Bachelor of Music (13O)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

Hear Gianni talk about the opportunities that studying music with us opened up with local industry figures, and how great it is to be connected to Tasmania’s thriving music scene

When you think about a world without music, the silence is deafening. As old as humanity itself, music is indispensable for communication, entertainment, wellbeing and imagination. It is the soundtrack to our lives, whether streaming content, playing video games, or living through societal upheaval and cultural change, and continues to take on exciting new forms.

Studying music from our island campus of Tasmania teaches you to embrace diversity, connections and ingenuity, leading to a rewarding future in music. Your degree is built around a Music Practice major, in which you develop your individual skills in a specialisation of your choice:

  • Classical Performance
  • Jazz and Popular Music Performance
  • Composition
  • Commercial Music Creation
  • Music Technology
  • Songwriter

You also have the unique option to combine two specialisations, or two different instruments within a single specialisation, with the Dual Practice major.

Tasmania provides a unique backdrop for exploring both current and historical cultural contexts of music. Discover how place, spectacle, politics and the future borrow from and influence music, letting your interests drive the creation of new works and projects. To help you realise ideas and prepare you for the ever-changing musical landscape, you will pick up essential skills in recording, digital production, arranging, project management and an awareness of the music industry.

Go boldly into your creative future at The Hedberg

It all happens from The Hedberg - the new home of music here in Hobart. Leverage the building’s ground breaking technical capability and generous studio spaces to improve the scale and complexity of your work. Sit in on a professional multi-room recording session, discover how variable acoustics are used as a compositional tool, or explore the production workflow of a visiting producer in a masterclass.

From year one, you will take part in a vibrant public concert program across the Hedberg’s incredible venues and spaces — and outside in Tasmania’s thriving arts scene. From the Conservatorium Orchestra and Big Band, to the Experimental Music Ensemble and ARIA-award nominated Southern Gospel Choir, you can perform in a range of ensembles which celebrate the diversity of music.

Through access to exclusive creative collaborations with Fine Arts, Media, and Theatre and Performance students you will build close creative networks, test working relationships, and leverage your accomplishments to generate future opportunities. Find yourself working with Tasmania’s left-field festivals, creating scores for diverse creative projects, or soaking up inspiration together on a field trip overseas.

Students develop a broad body of knowledge about music through three suites of units. In the Music Practice suite (FCA111 Music Practice 1; FCA112 Music Practice 2; FCA211 Music Practice 3; FCA212 Music Practice 4; FCA311 Music Practice 5; FCA312 Music Practice 6) students develop specialist music knowledge and skills in relation to their individual practice, and contextualise this in relation to music and cultural histories and technological and industry changes. There is a clear progression in conceptual and technical skill building within this suite, where strict pre-requisites ensure that students are at an appropriate level to succeed as they move through the sequence of units. Students engage in performance/production assessment tasks that mirror disciplinary/industry practices.

In the Tools and Techniques suite (FCA1XX Tools, Techniques and Sound; FCA1XX Tools, Techniques and Digital Audio; FCA2XX Arranging and Music Creation) students develop and apply theoretical knowledge and digital literacies. Making these units core ensures that all students have the digital literacies required within the discipline as well as generally to progress in their studies and apply in industry settings.

In the Music and suite (FCx1xx Music and Place, FCx1xx Music and Spectacle, FCx2xx Music and Politics, FCx2xx Music and the Future) students develop and apply contextual and conceptual knowledge of music through the thematic frames specified in the unit titles. Students develop a tool kit of communication skills, where scaffolded tasks build confidence with writing and oral presentations and familiarity with the conventions of academic writing as well as writing for other specialist and non-specialist audiences.

In FCI303 Music Capstone Project, students integrate skills and knowledge from across the suites, in a self-directed project that sets a foundation for future and lifelong learning. In the Creative Curriculum units, students draw on their disciplinary knowledge to apply it to interdisciplinary and industry-based settings and assessments.

  • 1 Apply and adapt specialist music skills and contextual knowledge to creative and scholarly practice
  • 2 Define and resolve complex musical problems applying core theoretical, analytic and practical skills to contextual inquiry and creative outcomes
  • 3 Collaborate through performance and/or project work and interdisciplinary engagement to generate outcomes for public circulation
  • 4 Apply digital literacy, project management skills, and creative inquiry to produce distinctive creative music practice and/or music-related scholarship
  • 5 Exercise self-reflection, judgement and responsibility in developing artistic practice and individual learning, in response to diverse professional, social and/or cultural contexts.
  • All new, purpose-built facilities for collaboration, rehearsing, performing, and recording

    The Hedberg is our exciting new, state-of-the-art building that takes the University of Tasmania boldly into the creative future, giving music and creative arts students a world-class learning space and bringing students, staff, industry and community together. The site features a wide range of facilities and the latest technology to support your musical learning and performance journey, that are also utilised by multi-disciplinary researchers and the musical industry.

