Overview 2023
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- CRICOS: 030422G
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
The degree is for highly gifted musicians who seek to continue musical studies beyond the undergraduate level. The purpose of the year is to allow students to immerse themselves in one area of specialisation and determine, through the year of study, the musical future they wish to pursue. Upon completion of Honours successful students interested in pursuing a higher research degree may apply to Master or PhD study or, for practitioners keen to perfect skills and artistry, a two-year coursework Masters of Music program.
Course objectives
The program emphasises the need for a spirit of excellence and a strong sense of independent inquiry. The Bachelor of Music with Honours aims to increase students' breadth of knowledge, and to foster greater capacity to engage in academic and practical excellence. The degree provides time and opportunity for highly gifted musicians who seek to continue musical studies beyond the undergraduate level. The course of study undertaken encourages musicians with the potential to pursue high-level performance or scholarly careers to immerse themselves in one specialisation and determine, through the year of study, the musical future they wish to pursue.
Learning Outcomes
Practical experience
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 Student Exchange.
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 placement
The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.
Career outcomes
It (the University of Tasmania) was 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.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Music with Honours are engaged at all levels of the music profession, both in Australia and overseas. They enjoy successful careers as performers, composers, conductors, teachers and administrators, or may be involved in broadcasting, journalism or as music critics.
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
In the Bachelor of Music with Honours you will complete 100 credit points comprising;
- 12.5 credit points of Core units
- 37.5 credit points of Core option units
- a 50 credit point research thesis or a 50 credit point creative project and exegesis.
In your final semester, you will need to enrol in XSB400 which will record your final overall Honours result. This unit is administrative only and does not have classes or assessments.
Coursework
Core
This unit provides you with ideas, knowledge, and skills for research practice across a broad range of disciplines in creative arts and media. You will become familiar with research resources, diverse methodological approaches, research governance, and various means of interpreting…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for FSX401 Creative Arts and Media Research Methods
Core Option
You will identify the creative practice skills needed to extend your Honours research project. This unit provides a mechanism to extend your existing ability beyond what has previously been possible. You will design, a project including a process for skill…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
You will identify the creative practice skills needed to extend your Honours research project. This unit provides a mechanism to extend your existing ability beyond what has previously been possible. You will design, a project including a process for skill…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
You will explore relevant issues and topics such as ethics, consent, moral rights, copyright, sustainability, cultural policy and artificial intelligence as they relate to practice and research in Creative Arts and Media. You will learn how to communicate discussion of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for FSX406 Topics in Creative Arts and Media
Digital media, including social media platforms, play an increasing role in the contemporary media landscape. This unit provides you with a strong foundation for understanding the function of digital media in the contemporary media landscape. It will develop your knowledge…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
Recent global events and a dynamic media landscape have highlighted the importance of public relations (PR) practitioners as a central component of contemporary strategic communications practice. This unit will develop your understanding of historical, theoretical, and practical approaches to public…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
The ability to strategically communicate is a skill required in many industries and sectors. In this unit, you are introduced to a variety of media platforms and approaches to provide a strong foundation for participation in the media and communication…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Term 1 | ||||
View all details for HEJ511 Introduction to Strategic Communication
In Tasmania, our vibrant arts and cultural calendar includes MOFO and Dark MOFO, Ten Days on the Island, and Beaker Street. In this unit, you will learn about the role of festivals, open days, street fairs and other events in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Winter school | ||||
| Online | Winter school | ||||
Science communication has an increasingly vital role to play in a modern, global society. The growing awareness of the threat of climate change, along with the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, has highlighted the importance of the effective communication of science.…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Term 3 | ||||
| Online | Term 3 | ||||
This unit equips you with the skills to produce content and tell stories across a range of media. A variety of digital tools, delivery options and conceptual approaches will be explored as you design, research and produce their content. Academic…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
What is the story of your research? Who is your audience, and how can you attract and persuade them to engage with your research? This unit focuses on communicating research to diverse audiences, and how researchers can contribute to scholarly…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
Research or Creative Project
Administrative unit to be used for recording Honours grades and marks…
Credit Points: 0
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Hobart | Summer school | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Summer school (early) | ||||
Research thesis
The honours thesis is a 12,000–15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
The honours thesis is a 12,000–15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
The honours thesis is a 12,000–15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
The honours thesis is a 15,000 word research project on a topic of the student’s choice which has been approved by the Honours coordinator. The supervision of the project involves (where applicable) the gaining of ethics approval, and regular meetings…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
Creative project and exegesis
In this unit you will concentrate on developing a practice-based research project of a speculative and individual nature. Experimentation is encouraged, as is a firm commitment to the articulation of enquiries in written, verbal and visual form, and its integration…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for FSX404 Creative Arts and Media Honours Thesis A
In this unit you will concentrate on developing a practice-based research project of a speculative and individual nature.Experimentation is encouraged, as is a firm commitment to the articulation of enquiries in written, verbaland visual form, and its integration into creative…
Credit Points: 25
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for FSX405 Creative Arts and Media Honours Thesis B
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
Admission to the Bachelor of Music with Honours requires:
- Successful completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree with a major in music with a Distinction (70%) average at the University of Tasmania or another approved tertiary institution, or equivalent industry experience
- submission of a project proposal which can be supported by appropriate academic supervision, and
- an audition and interview
Application requirements
Applicants are required to attend an audition and interview. Overseas or interstate applicants may submit a certified DVD, CD or private internet link of a recorded recent performance or portfolio materials.
Instrumental and vocal applicants should prepare a program of approximately 15 minutes duration, comprising three works of contrasting style. Composition, songwriter, commercial music creation and music technology applicants should present a portfolio of at least three works, including quality recordings of the best performances or realisations of their work.
When do auditions occur?
For Semester 1 (February) entry:
First round occurs between mid-November through mid-December.
Second round occurs between late-January through mid-February.
For Semester 2 (July) entry:
First (and only) round occurs throughout May.
Download the Conservatorium of Music Audition Information Guide (PDF 1.6MB) for more information about audition requirements.
Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about how to prepare for your audition.
For International students
Admission to Honours courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects and the English language requirements to be eligible for an offer. Admission is conditional on research project and supervisor availability.
English Language Requirements
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.
Course Specific Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Music with Honours requires:
- Successful completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree with a major in music with a Distinction (70%) average at the University of Tasmania or another approved tertiary institution, or equivalent industry experience, and
- submission of a project proposal which can be supported by appropriate academic supervision, and
- an audition and interview
Application requirements
Applicants are required to attend an audition and interview. Overseas or interstate applicants may submit a certified DVD, CD or private internet link of a recorded recent performance or portfolio materials.
Instrumental and vocal applicants should prepare a program of approximately 15 minutes duration, comprising three works of contrasting style. Composition, songwriter, commercial music creation and music technology applicants should present a portfolio of at least three works, including quality recordings of the best performances or realisations of their work.
Download the Conservatorium of Music Audition Information Guide (PDF 1.6MB) for more information about audition requirements.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
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 contributionStudent 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 informationDetailed 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
2023 Total Course Fee (international students): $33,450 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $33,450 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
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries