Research in the area of performance takes place through a series of recitals, recordings and broadcasts. The research in performance is centrally related to an exegesis of 10,000 words (MMus) and 20,000 words (PhD) which investigates some key element of performance or performance practice. The research degrees in performance are wholly externally assessed by two examiners one of which is from within Australasia and another from outside Australasia.

Music Composition research is undertaken through the preparation of a folio of works and recordings of the performances of those works. This folio is accompanied by an exegesis of 10,000 words (MMus) or 20,000 words (PhD) on a topic centrally germane to the works in the folio.

Research degrees are offered in the study of music history and associated areas such as the sociology of music, historical music performance practice and others. Regular seminars and research fora are offered by the school and all degrees are wholly externally examined.