    As an incubator for place-based creative activity, you can realise your creative vision from forming a concept and taking it to the audience, through performance or recording. Along the way, engage with professional musicians, take part in internationally acclaimed festivals, and build a portfolio of work practice, research, partnerships and engagement.

    One-on-one tuition

    Music students experience one-on-one tuition in many streams and build strong working relationships with staff, students and industry. Be a part of Tasmanian’s intimate and internationally recognised creative community. This all occurs at the Hedberg, which provides you with access to some of the world's most cutting edge music learning spaces and technology, attracting international talent and expertise to the space.

    Learn beyond the classroom

    Studying in Tasmania, our whole Island becomes your campus. Speak with your unit coordinator about how you can gain practical experience by volunteering in research initiatives, becoming an ambassador, or taking part in a work experience program.

    Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

    Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with airfares, accommodation and other expenses.

    For more information please visit Learning Abroad.

    Become a Student Ambassador

    Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

    Work with festival and industry leaders

    Students have the opportunity to take part in internationally acclaimed festivals such as Mona Foma and Festival of Voices. Students, hear from and work with professional musicians through partnerships with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists. Many staff still play active roles in the music industry, giving students unique access to our thriving Tasmanian music scene.

    Career outcomes

    Studying at the University of Tasmania provided a very supportive environment, but there was also this healthy competition that drove you to be better. It was incredible to be part of that.

    Watch Julian's story

    Julian Black
    Bachelor of Music graduate

    The Bachelor of Music gives you the tools to create your own future confidently, immersed in creativity and innovation. These are some of the top industries and careers projected to grow in the next five years.

    • 11.9% Creative and  Performing Arts
    • 9.0% Entertainers
    • 8.0% Sound Recording and Music Publishing

    ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data to May 2019 and projections to 2024.

    Postgraduate study

    If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the course list by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.

    Course structure

    The Bachelor of Music, requires the completion of 300 credit points comprising:

    • 100 credit points of Core units
    • a 100 credit point major in Music Practice and;
    • 100 credit points of Elective units, or an optional major, such as a major in Sustainability.

    In your Core units you will complete 50 credit points at Introductory level (100) and 50 credit points at Intermediate (200) level. The units forming your core can be found in the schedule below, and the sequence you can take them in the course planner.

    A major is an area of focus in your degree. In the Bachelor of Music you will complete a major in Music Practice. Find out more at What is a Major?

    You may complete most units from across the University as an Elective, including additional units in music and the creative arts, or a major from another course.

    The University is deeply committed to building sustainable futures which is why we've made our Sustainability major readily available in most of our courses. If you want to complete this major, you'll find it under your Electives options when you go to enrol, and you can add it to your study plan yourself. To find out more about the Sustainability major, check the Bachelor of Science.

    To select a major from another area, such as from the Bachelor of Business, Fine Arts or Science, you'll need to contact a Student Advisor via U Connect. They'll guide you through adding this to your study plan, and make sure it fits with the rest of your course plan.

    For help on how to find and choose your Elective units, see What are Elective units?

    Course Planner
    If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here. Your course planner gives you a visual representation of your course and will help you plan which units to enrol in and when.

    For course planners from previous years, refer to the handbook entry for that year.

    Complete 25 credit points of Introductory units. If you are completing the Music Technology or Commercial Music Creation streams, and are commencing your course in Semester 2, you should complete FCA111 in Semester 1 of the following year, and FCA112 in Semester 2 of the following year.

    This unit focuses on your major area of musical expression and practice and accommodates a diversity of specialisations. Music Practice is central and crucial to developing the core technical and artistic skills necessary for the creation and realisation of musical…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Building on your initial introduction to the core elements of your music practice, this unit enables you to consolidate the core technical and artistic skills necessary for the creation and realisation of musical works through practical and productive engagement and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Complete 25 credit points of Intermediate units.

    This unit will challenge you to extend your music practice. From the foundation of core technical and artistic skills you have previously developed, you will explore elements of musicianship, making informed and reflective decisions about how to apply these skills…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Expanding your musicianship skills and enabling the development of the aesthetic judgement is a central focus of this unit. This is crucial for the creation and realisation of maturing musical work which you will demonstrate by focusing on communication with…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Complete 50 credit points of Advanced units, including 12.5 credit points from the Creative Curriculum.You may complete additional Creative Curriculum units in your Elective space including HEJ251 Fieldtrip in Media Industries, Practices and Cultures A.

