Undergraduate

Music Studies

Through Music Studies you have the opportunity to innovate, create, and expand your knowledge through performance, composition or musicology.
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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

Email

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Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

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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, 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 journalists, or music or arts managers.
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Career Pathways

Graduates pursue careers in the creative and performing arts, music education, 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 journalists, or music or arts managers.

Further Study

This major provides the foundation for further study options in music at honours and postgraduate levels, plus the option to pursue further study in a range of other areas such as business, law, education, medicine, science, engineering, and other areas of the arts.
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Further Study

This major provides the foundation for further study options in music at honours and postgraduate levels, plus the option to pursue further study in a range of other areas such as business, law, education, medicine, science, engineering, and other areas of the arts.
Postgraduate study at UWA

Master of Music

Master of Music

Pursue your passion with a supervised research experience in the field of music.

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.

Fee calculator

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.

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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.

Cost of living

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.

Fee calculator

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.

Search Scholarships

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.

Cost of living

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

Minimum entry requirements

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

Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 75.5
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 254
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 324
Trinity College Foundation
  • 280
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 61
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 56
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 75
Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65
  • 75.5
Monash University Foundation Year
  • 254
South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)
  • 324
Trinity College Foundation
  • 280
University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program
  • 61
Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP)
  • 56
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards
  • 75
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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 requirements

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

English competency

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.

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Audition process

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an accompanist?

The decision is entirely up to you. We have found that for most players, the provision of an accompanist makes little difference to the decision of the committee. Due to the special nature of vocal auditions, we provide an accompanist for the voice auditions. However, you are free to use your own accompanist if you wish. Note that the first audition dates will align with WACE exams. Most accompanists will be unavailable for these dates, and we are very comfortable for performers to audition without accompaniment.

I play percussion. Is that different?

For percussionists, the audition is a little different. You will play material that you have prepared, perhaps on Tuned Percussion, snare, mixed percussion or kit, and then will be asked to demonstrate some rudiments of percussion.

What is the portfolio and what do you do with it?

In addition to performing as part of the audition, students are asked to bring a portfolio containing samples of their current work. For instance, audition panel members would like to see examples of academic writing, musical exercises and/or compositions, music certificates and other supporting documentation. A member of the audition panel will look at the documents during the audition process. As part of the portfolio, we would like to see whatever you have done during the course of your studies. However, if you do not have any such examples, we can make a decision without them.

What is the aural quiz?

The aural quiz is undertaken as part of the audition. Its purpose is to assist the audition panel members to determine each applicant’s level of musicality, as well as provide the panel with an indication of an applicant’s musical training. The aural quiz is very short, and will only last a couple of minutes.

Elements of the aural quiz

To begin with, a simple melody will be played on the piano. You will be required to clap back the rhythm you have heard. The second task involves matching pitch. A note will be played on the piano, and you should sing it back. Next you will be asked to recognise some melodic intervals. Two notes will be played on the piano one after the other. You should name the interval. The final part focuses on harmonic intervals. Two notes will be played on the piano simultaneously. You should name the interval. To help you prepare for this component of the audition, a sample of the aural quiz is provided below.

I was really nervous. Can I audition again?

Everyone who auditions is nervous. As experienced musicians, however, the panel members are used to seeing nervous students audition. Even if you are nervous, be assured the panel will probably have an accurate view of your musical ability. However, if due to nerves you believe the audition does not provide the panel members with an accurate indication of your musical ability, there may be some remediation. Contact the Conservatorium of Music for more information.

Do I need an audition to play in an ensemble?

Some ensembles are confined to Music students; some ensembles are available to students from across the University, subject to passing an audition; others are available without any audition.

I’m interested in composition – do I still need to audition?

Yes, we still ask you to audition on your chosen instrument or voice. In addition to your audition, you should submit a composition portfolio (in advance of the audition if possible) and we will arrange you an interview with our composition coordinator.

I’m an international applicant – how do I audition?

You will need to provide a recorded audition either via Dropbox, USB, Youtube or DVD. You should perform two contrasting pieces on your instrument or voice in a single take (do not edit the recording afterwards). You’ll also need to provide a certified letter stating the authenticity and date of the recording. Once you arrive at UWA, you may be asked to do a separate informal audition. If you are interested in composition, also provide a portfolio.

Can I defer my place in music?

If you are planning a gap year or will not be taking up your place within six months of your audition, you will need to successfully re-audition before being offered a place. It is up to applicants to ensure they retain a high standard of performance until entry into the Conservatorium of Music.

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!  

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Course details

Develop your artistic and creative skills while gaining a broad grounding in music. You will have the opportunity to choose a specialist area of music study in addition to studying common core units. This major sees you develop expertise and skills in the areas of performance or composition, harmony and aural, Western art music history, popular and world music.

About the course

Develop your artistic and creative skills while gaining a broad grounding in music through our Music Studies major. Designed for students across the University who are keen to develop their passion and skills in music, you'll have the opportunity to innovate, create, and expand your knowledge through performance, composition or musicology. You'll also have the opportunity to choose a specialist area of music study in addition to studying common core units.
View full details

About the course

Develop your artistic and creative skills while gaining a broad grounding in music through our Music Studies major. Designed for students across the University who are keen to develop their passion and skills in music, you'll have the opportunity to innovate, create, and expand your knowledge through performance, composition or musicology. You'll also have the opportunity to choose a specialist area of music study in addition to studying common core units. 

You'll have the choice to combine this major with another area of study, giving you the opportunity to experience studying with students from diverse backgrounds, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. If you wish to specialise in performance, composition or musicology, you may consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Music.

Music Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
  • Albany (Regional 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-MUSST
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
View full details
Music Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
  • Albany (Regional 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-MUSST
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)

Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Popular combinations

Classics and Ancient History Classics and Ancient History English and Literary Studies English and Literary Studies French Studies French Studies
Course structure details Other combinations

Why study this course

  • You'll have a broad grounding in essential areas of music, including performance, composition, harmony and history while allowing you to specialise in an area of personal interest
  • You'll have the opportunity to take part in regular performances, and benefit from staff who are actively engaged in music-making at the highest level
  • We host more performances than any other West Australian classical tertiary program

Why study this course

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

Practical experience

You'll learn to

  • demonstrate an established instrumental or vocal technique and a high level of musicianship in solo, small and/or large ensemble settings
  • identify, describe and apply basic concepts and devices in music language (harmony, rhythm, melody, timbre, texture, dynamic)
  • interpret key texts from a range of music sub-disciplines (e.g. historical musicology, ethnomusicology, psychology of music, music sociology)articulate broad historical perspectives on the nature and contexts of art music in Western culture
  • understand various forms of world and popular music and gain basic performance skills in one non-Western musical tradition
  • develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking and communication

You'll learn to

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

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.