. With the goal of cultivating outstanding talents equipped with both academic and performance abilities, the school has established innovative training modes for musical talents and an international training system that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. With comprehensive and scientific programs, the school strives to provide corresponding guidance for every student who desires to further their studies in art. The school is recruiting globally and is led by world-renowned musicians and music educators. On April 29, 2021, CUHK-Shenzhen announced the appointment of Professor Xiaogang YE, a famous composer and chairman of the China Musicians Association, as the founding dean of the School of Music.
Currently, the School of Music offers undergraduate programs in music performance, musicology, music composition and theory, postgraduate program in music performance, music composition and theory, and Doctor of Music Programs in music performance, music composition and theory. In the future, the School of Music plans to offer undergraduate programs in dance performance and postgraduate programs in art management, dance performance and more. Classes are taught in both Chinese and English, and other languages such as Italian and German. The School of Music will take on the global environment, the tradition of the college system, the holistic education and the student-oriented education philosophy of the University and broaden the global perspective of students through a modern university management system and internationally recognized academic standards and teaching models.
The School of Music is located in the International University Park in Longgang District, Shenzhen, adjacent to the current campus of CUHK-Shenzhen. The total site area is about 73,800 square meters, the total construction area is about 129,700 square meters, and the total investment is about 1.59 billion yuan. The campus is currently under construction as scheduled, which is expected to be delivered by December, 2024 and to be put into operation in 2025.
The School of Music is based in Shenzhen, in line with the demand for outstanding musical talents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, drawing on the successful experience of the CUHK-Shenzhen, and the advanced educational philosophy of top universities from home and abroad. Experts and professors from home and abroad have provided guidance and assistance to its planning and development. The School greatly contributes to the development of higher education in the field of music, promotes resource sharing and talent exchange in the field of art and culture of the Greater Bay Area, and cultivates world-class musical talents that integrate Chinese and Western musical cultures.
Student who fulfill all degree and graduation requirements (GAP requirement, etc.) will receive a Doctor of Music degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Ⅰ. Application Instructions
Applicants for the 2024 Doctor of Music Programme in Music Performance and the 2024 Doctor of Music Programme in Music Composition and Theory are required to apply online via https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/.
For detailed information, kindly refer to Annex I titled SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2024 DOCTOR OF MUSIC MAJOR INFORMATION, Annex II titled SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2024 DOCTOR OF MUSIC ENTRY REQUIREMENT, and Annex III titled SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2024 DOCTORAL SUPERVISOR INFORMATION.
Ⅱ. Application Requirements
1. Academic degree: The applicant shall have a Master's degree obtained from a recognized university.
2. Language Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
i. Achieved scores in the following English Language tests as indicated:
- TOEFL: at least 517 (Paper-based)/67 (Internet-based/Home Edition);
- IELTS (Academic): at least 6.0 (Test Centre based/Online); or
ii. Obtained a degree from a university in Hong Konga or taken a degree programme of which the medium of instruction was English; or
iii. Obtained a pass grade in English in one of the following examinations:
- Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (AS Level);
- Hong Kong Higher Level Examination;
- CUHK Matriculation Examination;
- General Certificate of Education Examination (GCE) Advanced Level (A-Level)/Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-Level); or
iv. Achieved Level 4 or above in the English Language subject of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination; or
v. Obtained a recognized professional qualification, provided that the examination was conducted in English.
Notes:
a. This is based on the understanding that English is the medium of instruction of degree programmes offered by universities in Hong Kong. Moreover, graduates from universities in Hong Kong should have fulfilled the English language requirements of the institution concerned when they were admitted to the degree programmes. The CUHKSZ Graduate School may request applicants to provide additional supporting documents to prove their English proficiency.
*All language test scores must be valid and issued by their respective organizations, and should be submitted before August 18, 2024.
III. Application Materials
Applicants need to submit the following materials through this link: https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/
1. General Materials
- Application Form: Automatically generated and obtainable from the online application system. After signing, upload the scanned copy to the same system.
- Recommendation Letters: At least two letters of recommendation from professors (or specialists with equivalent professional title) in the discipline and major for which you are applying. Referees will receive links via email to upload their signed letters.
Note: The recommendation letter template for the Vocal/Opera (Bel Canto) major, please refer to Annex IV.
- Identification: An Identity card or other official documents.
- Language Score Sheet: Scanned copy of original official language test report.
- Official Transcript(s): Scanned copy of original official transcripts (with a complete record of courses attended and examination results) and grading scheme of all tertiary level studies.
- Degree Certificates: A copy of the Master’s Degree Certificate, Graduation Certificate, or Student Status Certificate, stamped by the Registrar's Office or respective school.
- Curriculum Vitae: Complete in both English and Chinese.
- Personal Statement: Submit a personal statement explaining your motivations for pursuing graduate work, research interests, and future career aspirations. Complete in both English and Chinese.
- Repertoire Form: Complete in both English and Chinese if applying for the Doctor of Music Programme in Music Performance. Please refer to Annex II SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2024 DOCTOR OF MUSIC ENTRY REQUIREMENT for repertoire requirements.
- Music Competition Awards Proof: If available.
- Additional Documents: Applicants might be asked to provide further supporting materials.
