Bachelor of Music (Honours)

Bachelor of Music (Honours) is a one year full-time study program involving completion of 80 units of Music courses. The program is available in various music specialisations as approved by the program convenor. These may include (but are not limited to): performance, composition, musicology, music technology OR a combination of performance/composition and research. Vocal students may specialise in operatic studies and piano students may specialise in accompaniment.

The variety of creative and research work undertaken by our Honours students results in a diverse group with scope for rewarding interactions and collaboration. Access to staff expertise in a range of music specialisations and the chance to develop projects of the student's choice make the year's study an important stage in musical maturing and preparation for professional work in the music industry.

An honours program provides graduates with a distinct advantage in a competitive workplace. Careers include professional orchestral player, member of an opera company, community or private music teacher, university lecturer, music technologist in recording or mixing, musical arranger, composer, church musician, conductor, member of a contemporary music group (performer, arranger, composer), member of a defence forces band, computer technologist (synthesisers) or music researcher. With additional study, graduates can also undertake careers as music therapists, arts administrators, public relations officers, librarians in music resources, business managers for orchestras or marketing, public relations staff in the theatre and secondary school teachers.

It is assumed that students entering the Bachelor of Music (Honours) course will have completed a Bachelor of Music or equivalent and attained an average credit grade in the major study relevant to their proposed Honours music specialisation.

For performance students, an audition/interview is required in the following circumstances:

• more than 12 months has elapsed between completion of Bachelor of Music degree and resumption of studies at Bachelor of Music (Honours) level.
• students transferring from another tertiary institution.

Contact the Program Convenor for more information.

For students applying for Honours in Composition. Those applying for entry based on studies from another institution should contact the Program Convenor regarding portfolio submission of recent compositions. An interview may be required.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Application is made direct to the University via the Direct Application form.

Domestic Students please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/study/forms/applicationdirectform.pdf

International Students please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/Resources/Divisions/International/International Division/International Students/Forms/UG-application-form.pdf

Bachelor of Music (3 year degree) involving aural skills, musicianship, knowledge of notation and stylistic aspects of Western music; as well as practical experience in the student's field of specialisation.

Knowledge of languages relevant to the student's specialisation; knowledge of music programs including Finale, ProTools (depending on student's area and needs).

Students who have achieved excellent results in their area of specialisation, with a credit average or above, across the Bachelor of Music degree are eligible to apply for entry to the Bachelor of Music (Honours) program. The Honours degree allows students to further develop their specific areas of interest.

All areas the student may choose give the opportunity for a mix of practical experience and development of research skills, plus the ability to articulate the research component in a practice-based research design.

The Bachelor of Music (Honours) is a pre-requisite for Masters and PhD study; it is a recognised enhancement of the Bachelor of Music in teaching and other professional situations.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

Face-to-face study consists of 1 hour per week one-to-one with the principal supervisor; and a weekly seminar of 2 hours, as well as activities planned and undertaken by the student in various aspects of performance and/or production/creative work.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/lsp/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

This program requires the successful completion of 80 units of music courses. Two study patterns exist. Option A - disciplines may include performance, composition, music technology, combines performance/research. Option B - music research with major thesis component.