Music

Bachelor of Music (Popular Music)

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    3 years full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Inspire as a contemporary performing artist

Want to be a leader in contemporary music? To have unmatched insight? Want to shake up the industry?

Studying popular music is about valuing your passion and pushing boundaries. 

What will you do?

Our Popular Music degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a creative professional. You will:

  • Develop your own unique identity, presence and style as a song writer
  • explore cutting-edge technologies for music production
  • have 24/7 access to rehearsal and recording studios to develop your work
  • collaborate in song writing and performance classes
  • receive mentorship and business coaching from industry professionals
  • research and analyse contemporary music
  • showcase your original music through regular performances.

You can also expand your skills by studying electives outside music. A range of options are available in Arts, Business, Science or Media.

Where could it take you?

Our graduates go on to all sorts of exciting music careers. You could take to the stage, or work behind the scenes at major festivals. You might be a producer, coaching other artists in the studio. Perhaps you’ll write songs for pop stars or spend your work hours at concerts as a music journalist.


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code334161
    DefermentNo
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Additional Entry Requirements
    All prospective students applying to the Elder Conservatorium of Music are required to attend an audition/interview for each area of specialisation, regardless of the number or type of music programs they are applying for. The audition/interview will assess each applicant's current skill level and potential for future studies and offers will be made on the basis of the audition/interview score, academic achievement and the musicianship test. The Musicianship test aims to assess the applicant's general level of musicianship, which involves the ability to identify and recognise musical concepts within aural, written and theoretical contexts. The test comprises: aural questions covering rhythm, tonality, melody and harmony; score interpretation questions about a given short piano extract; theoretical questions such as keys, major and minor scales, intervals and chords. For details regarding the audition rounds and the application process, please visit the Elder Conservatorium of Music (https://able.APSB.edu.au/music/study/auditions).
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary EducationApplicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You must also undertake an audition/interview including an aural/theory test. You compete for a place based on your audition score. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education StudyYou must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of APSB, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You must also undertake an audition/interview including an aural/theory test. You compete for a place based on your audition score. Your best GPA is used in the case of a tie-breaker. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) studyYou must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. You must also undertake an audition/interview including an aural/theory test. You compete for a place based on your audition score. Further ranking according to the level of TAFE award is undertaken in the case of a tie-breaker. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experienceTo be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2023. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2023 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2022 or 2021), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2021). You must also undertake an audition/interview including an aural/theory test. You compete for a place based on your audition score. Your STAT rank is used in the case of a tie-breaker. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways


    2022 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR
    (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
    Lowest ATAR to receive an offer*
    Median ATAR to receive an offer*
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer*
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
    Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer*
    Minimum eligibility scoreN/A
    Additional criteria consideredAudition required
    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    N/AN/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    9496.9%
    International students<5N/A
    All students97100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOS002801F
    IntakeFebruary and July
    International QualificationsApplicants must have South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or equivalent and Audition/Interview & Musicianship test. Please click here for a list of qualifications that are recognised for undergraduate entry
    Assumed KnowledgeAdvanced practical skills relevant to chosen specialisation
    Additional Entry RequirementsInternational students applying to the Elder Conservatorium of Music are required to submit a recorded audition. Auditions must address the criteria specific to the applicant's instrument/area of study. For information regarding audition requirements, please visit the Elder Conservatorium of Musichttps://arts.APSB.edu.au/music/study/auditions. Applicants who are living in APSB may be asked to attend an in-person audition, off-shore auditions may be available in selected locations.
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 6.5Reading 6Listening 6Speaking 6Writing 6





    TOEFLOverall 79Reading 13Listening 13Speaking 18Writing 21





    PearsonOverall 58Reading 50Listening 50Speaking 50Writing 50





    C1 AdvancedOverall 176Reading 169Listening 169Speaking 169Writing 169





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Other QualificationsStudents who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    N/AN/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    9496.9%
    International students<5N/A
    All students97100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place: $7,990

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units)International student place: $37,500

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Career Readiness

Popular Music graduates are well equipped for a wide variety of careers in the music industry, with likely roles including:

• musician
• composer
• songwriter
• producer
• sound engineer
• DJ
• music critic
• music administrator
• music researcher
• music journalist or broadcaster.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Potential careers

Music Journalist / Music Critic, Music Teacher, Music Technologist, Music Tutor, Musician, Musician / Singer, Composer, Lyricist, Backing Musician, Backup Singer, Band Musician, Music Coordinator, Music Educator, Music Festival Director, Music Producer, DJ, Recording Artist / Musician, Entertainer, Entertainment Industry, Rock Star, Hip Hop Artist, Vocalist, ...


Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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