    Continuing to extend the musicianship skills and aesthetic judgement that you are beginning to embody in this unit you will explore and innovate in the context of your developing individual artistic voice. Throughout this unit you will be required to…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will experiment in your creative work with boldness and originality and broaden and deepen your individual artistic voice while exhibiting applied contextual knowledge and self-reflection. Throughout this unit you will be required to utilise critical thinking…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this capstone unit you will develop and undertake your own self-directed project in any field of musical activity. Negotiated with and overseen by teaching staff, your tailored experience provides an exciting opportunity to bring together everything you have learned…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This work-integrated learning unit will provide you with an opportunity to be guided and supported in undertaking a public creative work. As a member of a team, you will be provided with a brief. Your team’s response will be guided…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    Responding innovatively to a client-initiated briefs is a critical part of working in the creative and cultural industries. This unit fosters collaborative, responsive interaction with internal and external partners and your peers. Introducing a range of interdisciplinary frameworks, this unit…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Note: This unit is available in your third year of study. Entry to the unit is competitive, and is subject to approval by the unit coordinator. To apply for entry into the unit and relevant grant consideration where appropriate, please…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    You will be assigned to a work placement in a government, private, or not-for-profit organisation approved by the University. As part of your internship you will, where opportunity allows, contribute to the production, publication and presentation of creative content, while…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    You will complete 100 credit points of core units consisting of 50 credit points at Introductory level and 50 credit points at Intermediate level. You should complete the Introductory level units before the Intermediate level units.

    This unit introduces you to music and cultural expression in the Australian context. You will explore the breadth and distinctiveness of Australian music, investigate and discuss a diverse range of musical works, contemporary and historical, and create your own musical…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Music festivals, films and genres such as stadium rock and contemporary circus exemplify how music and the visual combine for spectacular effect. In this unit, through the exploration of a diverse range of contemporary and historical musical works, concepts and…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This is the second of three units designed to develop key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative musician. You will engage in a variety of learning environments and activities aimed at developing…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This is the first of three units designed to establish key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative musician. You will establish essential literacies through integrated music theory and musicianship training using relevant…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This is the third unit designed to consolidate key practical and theoretical skills relating to the practice of music required for today’s creative practitioner. You will further develop essential literacies through integrated music theory and musicianship training and apply them…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit focusses on the interrelationship between music and politics by exploring aspects such as musical activism, propaganda, censorship and the underground. You will investigate the creation, reception and transmission of music from diverse styles, cultures, periods and global perspectives…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    What will it mean to be a musician in the future? How might music continue to evolve and adapt to change? How will audiences of the future access their preferred genre? Who will fund music production and consumption? Will live…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Collaborative work is integral to working in and with the creative and cultural industries. This unit encourages you to take supported creative risks and introduces you to work-integrated learning methods and practices. Students and staff will propose creative projects that…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    You will complete 100 credit points of Elective units in the Bachelor of Music.

    Entry requirements

    We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

    Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

    This course does not use ATAR as part of the assessment process.

    To be eligible for an offer, domestic applicants from all educational backgrounds must:

    • Meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience; and
    • If applying from within Tasmania, successfully complete an audition and interview in person on-campus in Hobart; or
    • If applying from interstate, successfully complete an audition by submitting a private internet link, USB, CD or DVD of your audition repertoire in lieu of a live audition in Hobart, and interview over the phone/internet.

    Learn more about the audition process in the Audition Information Guide (PDF 1.6 MB) or call 1300 363 864 or enquire online.

    We recommend pre-tertiary TASC subjects in music at the senior secondary level or equivalent, but this is not a prerequisite for admission. AMEB qualification of Grade 7 (performance) and Grade 5 (theory) may be advantageous in some specialisations, but not a prerequisite for admission.

    Special consideration

    If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

    We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

    All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

    English Language Requirements

    This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

    For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

    General Entry Requirements

    Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

    Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

    If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

    Course Specific Requirements

    All students must also successfully complete an audition by submitting a private internet link, USB, CD or DVD of your audition repertoire in lieu of a live audition in Hobart, and interview over the phone/internet. If applying from within Tasmania, you may be able to successfully complete an audition and interview in person on-campus in Hobart.

    Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $108,563 AUD*.

    Course cost based on a rate of $34,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

    Scholarships

    Domestic Students

    Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards including scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability. Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

    Find out more about Scholarships & Prizes available.

    International Students

    There are a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania.

    Find out more about International Scholarships available.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps