Monash University Arts Graduate Handbook, 1997

Students may choose to specialise in (i) research or (ii) composition. On completion of the research option, students should have acquired:

advanced research skills in music;
a greater knowledge, understanding and competence in musicology or ethnomusicology;
a greater ability to communicate their research effectively via oral and written skills;
a greater understanding of and critical reflection of the role of music and musicians in society.

On completion of the composition option, students should have developed:

advanced skills in music composition;
a high standard of compositional skill through examination of the processes of music-making, training in compositional craft, and performance/improvisation;
associated research and development skills at both a theoretical and practical level appropriate to postgraduate study;
a greater understanding of the cultural context of music composition.