Music
Bachelor of Music (Musicology)
- Domestic
- International
About Degree
Map new musical territories
Musicology is the study of music in its cultural, social, historical and stylistic contexts.
It’s about the way that music 'works'. And not just notes on a page or sounds in a recording. Music also affects individual actions, social behaviour and expression in both Western and non-Western societies.
What will you do?
Our Bachelor of Music (Musicology) takes your contextual knowledge of music to the next level. You will:
- explore different approaches to music research
- gain keen aural and analytical skills
- develop high-level understandings of music history and repertoire
- analyse live and recorded music
- build confidence in oral and written communication.
You can also pursue a wide range of studies in other areas. If you’re interested in performance you can take ensemble classes subject to audition.
Where could it take you?
You could continue on in academia or pursue work in music and arts journalism. You might work for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of fame in Ohio or archive in the Australian Jazz Museum. Perhaps you’ll publish a book about music and acculturation in First Nations communities.
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:
- Domestic
- International
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors) - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) - 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)
Domestic applicants
Admissions information
| SATAC Code | 324065 |
|---|---|
| Deferment | No |
| Intake | February and July |
| Assumed Knowledge | The ability to read music is expected. |
| 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 Education | Applicants 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 Study | You 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) study | You 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 experience | To 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 score | 70 | |
| Additional criteria considered | Audition required | |
Student Profile
| Applicant background | Semester one/Full year intake 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | N/A | N/A |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | N/A | N/A |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | N/A | N/A |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| N/A | N/A | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| 94 | 96.9% | |
| International students | <5 | N/A |
| All students | 97 | 100.0% |
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors) - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) - 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)
International applicants
| CRICOS | 002801F |
|---|---|
| Intake | February and July |
| International Qualifications | Music Theory/Practice |
| Assumed Knowledge | Advanced practical skills relevant to chosen specialisation |
| Additional Entry Requirements | International 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 12 | Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject | ||||||||||||
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| English Tests accepted by the University of APSB |
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| Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements | A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements | ||||||||||||
Academic Entry Requirements
Detailed information on international qualifications assessment
| Secondary School Qualifications | Australia – Selection Rank (International) | 70 |
|---|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | 24 | |
| Canada – OSSD Ontario Secondary School Diploma | 65% | |
| Canada – British Columbia Certificate of Graduation | 65% | |
| Canada – Alberta High School Diploma | 74% | |
| China – Gaokao | 60% | |
| Germany – Abitur | 3.70 | |
| GCE A Levels | 7 | |
| Hong Kong – HKDSE | 17 | |
| India – ISC & CBSE | 65% | |
| India - Indian State Board Examinations | 75% | |
| Indonesia – SMA3 | 80% | |
| Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education | B+ | |
| Kuwait – General School Secondary Certificate | 70% | |
| Malaysia – STPM or Matrikulasi | 2.67 | |
| Malaysia – UEC | 25 | |
| South Korea – CSAT and High School Diploma | 300 | |
| Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 8 | |
| Taiwan – GSAT and High School Diploma | 64% | |
| Thailand – Certificate of Secondary Education | 3.2 | |
| USA – SAT | 1100 | |
| USA – Advanced Placement (AP) | 6 | |
| Vietnam – Upper Secondary School | 8.00 | |
| The University of APSB College Foundation Program | 70% | |
| Eynesbury Foundation Program | 339 | |
| ANU College Foundation Studies | 59% | |
| Monash College Foundation Year MUFY | 64% | |
| Trinity College Foundation Studies Program (The University of Melbourne) | 70% | |
| UNSW Foundation Year | 6.40 | |
| UQ College Foundation Studies Program | 4.00 | |
| Taylors College – The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) | 6.50 | |
| UWA College Foundation Program (WAUFP) | 54% | |
| Non–Go8 Foundation Score | 70% | |
| Other Qualifications | Students 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 background | Semester one/Full year intake 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | N/A | N/A |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | N/A | N/A |
| (C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | N/A | N/A |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
| N/A | N/A | |
| N/A | N/A | |
| 94 | 96.9% | |
| International students | <5 | N/A |
| All students | 97 | 100.0% |
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
Completion of the Bachelor of Music in Musicology prepares students for a variety of career pathways in further education including honours and postgraduate studies in Musicology, as well as postgraduate qualifications in Arts Administration, Library Science, Education and other areas. Musicology graduates may pursue careers in music and arts journalism, academia, private music teaching, arts and cultural program administration and management, library science. The generic skills developed in Musicology are transferable and may also lead to careers in a wide variety of positions in community, industry, government, and business.
The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Potential careers
Music Educator, Music Historian, Music Librarian, Music Researcher, Music Theory Teacher, Cultural Heritage Officer, Entertainment Industry, Arts Administrator, Music Journalist / Music Critic, Broadcaster, Musicologist
Degree Structure
Musicology students are expected to have a background in basic music theory and will complete the same music theory and history supporting studies coursework undertaken by other Bachelor of Music students. Musicology students typically have some experience in classical, popular, jazz or other styles of music performance.
The Musicology major provides students with the following:
- Understanding of the way that music 'works', not only as notes on a page or sounds in a recording, but as the basis of individual actions, social behaviour and expression in both Western and non-Western societies.
- Understanding of the varied approaches to music research carried out by researchers in the co-disciplines of musicology/ethnomusicology and in related disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology.
- Development of aural and analytical skills through assessed work in written critiques and analyses of live and recorded music.
- Development of music-specific and general research skills related to planning essays as well as confidence in written and oral communication.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
