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.
- You will have plenty of opportunities to perform, with over a hundred 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.
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.
For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
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 should be made no later than 20 September. Early auditions begin 12-13 August.
Bachelor of Music – example degree structure
-
Compulsory courses
-
Major courses
-
Elective 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.
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.
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
Year 1
- MUSA100 Essentials in Music Techniques
- MUSA101 Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 1
- MUSA125 Music 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.
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 Music
- Master of Arts in Music
- Master of Arts (Thesis) in Music
- Doctor of Musical Arts
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music
- Put your skills into practice with opportunities to perform and through 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, journalists, performers, producers, music therapists, music educators, and more.
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) |
| 2024 | 120 | Indicative first year fee. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $7,535 |
| 2023 | 120 | Indicative first year fee. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $7,330 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $36,588 |
| 2023 | 120 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $35,163 |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Music.
For study planning help, contact a Student Advisor.
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Kaupeka Toi Tangata | Faculty of Arts.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).