Program Overview

Music Extended Major

The Music Extended Major is a comprehensive program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the music profession. This extended major degree provides 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.

Course Details

• Duration: 3 years full-time
• 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

Admission Requirements

• Minimum entry requirements: Refer to the UWA Handbook for course-specific requirements and prerequisites.
• English competency: Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
• Audition process: Prior to the audition, students will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces. The audition process may take as little as 10 minutes.

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

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic Student Fees: For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. Fees are subject to annual indexation.
• International Student Fees: Annual course fee (2025): $39,800.00
• Scholarships: Available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership, and community service.

Careers and Further Study

• Career Pathways: Graduates pursue careers in the creative and performing arts, music education, the entertainment industry, and associated fields.
• Further Study: Postgraduate options include all areas of music specialisation, such as Master of Music (Orchestral Performance), Master of Music (Opera Studies), Master of Music, and Master of Teaching.

Course Structure

• Level 1:
  • Core units for Creative Music Technology Stream and Western Art Stream
• Level 2:
  • Core units for Creative Music Technology Stream and Western Art Stream
• Level 3:
  • Core units for Creative Music Technology Stream and Western Art Capstone Specialisation
  • Option units for Creative Music Technology Stream and Western Art Stream

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.

Your Degree Options

• Bachelor of Philosophy
• Bachelor of Music