2. Programme-Specific Requirements
Vocal/Opera (Bel Canto)
i. Fresh graduate with a master's degree: Partial master's thesis or research proposal available during the registration phase. Such candidates must graduate or obtain a master's degree no later than before the enrollment date. Otherwise, the admission qualification will be invalid.
Graduates from previous years with a master's degree: Provide a master's thesis and the decision of the defense committee.
Note: The graduates of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen are exempt from submitting the aforementioned materials.
ii. Artistic portfolio materials
- Research Achievements Category: Includes materials such as published papers, publications, audiovisual releases, and research project etc.
- Practical Achievements Category: Submission of personal representative stage performance video materials (not less than 30 minutes), all video materials must be recorded after January 1, 2021.
- Personal awards can be provided as references.
Note: For the Research Achievements and Practical Achievements categories, a maximum of five scanned copies of supporting documents and video materials that best represent one's artistic achievements can be submitted. Applicants from cross-major orientations are not acceptable in this major direction, except for the Music Education major with a specialization in Vocal.
Piano
i. A proposal letter written in English which includes their intended research field during the studying.
ii. Prescreening videos. The total duration should be no less than 30 minutes. Please refer to Annex II titled "School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2024 Doctor of Music Entry Requirement" for repertoire requirements.
iii. Non-mandatory but welcomed: Essay/Paper written in English providing good writing and research skills. It could be a previous one if available.
Note: Applicants from cross-major orientations are not acceptable in this major direction.
Conducting (Orchestral Conducting)
Conducting Video: Applicants are required to submit an approximately 10-minute video of a live orchestra conductor (performances or rehearsals), ensuring that the video quality is clearly visible and the audio quality is good.
Music Composition and Theory
If applying for the Doctor of Music Programme in Music Composition and Theory, applicants must submit three original compositions. These include two chamber music works (composed of three or more instruments, both Chinese and foreign instruments are acceptable) and one orchestral or ethnic orchestral work. The duration of each work must not be less than six minutes. The scores for these three compositions should be uploaded as PDFs.
Note:
For the aforementioned application materials, specifically text-based materials such as publications, projects, research plans, music scores, and the like that do not have a designated upload interface, the originals must be scanned and uploaded in PDF format within the system under Supplementary Information - Other Supporting Documents.
Video and audio application materials shall be uploaded to Baidu Cloud, with a permanently valid file link entered into the system under Supplementary Information - Other Supporting Documents. This kind of application materials shall be named as Name - Major - Doctoral Application Materials.
All of the above material must be uploaded in original copies. For information regarding the majors, refer to Annex I SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2024 DOCTOR OF MUSIC MAJOR INFORMATION. Ensure your chosen major aligns with the Repertoire Form for the audition.
Applicants must verify the authenticity and validity of their application materials. Submission of false or misleading information will lead to the application being declined, with the applicant responsible for any legal consequences.
IV. Application Procedure
How to Apply: To apply, candidates need to submit all necessary documents through the online portal. It's advised to use Google Chrome for the application. Direct link for the application is here: https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/
Note: In-person submissions will not be accepted.
Application Deadline: Ensure all application materials are submitted by the deadline. Shortlisted applicants will be notified through the email provided during application. Notification of eligibility for auditions will be sent from mus_admission@cuhk.edu.cn. Applicants are recommended to check their email regularly.
Application Timeframe: Up to 30 June 2024
Reminder: Late submissions will not be accepted
Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of CNY 300 will be charged.
V. Admission Criteria and Process
The 2024 intake for the Doctor of Music Programme at the School of Music involves a two-phase selection: first, assessing qualifications, and second, an examination encompassing a performance audition and an interview. Once the online application is completed and submitted, the qualification review will begin. If the online application isn’t fully completed, the applicant will not be considered for the qualification assessment. After this assessment, eligible candidates will undergo the examination phase and will be informed via email about their audition.
VI. Programme Details & Fees
Degree: Doctor of Music
Mode of Study: Full-time
Study Period: 3 years
Tuition Fee: CNY 115,000 per year
Housing Charges: CNY 1,200 per academic year
Credit unit requirements for graduation:
Vocal/Opera (Bel Canto): 45 units (42 units of required courses, 3 units of elective courses)
Piano: 51 units (51 units of required courses, no elective courses)
Conducting (Orchestral Conducting): 45 units (39 units of required courses, 6 units of elective courses)
Music Composition and Theory: 45 units (42 units of required courses, 3 units of elective courses)
Remark: Upon fulfilling all the requirements, graduates will be awarded a Doctor of Music degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Reach Out to Us
• Tel: (0755) 2351 6268
• Email: mus_admission@cuhk.edu.cn
• Official QQ Group: 651080513
• Websites: School of Music: http://music.cuhk.edu.cn
CUHK-Shenzhen: http://www.cuhk.edu.cn
• Address: 2001 Longxiang Boulevard, Longgang District, Shenzhen
Postal Code: 518172
Notes:
The School of Music of CUHK-Shenzhen reserves the right to the final interpretation of the prospectus.
Any special requirements or changes for other reasons will be posted on the official website of the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen, and WeChat official account. Applicants are advised to check the above websites regularly.