Undergraduate

Music General Studies

Studying Music General Studies allows you to continue your musical journey while pursuing other fields of interest.

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

Well-rounded graduates benefit from communication, musical, analytical, written and research skills that are desirable in a wide range of professions. Some graduates pursue careers within the creative arts, while others may use the skills gained in music alongside their other area of study to pursue employment in any number of different areas.

Well-rounded graduates benefit from communication, musical, analytical, written and research skills that are desirable in a wide range of professions. Some graduates pursue careers within the creative arts, while others may use the skills gained in music alongside their other area of study to pursue employment in any number of different areas.

Career opportunities

  • Artistic Director
  • Arts Administrator or Manager
  • Journalist
  • Music Professional
  • Music Teacher*

*Postgraduate study required

Further Study

After completing the Music General Studies 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 Music General Studies 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

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

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

Annual course fee
2024
$45,800.00
2025
$48,300.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

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.
MUSIC STUDIES

Admission requirements

Perform a successful audition (required standard AMEB Grade 5 or above) and/or submit a portfolio of compositions. Applicants should also possess a background in music theory. Visit the Conservatorium of Music website for more details or book your audition here.
MUSIC STUDIES

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 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

Music prerequisites

Prerequisite subjects: Audition to demonstrate a musical background equivalent to Music 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

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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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. 

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Course details

Combine your passion for performance or composition with other fields of study. In Music General Studies, you can develop your skills in musicology and participate in practical music making, receiving expert one-on-one performance or composition tuition.

About the course

This major can be studied as a second major alongside almost any of UWA’s other majors (such as engineering, law and biomedical science). Music General Studies is a stepping stone to a variety of careers within and beyond the music profession. Studying Music General Studies allows you to continue your musical journey while pursuing other fields of interest.

Music General 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-MSTGM
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Music General 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-MSTGM
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

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Course Structure

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Popular combinations

Why study this course

  • Performance is at the heart of all study, staging more performances than any other Western Australian tertiary institution. Students can expect to participate in regular performances, and will benefit from staff who are actively engaged in music making at the highest level
  • Allows students to continue their musical journey while pursuing other areas of interest
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

You'll learn to

  • instrumental, vocal or composition technique
  • intermediate music language skills (harmony, rhythm, melody, timbre, texture, dynamic)
  • foundational knowledge of key issues relating to music such as music psychology, musical memory, practice strategies, composition and techniques
  • musicianship when performing within solo, small and/or large ensemble settings
MUSIC GENERAL STUDIES

Admission requirements

Perform a successful audition (required standard AMEB Grade 5 or above) and/or submit a portfolio of compositions. Visit the Conservatorium of Music website for more details or book your audition here.
MUSIC GENERAL STUDIES

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 bachelor's degrees.