Undergraduate
Music Studies
Contact us
Address
Student Central
The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
Telephone
131 UWA (131 892)
International
(+61 8) 6488 1000
Hours
Frequently asked questions
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Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career options.
Career Pathways
Further Study
Master of Music
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.
Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
International Student Fees
Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.
Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 3.6
- 75.5
- 254
- 324
- 14.5
- 280
- 61
- 1130
- 56
- 75
Admission requirements
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
Audition process
Prior to the audition, you will be asked to prepare two contrasting pieces. Remember to bring a copy of your music for the members of the audition panel. Given the time constraints for each audition, it is likely you will only have the opportunity to play a portion of each piece. If the members of the panel ask you to stop playing at a certain point, this does not mean the performance is going badly. Being asked to stop is not an indication of anything but a lack of time.
After the performance component of the audition, you will undertake a short aural quiz, followed by a brief discussion with the panel. They may ask about your musical experiences, what sort of music you like, and what else you intend to study. You will be able to ask questions and the members of the audition panel will answer to the best of their ability. During your audition, one of the panel members will look at your prepared portfolio. The whole audition process may take as little as 10 minutes. The length of the audition, however, is no indication of its success.
Read frequently asked questions about the audition process or book your audition here.
How to apply
Ready for the next step?
Find out how to apply through our simple online application process.
We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course.
We can’t wait for you to join us!
Course details
Develop your artistic and creative skills while gaining a broad grounding in music. You will have the opportunity to choose a specialist area of music study in addition to studying common core units. This major sees you develop expertise and skills in the areas of performance or composition, harmony and aural, Western art music history, popular and world music.
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Approximately 15 hours plus own practice and study time, rehearsals and performances
- Undergraduate
- MJD-MUSST
- 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Practical experience
UWA is the sole tertiary education partner of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and the West Australian Opera. Students have unprecedented access to artists as well as participation in side-by-side performances with these industry specialists.
Students can expect to participate in regular industry standard performances in the state’s best venues and will benefit from staff who are actively engaged in music making at the highest level.
Course Structure
Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.
Popular combinations
About the course
The Music Studies major attracts students from across the University who are keen to develop their passion and skills in music. Through Music Studies you have the opportunity to innovate, create, and expand your knowledge through performance, composition or musicology. Develop your artistic and creative skills while gaining a broad grounding in music. You will have the opportunity to choose a specialist area of music study in addition to studying common core units.
Many students combine this major with another area of study. As a result you will experience studying with students from diverse backgrounds, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Students wishing to specialise in performance, composition or musicology should consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Music.
Why study this course?
- UWA is ranked in the world’s Top 100 for Performing Arts (QS WUR by Subject 2021)
- More performances than any other Western Australian classical tertiary program
- Take part in regular performances, and benefit from staff who are actively engaged in music-making at the highest level
You'll learn to
- demonstrate an established instrumental or vocal technique and a high level of musicianship in solo, small and/or large ensemble settings
- identify, describe and apply basic concepts and devices in music language (harmony, rhythm, melody, timbre, texture, dynamic)
- interpret key texts from a range of music sub-disciplines (e.g. historical musicology, ethnomusicology, psychology of music, music sociology)
- articulate broad historical perspectives on the nature and contexts of art music in Western culture
- understand various forms of world and popular music and gain basic performance skills in one non-Western musical tradition
- develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking and communication
Your degree options
This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Philosophy
Communication and Media Studies 
Fine Arts