Undergraduate

Contemporary Popular Music

Engage with the popular music industry to develop your artistry and knowledge.

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

You'll benefit from communication, music, analytical, written, and research skills that are desirable in a wide range of professions. Upon graduating, you can either pursue a career within the creative arts, or in another field if you choose to study another degree or major alongside Contemporary and Popular Music.

You'll benefit from communication, music, analytical, written, and research skills that are desirable in a wide range of professions. Upon graduating, you can either pursue a career within the creative arts, or in another field if you choose to study another degree or major alongside Contemporary and Popular Music.

Career Opportunities

  • Musician
  • Songwriter
  • Composer
  • Performing Artist
  • Teacher*
  • Audio Engineer

*Requires postgraduate studies

Further Study

After completing the Contemporary Popular Music major, you can pursue further studies at honours level or undertake a master’s degree such as the Master of Music in one of the four specialisations: composition, musicology, performance or orchestral performance.
After completing the Contemporary Popular Music major, you can pursue further studies at honours level or undertake a master’s degree such as the Master of Music in one of the four specialisations: composition, musicology, performance or orchestral performance.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$45,800.00
2025
$48,300.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

The Contemporary Popular Music major allows you to develop your practical, entrepreneurial and networking skills by developing a collaborative portfolio, mirroring the artistic practicalities of the music industry. 

About the course

Study Contemporary Popular Music and gain experience and skills in contemporary performance and composition, songwriting and digital creativity, as well as developing your entrepreneurial and networking skills. 
Contemporary Popular Music

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-MUSCO
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Contemporary Popular Music
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-MUSCO
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

You may also be interested in these courses

Why study this course at UWA?

  • This course is a comprehensive program, developing invaluable skills across different areas
  • Engage with fast-growing industry
  • Combine this major with almost any other major across UWA, allowing you to pursue your passions and interests on stage and beyond

Find your sound with UWA's Contemporary Music courses

UWA’s Conservatorium of Music is home to WA’s first tertiary music program and has continued to unlock the full creative potential of aspiring musicians. But did you know that we also offer a range of new and exciting contemporary music courses? Whether you want to be the next big pop star or take centre stage, we have courses to help you achieve your dreams.

Learn about our contemporary courses here.

You'll learn to

  • Develop practical skills through individual and collaborative projects
  • Hone your analytical and listening skills to stay competitive in industry
  • Explore digital production techniques
  • Refine entrepreneurial and networking skills

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelors degrees.