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 of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (also known as Shenzhen Conservatory of Music (provisional)) is one of the ‘Ten Major Cultural Facilities in the New Era’ planned and built by the Shenzhen Municipal Government. To equip students with academic excellence and performance competency, the School adopts an innovative training approach adhering to the tradition of the collegiate system and prioritizing students’ individuality. The School brings in world-famous faculty members of international standards to nurture students’ artistry on the highest level.

In April 2021, CUHK-Shenzhen announced the appointment of Prof. Xiaogang YE, an internationally acclaimed composer and chairman of the China Musicians Association, as the Founding Dean of the School of Music. Now, the School’s faculty member includes Prof. Xiaogang YE, Prof. Wing-Wah CHAN, Prof. Ping JIN, Prof. Liping ZHANG, Prof. Fang YUAN, Prof. Vera TSU Weiling, Prof. Krzysztof JABLONSKI, Prof. Yongyan HU, Prof. Daye LIN, Prof. Yijie SHI, Prof. Ni FU, Prof. Le YU, Prof. Huiling ZHU, Prof. Songhu LIU, and Prof. Yang SHEN, and more.

I. Application Instructions

The 2023 MA Programme in Music Composition and Theory requires the applicant to apply online at https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/. 

Please refer to Annex I, "School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2023 Master of Arts in Music Composition and Theory" and Annex II, "School of Music, CUHK-Shenzhen 2023 Master of Arts in Music Composition and Theory Entry Requirement" for detailed information.

II. Application Requirements

1. Academic degree: 

Graduated from an honours programme of a recognized university with a Bachelor's degree, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B". Applicants who obtained their Bachelor’s degree overseas must submit the Overseas Academic Evaluation Report issued by CSCSE.

2. Language Requirements (meet one of the following requirements): 

i.    TOEFL-iBT: Overall 67

ii.   TOEFL-iBT Home Edition: Overall 67

iii.   IELTS (Academic): Overall 6.0

iv.   IELTS Indicator: Overall 6.0

v.    IELTS Online: Overall 6.0

vi.   You have earned a bachelor’s degree in Hong Kong or from an accredited institution in which English is the language of instruction.

All the above results must be valid from the respective language testing organizations and must be submitted before registration. Otherwise, applicants will not be able to register.

III. Application Procedure:

1. Application Materials

Applicants are required to submit the following materials at https://pgapply.cuhk.edu.cn/:

• Application form (automatically generated from the online application system): Please sign and then upload the scanned copy of the application form to the online application system).
• The official transcript (stamped by the Registrar's Office or Archives) lists the classes taken and the grades. Please round the GPA to two decimal places.
• Official certificate of bachelor's degree and graduate diploma (CSCSE Overseas Academic Credential Evaluation Report is necessary for those with diplomas awarded by universities abroad), or proof of enrollment.
• Original score report (showing the applicant meets the English Language Proficiency Requirements).
• Two recommendation letters (links will be sent through emails to the applicant’s referees, who then could upload their signed recommendation letters through the links).
• CV and personal statement (in both English and Chinese).
• Identity card (for Chinese applicants) or other official documents (for overseas applicants).
• Proof of awards in music competitions (if applicable).
• Two music pieces (incl. at least one orchestral work or chamber music work) composed by the applicant with Chinese or foreign instruments shall be submitted via PDF, all of which must be greater than five minutes.
• If needed, supplementary or supporting documents may be asked from the applicants.

Notes: All the above materials must be uploaded as scanned copies. Scores of two original music works shall be uploaded to the system in PDF format: Supplementary information- other supporting files. 

Applicants must ensure that the application material is authentic and valid. If the submitted material is false or inaccurate in any parts, the application will be rejected, and the applicant shall bear any legal liability arising from it.

2. How to Apply

Applicants must submit all required materials via the online application system (Please use the Google Chrome browser). Please apply online; on-site registration will not be accepted. 

3. Application Deadline

Applicants should submit their application documents by 6 June 2023. Shortlisted applicants will receive emails at the email addresses they provided in their applications. Notification of eligibility for auditions will be sent from mus_admission@cuhk.edu.cn. Applicants are recommended to check their email regularly.

Note: Applicants must apply by the deadline, as late applications will not be accepted.

4. Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of CNY 300 will be charged.

IV. Qualification and admission method

The admission process to the 2023 Master of Arts in Music Composition and Theory consists of three stages: the qualification evaluation, the performance audition, and the interview. 

The qualification evaluation starts after the complete application has been submitted successfully online. Otherwise, the applicants will not be reviewed for qualification evaluation. The school will hold the audition and interview for qualified applicants after the qualification evaluation and notify eligible applicants by email for their audition information.

1. The examination

The examination will comprehensively assess the applicant's artistry and musicianship. The examination time and venue information will be sent by email to the applicants.

Detailed information of the examination: Please refer to Annex Ⅱ.

2. The interview

Details and times of the interview will be sent by email to the applicants.

V. Duration of Study, Tuition Fee, and Degree-Awarding

Master of Arts Programme in Music Composition and Theory

Duration of study: 2 years 

Enrollment Status: Full-time

Tuition Fee: CNY 120,000 / Academic Year

Accommodation Fee: CNY 1200 / Academic Year

Credit Requirement for Graduation: 36 units (compulsory courses: 27 units; elective courses: 9 units)

Students who complete all graduation requirements will receive a Master of Arts degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

VI. Contact us 

Landline: (0755) 2351 6266

Email: mus_admission@cuhk.edu.cn

Website | School of Music: http://music.cuhk.edu.cn

Website | CUHK-Shenzhen: http://www.cuhk.edu.cn

Address: 2001 Longxiang Boulevard, Longgang District, Shenzhen

Zip Code: 518172

Note: 

1. 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's official account. Applicants are advised to check the above websites regularly.

Annex Ⅰ: SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2023 MASTER OF ARTS IN MUSIC COMPOSITION AND THEORY INFORMATION

Annex Ⅱ: SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CUHK-SHENZHEN 2023 MASTER OF ARTS IN MUSIC COMPOSITION AND THEORY ENTRY REQUIREMENT