Music in all its forms is used the world over for leisure, artistic expression, and enlightenment. The music industry is prolific globally and offers paid work to a vast array of practitioners.
The Bachelor of Music (MusB) is a specialised three-year degree for those who want to concentrate their studies on Music. The MusB provides a wide selection of practical and academic courses, and students work closely with internationally acclaimed staff and guest educators.
Why study a Bachelor of Music at UC?
- A wide selection of courses, both practical and academic.
- Nationally and internationally respected staff of performers, composers, and musicologists.
- A rich music environment is enjoyed university-wide, with over a hundred concerts performed on campus each year.
- Ōtautahi Christchurch offers additional musical opportunities within a vibrant, extended music community.
Entry requirements
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
Students with English as an additional language are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.
Entry to the MusB is open to all students (except for Performance courses – see below). However, it is strongly recommended that you have NCEA Level 2 or 3 music, or the equivalent of these.
For more details on applications for Performance, see Te Kura Puoro | School of Music website.
For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
Performance courses
Entry to Performance courses MUSA 141 Performance Major 1A and MUSA 143 Performance Non-Major 1 (instrument or voice) is limited. Places are awarded on the basis of a School of Music audition.
Applications for the Performance courses should be made to Te Kura Puoro | School of Music no later than 20 September 2020. Early auditions begin 22 August 2020.
Composition and song writing courses
For entry into MUSA 120 Song Writing 1 and MUSA 121 Notated Composition 1A, we would like to hear some of your own songs along with a description of your musical interests. Please apply to Te Kura Puoro | School of Music by 31 January 2021.
How do I plan my degree?
Please note: other majors have different requirements. For all major requirements and more information, go to the Regulations for the Bachelor of Music.
The Bachelor of Music requires a total of 360 points:
- 135 points of compulsory Music courses
- at least 120 points towards a major
- 120 points of courses in Music or from other degrees.
A minimum of 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level (60 points of which must be from Music courses).
MusB students complete a major in the degree. Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum of 120 points.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.
For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata Student Advisor (advancing students).
Double degrees
It is possible to combine a Bachelor of Music with other degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, or Bachelor of Commerce.
Subjects and courses
The Bachelor of Music is a highly flexible degree, including core courses in music production, performance, and community. Students have considerable flexibility in choosing their courses in the second and third years of the degree, from Music and other subject areas.
Students will also undertake courses from their chosen major throughout the degree.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Music majors
Students can choose from one of the following major subjects:
- Musical Culture
- New Music
- Performance
Compulsory courses
All students in the MusB take core Music courses in their first and second years.
Year 1
- MUSA 100 Essentials in Music Techniques
- MUSA 101 Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 1
- MUSA 125 Music Technologies
- MUSA 131 Songs, Symphonies and Samples: Music in a Changing World
- MUSA 150 Music in Aotearoa New Zealand
Year 2
- MUSA 200 Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 2
- MUSA 201 Harmony and Score-Reading
- MUSA 250 Music in our Community
Plus one of:
- MUSA 231 The European Concert Tradition
- MUSA 232 Musics of the World
- MUSA 233 Popular Music in Context
- MUSA 234 Contemporary Music
Optional courses
All students in the MusB must complete 120 points in additional courses from Music or other subjects at UC across their degree studies.
Including the required courses in your chosen major, at least 75 points must be at 200-level, and at least 90 points must be at 300-level (with 60 points of 300-level Music).
Additional Music courses include notated composition, songwriting, popular music genres, Kapa Haka and Māori performances, acoustics and recording techniques, chamber choir, performances, and music internships.
Note that some 100-level performance and songwriting courses are limited entry and require an application, audition, or a portfolio. See ‘Entry requirements‘ above for more information.
Further study
Postgraduate 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 Music
- Master of Arts in Music
- Master of Arts (Thesis) in Music
- Doctor of Musical Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music
Career Opportunities
Our MusB graduates are found in a wide range of occupational contexts.
UC Music graduates also work in fields such as journalism, television and radio, publishing, recording, sound engineering, music education, music therapy, and arts administration.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
Related Brochures
Tuition Fees
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Domestic
| YEAR | POINTS | INFO | FEES (NZD) |
| 2020 | 360 | This is an indicative fee – total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $32,000 (first 120 points) |
| 2021 | 360 | This is an indicative fee – total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $33,600 (first 120 points) |
International
| YEAR | POINTS | INFO | FEES (NZD) |
| 2020 | 360 | This is an indicative fee – total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $32,000 (first 120 points) |
| 2021 | 360 | This is an indicative fee – total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $33,600 (first 120 points) |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Music.
For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see the College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata.
For more general information, email [email protected] or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).