The School of Music of 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 and graduate programmes in music performance, musicology, and 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 133,500 square meters, and the total investment is about 1.63 billion yuan. The campus includes the Academic Office Building, Performing Arts Center, Music Teaching Building, Music Practice Complex, Eighth College, Student Development Center, and Staff Residence.

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.

I. Application Instructions

Applicants for the 2026 M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Musicology programme (specializing in Historical Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Applied Musicology) 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 2026 M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Musicology Concentrations Information”, Annex II titled “School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2026 M.Phil.-Ph.D. in Musicology Supervisor Information”.

II. Application Requirements

1. Academic degree:

For the Master of Philosophy stream under the “M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes”, the applicant shall have:

i. Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor’s degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or

ii. Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor’s degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than “B”.

For the Doctor of Philosophy stream under the “M.Phil.-Ph.D. Programmes”, the applicant shall have:

i. A Master’s degree holder from a recognised university; or

ii. Graduated from a recognized university and obtained a Bachelor’s degree, normally with honours not lower than Second Class; or

iii. Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor’s degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than “B”.

2. English Language Requirements (Applicants must meet one of the following requirements)

i. Obtained a degree from a university in Hong Kong^a or taken a degree programme of which the medium of instruction was English; or

ii. Achieved scores in the following English Language tests^b as indicated:

    - TOEFL: 550 (Paper-based)/79 (Internet-based/Home Edition);

    - IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (Test Centre based/Online);

    - GMAT: Band 21 (Verbal)^c;

    - GMAT Focus Edition: Band 78 (Verbal).

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.

b. TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date. GMAT scores are considered valid for five years from the test date.

c. GMAT (Verbal) scores at or above the threshold value of 21 will be kept until the score validity phases out.

All language test scores must be valid and issued by their respective organizations. Applicants are advised to provide proof of a passing language score when submitting their applications. The final submission deadline will be specified in the official Offer of Admission.

III. Application Materials

Applicants need to submit the following materials through this link: https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/

i. General Materials

*● Application Form: Automatically generated and obtainable from the online application system. After signing, upload the scanned copy to the same system.

*● 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. The Chinese transcript needs to be translated into English.

*● Degree Certificates: Scanned copy of original official Bachelor’s Degree Certificate or Master’s Degree Certificate, Graduation Certificate, or Student Status Certificate, stamped by the Registrar’s Office or respective school.

-Including Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate and Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate, or Certificate of Authentication for Foreign Academic Degrees and Qualifications issued by the Ministry of Education Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CDGDC).

 ● Language Score Sheet: A language score report/certificate that meets the admission requirements, showing that you have fulfilled the corresponding English language proficiency requirement (upload the scanned copy). Priority will be given to applicants who have met the language requirements.

 ●Recommendation Letters: Applicants must submit two English recommendation letters from professors (or specialists with equivalent professional title) in the professional field.

(Please note that an automatic email will be sent to the referee when you complete the information online. The referee can respond directly to this email for the recommendation.)

*●Curriculum Vitae: Complete in both English and Chinese. 

*●Identification: An Identity card for Chinese applicants or other official documents for international applicants.

ii. *Application materials for the first-round examination

(1) For applicants pursuing a master’s degree

1. Research (or Project) Proposal (in English and also in Chinese for the students from Mainland China).

o Applicants for the Master’s programmes in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology shall submit a research proposal outlining their chosen topic for the Master’s degree, research objectives, methodology, and current conditions available.

o Applicants for the Master’s programme in Applied Musicology shall submit a project proposal detailing the practical research direction, project objectives, methodology, and current conditions available relevant to their Master’s studies.

2. Academic thesis (Chinese thesis should be supplemented with an English abstract of not less than 1,000 words)

(2) For applicants pursuing a doctoral degree

1. Research Proposal (in English and also in Chinese for the students from Mainland China), explaining the chosen topic for the doctoral degree, research objectives, methodology, and the current conditions available.

2. Academic thesis (Chinese thesis should be supplemented with an English abstract of not less than 1,500 words)

3. Master’s degree applicants pursuing a doctoral degree are also required to submit two academic research papers (Academic papers published in influential journals will be given priority consideration).

