Course overview
The degree combines core courses that build essential skills with flexible course options reflecting contemporary practice across music performance, songwriting and composition, electronic music, music technology, production, theatre and the performing arts.
You’ll develop an adaptable, critically informed creative practice, integrating creative and technical skills across performance, production, collaboration, critical enquiry and professional practice. The flexible structure lets you shape your studies around your own interests and career goals, while building the breadth to work independently and collaboratively across a range of creative contexts.
Areas you can explore include:
- Live performance and ensemble musicianship
- Songwriting, composition and arranging
- Electronic music, music technology and creative production
- Recording, studio production, spatial audio and sound design
- Acting, theatre-making and contemporary performance
- Creative projects and professional practice
- Music and arts projects in health and wellbeing, social justice, and community-led change
Student experience
Creating meaningful opportunities for students 0:44
At the University of Newcastle, we embed practical, hands-on learning in all our degrees. Check out just some of the opportunities our students have had to build their experience.
Career-ready placements
You will complete 140 hours of supervised placement within your third year of study that will enable you to apply knowledge developed throughout your studies and acquire new knowledge and professional networks to support your career readiness. You will undertake workplace experience in your desired career field, including media, journalism, public relations, advertising, marketing, theatre production, musical ensembles, performing arts and visual communications.
Studying at Newcastle City campus
Living in Newcastle
Nestled on Australia's spectacular east coast and surrounded by some of the state's most popular destinations, Newcastle is an all-round wonderful choice as a safe and friendly place to live.
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Campus Life
Our campuses are welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative places for students, staff, and the community. Explore our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle.
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Scholarships
Our scholarships recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students. If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
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Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're from across Australia or around the globe, your home on campus is where you'll form lifelong friendships and harness your potential in a supportive and diverse community.
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Student showcase
Study a Bachelor of Music at University of Newcastle 2:13
Explore your full potential as a musician and study a Bachelor of Music at The University of Newcastle. The Bachelor of Music degree allows you to refine your talent through high quality training, while also providing opportunities to develop the practical and creative skills you need to pursue a musical career at a professional standard.
How to apply
Apply as a domestic student
You are a domestic student if you are:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A holder of a permanent Australian visa.
Other admission requirements
Selection of applicants will be made on the basis of their Admission application and performance in:
- the Admission Application (written assessment)
- the Audition (performance and portfolio)
- the Interview (oral assessment)
All candidates must complete all of the below requirements to be eligible to be considered for entry to the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts:
- Lodge an Admission Application - admission information for domestic applicants is available here, and for international applicants here.
- Complete and submit your online Audition Application
- Audition and Interview (details in Additional Selection Criteria section below)
For detailed information on the Application, Audition and Interview process please se the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts Admissions Page.
Apply as an international student
Entry requirements — Senior secondary school qualification
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
English proficiency requirements
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
- IELTS overall minimum - 6.0
- IELTS section minimum - 6.0
- About English Language Pathways
Apply to the University via our online application portal.
In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.
If you are applying through an education agent, they can also apply through the application portal. Ensure your agent is contracted to the University to avoid delays with your application.
Once you have started your application you will be provided with a reference number. You or your education agent will be able to track your application as it progresses.
Applicants from China
Applicants from China are asked to complete the following audition form and give the form to a registered education agent along with required application materials.
Other admission requirements
Selection of applicants will be made on the basis of their Admission application and performance in:
- the Admission Application (written assessment)
- the Audition (performance and portfolio)
- the Interview (oral assessment)
All candidates must complete all of the below requirements to be eligible to be considered for entry to the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts:
- Lodge an Admission Application - admission information for domestic applicants is available here, and for international applicants here.
- Complete and submit your online Audition Application
- Audition and Interview (details in Additional Selection Criteria section below)
For detailed information on the Application, Audition and Interview process please see the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts Admissions Page.
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1 Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Learn more.
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Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.