Undergraduate

Music Extended Major

Whether you love performing or composing, the extended major equips you with the skills for a career in the music profession.
3
Years Full Time

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

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Careers and further study

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

Career Pathways

Graduates pursue careers in the creative and performing arts, music education, the entertainment industry and associated fields. Many graduates have careers as performing musicians, either with an orchestra or ensemble, as conductors or composers, or a combination of these. Others go on to become music administrators, music or arts managers, music journalists or music teachers. Recent graduate destinations include the Australian National Academy of Music, Oxford University, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, the Royal Academy of Music and the Academy of Ancient Music.
Graduates pursue careers in the creative and performing arts, music education, the entertainment industry and associated fields. Many graduates have careers as performing musicians, either with an orchestra or ensemble, as conductors or composers, or a combination of these. Others go on to become music administrators, music or arts managers, music journalists or music teachers. Recent graduate destinations include the Australian National Academy of Music, Oxford University, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, the Royal Academy of Music and the Academy of Ancient Music.
Alumni Story

Elise Reitze-Swensen

Elise Reitze-Swensen

Music and composition graduate, Elise Reitze-Swensen is now a full-time multi-instrumentalist, composer, music producer, sound designer, music community founder, record label CEO and booking agency CEO - and still finds time to teach Electronic Music and Sound Design at UWA.

Alumni Story

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
$37,700.00
2025
$39,800.00

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).
MUSIC EXTENDED MAJOR

Admission requirements

Streams and requirements
Performance/Musicology/Studio Teaching Streams: 
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 7, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory

Composition Stream: 
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 5, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
A portfolio is also required

Creative Music Technology Stream: 
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 4, demonstrated by an audition
A background in music theory
A portfolio is also required

Book your audition

 
MUSIC EXTENDED MAJOR

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
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Audition process

Prior to the audition, you will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces. Remember to bring a copy of your music for the members of the audition panel. Given the time constraints for each audition, it is likely you will only have the opportunity to play a portion of each piece. If the members of the panel ask you to stop playing at a certain point, this does not mean the performance is going badly. Being asked to stop is not an indication of anything but a lack of time.

After the performance component of the audition, you will undertake a short aural quiz, followed by a brief discussion with the panel. They may ask about your musical experiences, what sort of music you like, and what else you intend to study. You will be able to ask questions and the members of the audition panel will answer to the best of their ability. During your audition, one of the panel members will look at your prepared portfolio. The whole audition process may take as little as 10 minutes. The length of the audition, however, is no indication of its success.

Read frequently asked questions about the audition process or book your audition here.

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 Bachelor of Music (Extended major) allows you to work with world-class musicians to develop your skills as an emerging artist. You'll have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate training in many areas, including national and international centres of music excellence, helping you become career ready for the creative arts industry.

About the course

This extended major degree provides you with a rigorous, high-quality tertiary music education and an intensive concentration in a chosen area of specialisation: performance, composition, studio teaching, musicology or creative music technology. As a well-equipped 21st century musician, you will have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate training in many areas, including national and international centres of music excellence, and prepare for a career in the creative arts.

Music Specialist Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Approximately 15 hours plus own practice and study time, rehearsals and performances
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-MUSDM
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years; 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Music Specialist Studies
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Approximately 15 hours plus own practice and study time, rehearsals and performances
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-MUSDM
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years; 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
  • Bachelor of Music

Course Structure

MUSIC AT UWA

Practical experience

UWA is the sole tertiary education partner of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and the West Australian Opera. Students have unprecedented access to artists as well as participation in side-by-side performances with these industry specialists.

Students can expect to participate in regular industry standard performances in the state’s best venues and will benefit from staff who are actively engaged in music making at the highest level.

MUSIC AT UWA
MUSIC EXTENDED MAJOR

Admission requirements

Streams and requirements
Performance/Musicology/Studio Teaching Streams: 
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 7, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory

Composition Stream: 
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 5, demonstrated by an audition
A strong background in music theory
A portfolio is also required

Creative Music Technology Stream: 
A practical requirement equivalent to AMEB Grade 4, demonstrated by an audition
A background in music theory
A portfolio is also required

Book your audition

 
MUSIC EXTENDED MAJOR

Carissa Soares

Carissa Soares