- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
Programme overview
Whether you are a performer, composer, musicologist or music studio teacher, your honours year sees you focus exclusively on your area of specialisation. You will work closely with our staff of leading musicians and music-writers while you explore your chosen major in depth, and further develop the required intellectual and creative skills to thrive in the industry.
You will choose to major in classical or jazz performance, composition, music technology, musicology, popular music or music education.
- Programme structure
- Subjects
- Entry requirements
- Fees and scholarships
- Key dates
- Postgraduate adviser
Programme structure
All students complete 120 points. Your programme structure depends on which major you choose to specialise in. For specific information on the courses for your specialisation, refer to the BMus(Hons) degree planner.
Classical Performance
- Core courses: 60 points
- Elective courses: 60 points chosen from a curated list of music and anthropology courses
Composition
- Core courses: 60 points
- Elective courses: 60 points chosen from a curated list of music and anthropology courses
Jazz Performance
- Core courses: 90 points
- Elective courses: 30 points chosen from a curated list of music and anthropology courses
Music Technology
- Core courses: 60 points
- Elective courses: 60 points chosen from a curated list of music, computer science and anthropology courses
Musicology
You may choose to further refine your musicology major to focus on either music education research or ethnomusicology.
- Core courses: 30 points
- Elective courses: 90 points chosen from a curated list of music, anthropology and education courses specific to your chosen specialisation
Popular Music
- Core courses: 60 points
- Elective courses: 60 points chosen from a curated list of music and anthropology courses
Music Education
- Core courses: 60 points
- Elective courses: 60 points chosen from a curated list of music and anthropology courses
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
- Music
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme 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.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Music
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must have completed your BMus within two years of starting the BMus(Hons). If you did not, you must submit a portfolio applicable to the area of study being applied for.
Other pathways to study
You must have completed a Bachelor of Music (BMus) in the same major as you intend to undertake within the BMus(Hons) degree. You will require a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above stage II.
If you have less than 20 points remaining to complete your BMus, and have an average grade of B (or higher) in your final year of study, you are still eligible to apply for entry into the BMus(Hons).
You will need to complete your remaining BMus points before you are eligible to graduate with your BMus(Hons).
Programme requirements
Minimum programme 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.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must have completed an undergraduate music degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in the same discipline as the major you are applying for. You will require a GPE of 5.0 across the highest-level courses that are relevant to your intended major.
You must also submit a portfolio applicable to your area of study.
How much does a Bachelor of Music (Honours) cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$44,972*
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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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.
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 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Postgraduate Adviser
We welcome any questions you may have about postgraduate study in the School of Music. Contact our postgraduate adviser by phone or email.
Director of Postgraduate Studies
Dr Olivier Holland
Where could this programme take you?
On top of the career pathways available following your undergraduate degree, postgraduate study in music boosts your potential to build a successful performance or composition career. It also helps to secure a future in academia and research, contributing to influential projects in the music and wider arts community.
Jobs related to this programme
- Academic
- Arts administrator/manager/director
- Arranger/composer
- Instrumental teacher
- Music journalist
- Music educator
- Performer
- Radio/television/digital media/record producer
Anne Maroussia Filimoehala says her style of violin teaching is inspired by her time at the School of Music.
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For more, visit our careers webpage.
Key Information for Students
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