4. If necessary, applicants may be asked to submit additional information or supporting documents.

Notes:

(1) Applicants cannot apply for both master’s and doctoral programs simultaneously, each major concentration may only be applied for once.

(2) Please scan the original copies of application materials into PDF format and upload them to the corresponding ports in the system:

· Research Proposal: Upload to “Research Proposal” in the online application system.

· Academic thesis: Upload to “Additional Relevant Information - Paper” in the online application system.

Other application materials can be uploaded to “Additional Relevant Information - Professional Qualifications” in the online application system.

(3) Graduates of the Musicology programme at the School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen need only submit a research proposal.

For the major Direction, please refer to Annex I, “School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2026 M.Phil. - Ph.D. in Musicology Concentrations Information”.

Application materials marked with an asterisk need to be submitted by the closing date of the application on 12 January 2026. Applicants should fill in their personal application information accurately as required and provide complete application materials. The application information cannot be amended after submission. Applicants shall bear the consequences caused by unidentifiable or incomplete materials. Please check the information carefully and submit materials cautiously.

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:

Application Timeframe: Up to 12 January 2026

Reminder: Late submissions will not be accepted

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of CNY 600 will be charged.

V. Qualification Review and Professional Examination Process

1. Qualification Review

After the application deadline, the school will conduct a qualification review of all received applications.

2. Professional Examination

The examination is divided into two rounds: the first-round (Pre-screening) and the second-round (On-site Interview).

· First-Round (Pre-screening):
The school will evaluate the application materials for the first-round examination submitted by applicants who pass the qualification review. Applicants who pass the first-round will be invited to participate in the second-round.

· Second-Round (On-site Interview):
The panel will comprehensively assess the applicant’s professional level, musical literacy, and other qualifications. The interview will be conducted in English in a Q&A format, requiring applicants to possess English communication skills. The interview content will include, but is not limited to, the applicant’s resume, submitted research proposal, knowledge in the relevant field of musicology, and future research plans. The specific interview time of the second-round will be notified to eligible applicants via email (sent from muspg@cuhk.edu.cn).

VI. Programme Details & Fees

1. Duration of Studies

Degree	Study Mode	Concentration	Maximum Pre-Candidacy Period	Normative Period	Maximum Period
M.Phil.	Full-time	• Historical Musicology • Ethnomusicology • Applied Musicology	N/A	24 months	48 months
Ph.D. (entering with a research master’s degree)	Full-time	• Historical Musicology • Ethnomusicology	24 months i	48 months	72 months
Ph.D. (entering without a research master’s degree)			36 months ii	60 months	84 months
i. Students have a maximum of 24 months to pass the candidacy requirement counted from first entry. A student who fails to pass the candidacy requirement within 24 months is allowed to switch to M.Phil. study, subject to final approval. ii. Students have a maximum of 36 months to pass the candidacy requirement counted from first entry. A student who fails to pass the candidacy requirement within 36 months is allowed to switch to M.Phil. study, subject to final approval.

Notes:

· A Research Master’s degree is regarded as equivalent to an Academic Master’s degree.

· Applicants who hold a Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply for Ph.D. study.

· It is recommended that students without a research master’s degree, including those entering with a bachelor’s degree, complete the candidacy examination within 24 months.

 

2. Units Required for Graduation

Degree	Major Required	Major Elective	Seminar	Thesis Research
M.Phil.	10	8	6	24
Ph.D. (entering with a research master’s degree)	Pre-Candidacy Period
	11	16	6	24
	Post-Candidacy Period
	/	/	/	48
Ph.D. (entering without a research master’s degree)	Pre-Candidacy Period
	11	16	6	36
	Post-Candidacy Period
	/	/	/	48

Remark: The specific course schedule and credit requirements are subject to the final course offering.

 

3. Fees & Degree Conferment

Tuition & Accommodation Fees: https://www.cuhk.edu.cn/zh-hans/page/8803

Degree Conferment: Upon fulfilling all the requirements, graduates will be conferred with a Master of Philosophy degree or Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

 

VII. Reach Out to Us

· Phone: (0755) 2351 6268

· Email: muspg@cuhk.edu.cn

· Official QQ Group: 838907233

· 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:

1. The School of Music of CUHK-Shenzhen reserves the right to the final interpretation of the prospectus.

2. 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.