Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2023 Semester One – 27 February
2024 Semester One – 26 February
Available locations
City
Points
360
Programme type
Undergraduate
Conjoint options available

Programme overview

In the BMus you’ll learn to both preserve the past and nurture progress as you focus on your chosen discipline and prepare to enter a changing music industry. You’ll learn from some of the finest instrument teachers in the country, as well as recognised music historians and composers. Our partnerships with industry organisations will give you contact with leading local and international musicians.

Through your involvement in our many small and large ensembles, tutorials and studio classes, you’ll develop strong collaborative skills and grow your confidence.

You can study music alongside another discipline as part of a conjoint degree in Arts, Commerce, Advanced Science, Design, Engineering, Fine Arts, Global Studies, Law or Science.

Programme structure

While each specialisation differs slightly, in the first year you will undertake a cross-genre music theory course, one in contemporary music culture, and a selection of other courses within your specialisation. Two General Education courses will give you the chance to supplement your studies with a topic of your choice.

In second year and beyond, you continue to develop within your specialisation and and you can explore areas of personal interest in complementary fields such as sonic arts, music education, production, and history.

More information regarding the programme structure can be found on the specialisation pages:

Most students need to take one or two General Education courses.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

2023 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    150
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    26

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.
 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

My highest qualification is from this country or region:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects. 
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    26
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
    Score required
    CCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

You need to have the following:

One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Minimum grade requirements

These are the likely grades required, but they do not guarantee entry. Applicants may require higher grades to gain entry to this programme.

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

  • Bridge your educational gap with a preparation and foundation programme.
  • If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)
  • If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.
  • Completion of a 2.5 year Diploma in Music at SEGi College with a University of Auckland GPE of 2.2 (a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above at SEGi College) will allow applicants to enter into Part II of the Bachelor of Music degree programme at the University of Auckland.
For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Music cost per year?

2023 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,607*
International students
NZ$41,381*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2023
8 December 2022

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

You will be required to audition if you are applying for the following specialisations:

  • Creative Practice: Classical
  • Creative Practice: Jazz
  • Creative Practice: Popular Music

Creative Practice: Classical

  • First you must complete your Application for Admission.
  • Once you have completed your Application for Admission, our team will then get in touch with you to book you in for an in-person audition slot.

Dates for in-person auditions:

  • Saturday 10 September 2022, 9am-5pm
  • Sunday 11 September 2022, 10am-5pm
  • Saturday 3 December 2022, 9am-5pm

Location: University of Auckland City Campus.

If you are unable to attend an in-person audition, you can do an online audition.

Learn more about Creative Practice: Classical auditions.

Creative Practice: Jazz

  • First you must complete your Application for Admission.
  • Once you have completed your Application for Admission, our team will then get in touch with you to book you in for an in-person audition slot.

Dates for in-person auditions:

  • Saturday 10 September 2022, 9am-5pm
  • Sunday 11 September 2022, 10am-5pm
  • Saturday 3 December 2022, 9am-5pm

Location: University of Auckland City Campus.

Live in-person auditions are always preferred as they give you the best possible opportunity to showcase your musical skills and a chance to meet the jazz staff. If you live outside the Auckland region, we welcome you to submit an online audition.

Learn more about Creative Practice: Jazz auditions.

Creative Practice: Popular Music

  • First you must complete your Application for Admission.
  • Once you have completed your Application for Admission, please upload your audition portfolio via the Slideroom portal. You will be required to upload your performance videos. Your videos should be recent – preferably recorded within the past 12 months.
  • An online interview may also be required. If so, the School of Music will contact you.

Learn more about Creative Practice: Popular Music auditions.

Help and advice

If you have any queries, please contact the Student Hubs. 

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

As a graduate you’ll have the skills and expertise to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in New Zealand and overseas. Building a career on stage is a common goal, but the music industry runs on more than performers and composers. There is a collection of people who keep the industry moving, such as writers, managers, producers and teachers.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Arranger/composer
  • Arts administrator/manager/director
  • Conductor
  • Music director
  • Music journalist
  • Performer
  • Radio/television/digital media/recording producer
  • Sound engineer

Further study options

See all study options
Eddie Liu

Eddie Liu

Producer, songwriter, sound engineer and company director Eddie shares his story.

Read Eddie's story

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

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Experience the University

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A student's guide to studying a Bachelor of Music

Music student Jenna shows you around the School of Music facilities and explains what it's like to study Music at the University of Auckland.

Do you need help?

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Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

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Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513