Undergraduate study in Musicology

Learn about your undergraduate study options for Musicology.

What can you study in Musicology?

You can complete a Bachelor of Music in Musicology to develop your knowledge in fields such as:

  • Music History
  • Music Theory
  • Sociology of Music
  • Music Psychology

Graduates gain a strong working knowledge of how and why people make music, from the earliest notations of the 9th century up to today, all over the world. Musicology skills are readily transferrable, as graduates learn research and writing skills in a variety of contexts. We are fond of saying that if you can write about music, you can write about anything!

Entry requirements for Musicology

You must meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor of Music, detailed on the programme page.

Conjoints

Structuring your undergraduate programme in Musicology

What can you study in Musicology?

In the Musicology specialisation you will learn how music functions as an art form and how it has changed over time. You’ll also think about the role music plays in everyday life. This specialisation gives you the chance to prepare a bespoke degree, drawing from the many courses the School of Music offers across the disciplines of music history, music theory and analysis, and other aspects of music studies.

Courses

  • 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
  • Two studio courses, either MUS 110 and 111 or MUS 180 or 181
  • Three music theory courses: MUS 203, 204, 301 (classical theory); 274, 275, 375 (jazz theory); or 284, 287, 384 (popular music theory)
    MUS 145: Western Music Across the Centuries
    MUS 340: Analytical Methods
  • Six courses chosen from: MUS 149, 224, 245, 246, 247, 248, 276, 345, 346, 347, 348
  • WTR 100 in your first year 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.

Where can Musicology take you?

The wide range of study options available in this specialisation and its sub-disciplines provides graduates with many exciting career pathways,including portfolio careers. These can vary from the academic study of music and music-related subjects to work in arts management, the music business, teaching and more.

Further study options

Help and advice

For queries about how to apply, admission, and enrolment, please visit Student Hubs or contact us online.