Bachelor of Music
MusB
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Music with Honours
- Master of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Music with Honours
- Master of Music
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
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 Bachelor of Music (MusB) at UC, you can choose from four specialised majors to get you closer to your career in music: Performance, Composition, Music Studies, or Creative Music Technology.
- Opportunities to perform, with over a hundred concerts hosted on campus each year
- Enjoy the unique learning spaces in our Art Centre location
- Connect with the community through internships and collaborative projects
- Combine your interests with the option to do a double major
You will need University Entrance (or equivalent) to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
Recommended preparation
The Bachelor of Music is open to all students (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 should be made to Te Kura Puoro | School of Music no later than 20 September. Early auditions begin 22 August.
Bachelor of Music – example degree structure
-
Compulsory courses
-
Major courses
-
Optional music courses
-
Courses from Music or other degrees
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.
Students who started their MusB before 2022 will follow a different structure. See the UC Calendar Archive in the year you began for your degree requirements.
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 optional 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.
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.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
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.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Compulsory courses
All students in the MusB take the following courses:
Year 1
- MUSA 100 Essentials in Music Techniques
- MUSA 101 Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 1
- MUSA 125 Music Technologies
- MUSA 132 World Music
Year 2
- MUSA 200 Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 2
- MUSA 250 Music in our Community
- One course chosen from the optional list
Year 3
At least another 45 points will also need to be chosen from optional Music courses.
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
The wide range of courses you take during your degree will set you up with skills to perform, create, and critically engage with music and the music industry.
Some career pathways could include:
- Performance and recording
- Music therapy
- Education
- Sound engineering and design
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,015 |
| 2022 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,134 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $33,600 | $29,217 |
| 2022 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $34,500 | $30,000 |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Music.
For study planning help, contact Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Toi Tangata | College of Arts.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).