Music Studies

Course Description

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.

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.

Fees and Scholarships

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.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee: $48,300.00 (2025)

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.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE): 9
• Canadian High School (except Quebec): 68
• French Baccalaureate: 10
• Gao Kao (PR China NCEE)/750: 507
• GCE A-Levels: 8
• German Abitur: 3.6
• Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education: 14
• Indian Senior School Certificate (CISCE): 45
• Indonesian Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) - Pass of 65: 75.5
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 24
• Malaysian STPM: 10
• Monash University Foundation Year: 254
• NCUK Foundation Program: 8
• Norwegian Vitnemål: 3.5
• Singapore - Cambridge A Levels: 6.5
• South African National Senior Certificate: 4
• South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 324
• Sweden Slutbetyg: 14.5
• Trinity College Foundation: 280
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): 14
• University of Western Australia College (UWAC) Foundation Program: 61
• US College Board Advanced Placements: 7
• US College Board SAT: 1130
• Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP): 56
• Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) 2016 onwards: 75

English Competency

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

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.

Course Structure

Level 1

• Core units:
  • MUSC1321 Music Language 1 (6)
  • MUSC1322 Music Language 2 (6)
  • MUSC1340 Musical Revolutions (6)
  • MUSC1341 Principal Studies 1 (6)
  • MUSC1342 Principal Studies 2 (6)
  • MUSC1350 Popular Music in Global Perspective (6)
  • MUSC1591 Music Large Ensemble 1 (0)
  • MUSC1592 Music Large Ensemble 2 (0)

Level 2

• Core units:
  • MUSC2341 Music and Practices of Listening (6)
  • MUSC2342 Music in Action (6)

Level 3

• Core units:
  • MUSC3341 Music, Society, and Ideas (6)
• Option units:
  • MUSC3335 Music in the Sixties (6)
  • MUSC3336 Music in Film, TV and Video Games (6)
  • MUSC3543 Conducting (6)

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

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.

Whether you're a novice or expert, make sure to check the course admission prerequisites to see which courses suit you best!

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.

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

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.

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.

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Philosophy

The University of Western Australia

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Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

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Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

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Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

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Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.