Program Overview

Music General Studies

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.

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.

Level 1

• Core
  • MUSC1591 Music Large Ensemble 1 (0)
  • MUSC1592 Music Large Ensemble 2 (0)
  • MUSC1741 Practical Studies A (6)
  • MUSC1742 Practical Studies B (6)

Level 2

• Core
  • MUSC2341 Music and Practices of Listening (6)
  • MUSC2342 Music in Action (6)
  • MUSC2591 Music Large Ensemble 3 (0)
  • MUSC2741 Practical Studies C (6)

Level 3

• Core
  • MUSC2592 Music Large Ensemble 4 (0)
  • MUSC3741 Practical Studies D (6)
• Option
  • Take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
    • MUSC3335 Music in the Sixties (6)
    • MUSC3336 Music in Film, TV and Video Games (6)
    • MUSC3341 Music, Society, and Ideas (6)
    • MUSC3543 Conducting (6)

Admission Requirements

• Perform a successful audition (required standard AMEB Grade 5 or above) and/or submit a portfolio of compositions.
• English competency: Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
• Music prerequisites: Audition to demonstrate a musical background equivalent to Music ATAR.

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: $48,300.00 (2025)
  • 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.

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.
• 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.

Why Study This Course

• Performance is at the heart of all study, staging more performances than any other Western Australian tertiary institution.
• Allows students to continue their musical journey while pursuing other areas of interest.

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.

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

Unlock Your Creative Potential

• We're committed to unlocking your creative potential, whatever your musical interest.
• Discover which course is right for you and explore our wide range of courses which are designed for a variety of musical interests, backgrounds and experience.