For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.
Candidates are required to have one of the following:
- A BMus.
- A four-year honours BA in music.
- A four-year BA with a major in music.
- Or an equivalent degree or diploma.
A 75 percent (B+) average is required for the undergraduate degree or diploma. If the degree is from a conservatory, it is deemed equivalent if so indicated on the transcript, or if the total course work is equivalent, to a four-year BA, and includes the equivalent of 6 units in music history and 6 units in music theory. In addition, applicants must perform an audition or submit an example of writing from undergraduate work in music history or music theory. The choice of evaluation depends on whether the student wishes to pursue the performance stream or the musicology/theory stream. Applicants may be asked to take placement tests in music history, music theory or aural skills. If remedial work is necessary, deficiencies must be remedied by the end of the first year.
Candidates are admitted either to the MMus or the MA. A student who has successfully completed the requirements of the MMus degree may, instead of accepting the MMus, become a candidate for the MA with the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.
Collaborative Program in Feminist and Gender Studies
The School of Music is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master's level. This program has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in music by including an interdisciplinary component in Feminist and Gender Studies. The specific requirements of the collaborative program include two core courses and a thesis on a topic related to Feminist and Gender Studies. Only one of the core courses will be counted for units towards the requirements of the master's with thesis option.
Students should normally apply for admission to the Feminist and Gender Studies collaborative program at the same time as they apply for admission to the master's program in music. Only one application for admission is required for the collaborative master’s program. In exceptional cases, students could commence their specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies in their second term of their primary program.
To be accepted in the collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master's level, applicants must first be accepted to the master's program in a participating program. Successful applicants will normally hold an honours degree or the equivalent and have a minimum average of 70 per cent (B). They must also have a background in Feminist and Gender Studies, that is, a minimum of two undergraduate level courses or one graduate level course on women, gender, feminism or sexualities. Students who do not have an adequate background may be eligible to our Special Policy for Admissions.
The letter of intention submitted with the application should include a clear account of the “Feminist and Gender Studies” dimension in the proposed topic of research.
If you’re applying for an English-language program and have not completed at least three years of full-time study in an institution where English is the only language of instruction (aside from in language courses) in a country where English is an official language, you must submit your official score in one of the following language tests. The official results must be sent directly to us online from the test centre.
In order to be considered for a program offered in English at the University of Ottawa, you must demonstrate that you are sufficiently proficient in the language to follow a postsecondary academic program. Please note that citizenship is not considered when evaluating English proficiency. To show that your English proficiency is at the academic level required for university studies, provide proof of either:
- Postsecondary studies in English; or
- Last three years of high school taken in English (Grades 10, 11 or 12)
Remember: Language requirements are not based on citizenship. They are based on your country of study.