Course details

Summary

UC offers individual lessons and group classes in a range of musical instruments and voice, with courses designed to give you the full experience being a part of large and small ensembles and the UC Chamber Choir.

‌Music in all its forms is used the world over as a means of leisure, communication 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.

Qualification structure and duration

The Bachelor of Music requires a total of 360 points:

• about 75% must be in Music courses, including compulsory courses at 100 and 200-level
• in the first year you must take four compulsory courses (60 points) as well as courses towards your chosen major
• a minimum of 60 points must be from 300-level Music courses.

Students have considerable flexibility in choosing their courses in the second and third years of the MusB degree.

Courses

Your first year will teach you the essential basic skills such as sight-reading music and understanding rhythm and tempo, as well as working with an accompaniment and in small or large groups. You will also develop in-depth technical and performance knowledge for your specific instrument or voice.

Advanced Performance major courses will develop further musical literacy and performance techniques, including orchestral arrangement and conducting, and teaching music as a business.

Double Degrees

It is possible to combine a music degree with other degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Commerce.

Career opportunities

The Performance major equips students with years of experience in ensemble groups and extensive training in their specific instrument or voice. Students move on to a variety of career paths including: musical education and teaching at schools and universities; positions in orchestras, opera houses, choirs and other ensemble groups; as well as positions of musical leadership in communities and orchestral groups. People with strong musical talents are highly sought after by event organisers and arts businesses.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

It is strongly recommended that you have NCEA Level 2 or 3 music, or the equivalent of these.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.