Bachelor of Music
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
360
Overview
Bachelor of Music
Introduction
Music features in every culture and society around the world, whether for enjoyment or to express and understand messages and ideas. The global music industry is growing and changing, and music professionals now have more career options available to them than ever before.
With a MusB, you can choose from four specialised majors to get you closer to your career in music.
Bachelor of Music
What will my study involve?
- You will have plenty of opportunities to perform, with many concerts hosted across our Ilam and Arts Centre campuses each year.
- Enjoy unique learning spaces in our Arts Centre locations.
- Connect with the community through internships and collaborative projects.
- Combine your interests with the option to do a double major.
Bachelor of Music
Entry requirements
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Recommended preparation
The Bachelor of Music is open to everyone (except for the Performance major — see below). Having some previous study or knowledge of music will be especially helpful.
Performance courses
Entry to some first-year Performance courses are limited based on an audition with an instrument or in singing.
Applications for 2025 have now closed. However, late audition applications will be considered at the discretion of UC Music. Please contact music@canterbury.ac.nz if you are wanting to submit a late application for 2025 performance study.
Please use this form to apply to audition for 2026. The form contains key information on the audition process.
Bachelor of Music
How do I plan my degree?
The Bachelor of Music requires a total of 360 points:
- 135 points of compulsory Music courses
- at least 75 points towards a major
- at least another 45 points of elective Music courses
- 105 points of courses in Music or from other degrees.
A minimum of 90 points must be at 300-level (60 points of which must be from Music courses). No more than 135 points can be at 100-level.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Music.
Double degrees
It is possible to study a Bachelor of Music alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
Bachelor of Music
Subjects and courses
The MusB has been designed to give you flexibility in choosing your courses throughout study. You will take core music courses and select additional courses from your chosen major.
Compulsory courses
Year 1
- MUSA100 Essentials in Music Techniques
- MUSA101 Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 1
- MUSA126 Sound Technologies
- MUSA132 Musics of the World
Plus complete the required 100-level courses from your chosen major. Year 2
- MUSA200 Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 2
- MUSA250 Community Music
- One course chosen from these options
Plus complete the required 200-level courses from your chosen major.
Year 3
At least another 45 points will also need to be chosen from elective Music courses.
Plus complete the required 300-level courses from your chosen major.
Music majors
Domestic
2024 tuition fee estimate: $7,535 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,987 per 120 points
International
2024 tuition fee estimate: $36,588 per 120 points
2025 tuition fee estimate: $38,015 per 120 points
Bachelor of Music
Further study
Postgraduate Music options at UC include:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Arts in Music
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Music
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Music
- Bachelor of Music with Honours
- Master of Arts in Music
- Master of Arts (Thesis) in Music
- Master of Music
- Doctor of Musical Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music
Bachelor of Music
Career ready
- Put your skills into practice through opportunities to perform and internships.
- Alongside your skills in music creation and practice, you will also gain skills in communication, teamwork, project management, and creative thinking.
- Graduates are working as composers, sound designers, performers, producers, music therapists, music educators, and more.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Example degree structure diagram
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Music.
