Duration3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Location
Online and
Next start termTerm 2, 2024
Study modeOn Campus, Online
Course codeCG51
First-year fee
$8,944 (Indicative) (CSP)
Two music students in a studio with a saxophone and guitar

Overview

Launch a thriving local, national or global career in music with our Bachelor of Music. With specialist training in vocal or instrumental performance, composition or singer/songwriting, you will graduate with the skills necessary to be an industry-ready music professional. Our flexible and innovative degree allows you to focus on a broad range of music styles, including western art music, jazz or contemporary music.

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Music is designed to prepare you for a professional career in the music industry. Offering specialist training in vocal or instrumental performance, composition or singer/songwriting, you will graduate with the skills necessary to be an industry-ready music professional. Our flexible and innovative degree allows you to focus on a broad range of music styles including western art music, jazz or contemporary music. The Bachelor of Music allows you to focus your strengths and interests by pursuing minors in performance, ensemble training, music technology, musicology and music pedagogy.

During your course, you will learn foundational aspects of the language of music from western art-music tradition to contemporary popular music styles and examine the role of prominent performers, composers, lyricists, and music producers in the development of these styles. In your first term, you will engage in practical music studies focusing on foundational level repertoire and technical work in your chosen instrument, voice or composition. In your second term, you will build on your knowledge and technical skills further through a combination of theoretical and technical learning activities. Throughout your second and third years, you will continue to build your knowledge and skills applicable to modern music while studying your chosen minors in performance, music ensemble, music technology, musicology and music pedagogy.

Choose to study on campus in Mackay and be involved in a comprehensive conservatoire style environment with expectations of high standards of performance, musicianship and scholarship. A rigorous performance schedule in various university, community and professional settings is one of the strengths of this course, as is the development of individual skill in a supportive, collaborative environment. The flexible delivery model allows you to study completely online anywhere in Australia. As a leader in online music study, this course will provide you with the opportunity to develop your solo music performance skills with highly specialised music staff via innovative video technology.

You will benefit from hands-on experience combined with academic study in the interpretation and understanding of music. On completion of the course, you will have the knowledge and practical skills to be successful in your chosen career.

To gain entry into this course you will be required to audition.

Study experience

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Bachelor of Music will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in roles such as a:

  • professional musician
  • recording or sound engineer
  • performing or recording artist
  • composer
  • private music educator
  • educator at Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels (once suitable postgraduate qualifications in education have been obtained).

Structure & Availability

Course structure

You are required to complete 24 units. These include 12 core music units and three minors from the following options:

 

  • performance
  • music ensemble
  • music technology
  • musicology 
  • music pedagogy
  • liberal arts

 

Unit information

 

For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

Credit transfer information

If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

 

 

On-Campus Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2023Cairns, Mackay
Term 2, 2023Cairns, Mackay
Term 1, 2024Cairns, Mackay
Term 2, 2024Cairns, Mackay
Term 1, 2025Cairns, Mackay
Term 2, 2025Cairns, Mackay

Online Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2023Available Online
Term 2, 2023Available Online
Term 1, 2024Available Online
Term 2, 2024Available Online
Term 1, 2025Available Online
Term 2, 2025Available Online

Liberal Arts minor
The Liberal Arts minor is available if you wish to gain credit for another course. Approval from the Head of Course is required to access this minor.

Music Ensemble minor
Gain knowledge of how contemporary music is created, rehearsed, recorded, and performed using industry-recognised software. You'll gain experience with multi-track recording, editing and audio mixing.

Musicology minor 
In this minor, you'll study the history and cultural development of a range of musical styles including baroque, classical, romanticism, modernism, jazz and 20th century music.

Music Pedagogy minor
You'll study the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of effective studio teaching in music for beginners. You will gain knowledge and skills in a number of internationally recognised music teaching philosophies and methods.

Music Performance minor
This minor allows you to continue your practical music studies in one instrument, voice or composition, focusing on advanced-level repertoire and technical work.

Music Technology minor
Enhance your abilities of audio recording and mixing for a range of music technology applications including sound design techniques for the production of a podcast. Plus, you'll learn the fundamentals of electronic music production and composition, mastering and music distribution.

This course has no residential schools.

Requirements

To be eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

3
Recommended StudyOptional
Year 12 studies in music or the equivalent private music study in your chose instrument or voice.

Student and Course Profiles

View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2023 via our Institute Profile. 

Institute Profile

During your study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

$8,944
Indicative first-year CSP place

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.

Commonwealth Supported Places

This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

HECS-HELP Loan

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. 

Learn more about paying for university.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.

We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.

Explore scholarships.

How to apply

How to apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your application options

Follow these steps

1
Check you meet the course requirements
2
Get a Unique Student Identifier
3
Submit your QTAC application

Extra admission information

Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU. 

Start your application

When applying through a tertiary admissions centre (TAC) you can use the relevant TAC code below to search for a course or add it to your application preferences.