Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2018 Semester One – 26 February
2019 Semester One – 4 March
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, Engineering, Law or Science.

Read the full programme regulations for the Bachelor of Music in the University of Auckland Calendar.

Conjoint options

Conjoint options available

Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.

Learn more about conjoints

Programme structure

While each major differs slightly, in your first year you will develop core skills in your discipline, such as musicianship, music analysis, theory, music industry studies and composition. General Education courses will give you the chance to supplement your studies with a topic of your choice.

In second year and beyond, your techniques and theoretical understanding continue to develop, and you have the opportunity to explore areas of personal interest and complementary fields such as sonic arts, music education, conducting and improvisation.

Degree planners with more specific information are available for each major, as well as their potential conjoint options:

Subjects available in this programme

2018 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.
Rank score, subject and credit 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.

  • NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement150

  • CIE Cambridge International Examinations150

  • IB International Baccalaureate26

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

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on the strength of the creative requirements for your selected major, such as your audition or portfolio. All applicants must submit a statement of musical background and referee’s report.

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.

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

You must have completed one semester’s successful bachelor degree study from a New Zealand university or one year’s successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree or bachelor-level qualification from a New Zealand non-university tertiary institution.

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on the strength of the creative requirements for your selected major, such as your audition or portfolio. All applicants must submit a statement of musical background and referee’s report.

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:

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 with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

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

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 GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on the strength of the creative requirements for your selected major, such as your audition or portfolio. All applicants must submit a statement of musical background and referee’s report.

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.

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

You must have completed one year’s successful bachelor degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution). 

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on the strength of the creative requirements for your selected major, such as your audition or portfolio. All applicants must submit a statement of musical background and referee’s report.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

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.

How much does a Bachelor of Music cost per year?

2017 fees

Domestic students
NZ$5,882.40 – $6,784.80*
International students
NZ$32,392*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. 2017 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 $6.38 per point, estimated at $765.60 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.

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 2018
8 December 2017

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.

Conjoints

You may choose to combine your BMus with another discipline. Find out more about our conjoint degree options:

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

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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Do you need help?

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You can phone us directly.

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