Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Music with Honours

The University of Canterbury offers a Bachelor of Music with Honours, providing pathways in Composition or Performance. This graduate program is designed for individuals who have completed a Bachelor of Music (or equivalent degree) with good grades and wish to extend their musical expertise.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Bachelor of Music with Honours, applicants must have completed the equivalent of a Bachelor of Music with at least a B Grade Point Average in their 300-level courses and been approved to enroll. If English is not the first language, applicants must also meet the University's undergraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Music with Honours is a one-year full-time program consisting of 120 points in coursework and research. Part-time study is possible by application only. The degree may be awarded with Distinction or Merit.

Subjects and Courses

To qualify for the Bachelor of Music with Honours, students will complete 120 points of courses, including:

• ARTS401 Arts Research and Scholarship: Introduction to Theories and Methods
• MUSI481 Research Project The remaining points can be chosen from 400-level Music courses.

Fees

Domestic Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $9,410 (120 points)
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $9,975 (120 points)

International Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $42,200 (120 points)
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $43,850 (120 points)
• 2027 tuition fee estimate: $45,800 (120 points)

Further Study

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music with Honours may be able to progress to the Master of Music and eventually either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Music or a Doctor of Musical Arts.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Music are found in a wide range of occupations, including positions in orchestras, choirs, opera houses, conservatories, universities, schools, and other education contexts. They are prominent in areas of musical leadership with community groups. Music graduates also work in fields such as journalism, television and radio, publishing, and in technical areas like recording, computer instruments, sound engineering, and music technology.