Undergraduate study in Composition
What can you study in Composition?
You'll progress through a series of core composition courses that focus on the development of technique and creativity in the areas of instrumental and vocal composition, as well as sound-based and electronic composition. Additionally, you'll take courses in instrumentation and electronic music studies. You'll be able to take a more specialised interest in one of these areas.
All Music students can pursue auxiliary performance studies. You will study other topics of interest to you, including music education, pedagogy, music technology, conducting, music studies, musicians’ health and various industry-related topics.
The core courses of the BMus degree include music theory and other music studies subjects. You will also take a Waipapa Taumata Rau course in your first year and a General Education course.
Entry requirements for Composition
You must meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor of Music, detailed on the BMus programme page.
Conjoints
You may choose to combine your BMus with another discipline. Find out more about our conjoint degree options:
Structuring your undergraduate programme
Bachelor of Music – Composition degree requirements:
You will take the common BMus core:
- MUS 125: Music in Aotearoa
MUS 130: Music Phenomena
MUS 162: Introduction to Music Teaching and Learning
MUS 199: Ensembles
MUS 225: Music in Society
MUS 325: Music as History - Studio courses MUS 110, 111, 210, 211, 310, 311
- Three music theory courses MUS 203, 204, 301
- MUS 214, 340
- MUS 246 or 346
- MUS 314 or 315
- WTR 100 and one General Education course
- 45 points (three courses) electives from the BMus or other schedules
You can also find degree structure information in the University Calendar.
Courses
Discover the courses available within the Bachelor of Music, including those for Composition.
Help and advice
For queries about how to apply, admission, and enrolment, please visit a Student Hub or contact us online.