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Requisite map

The 2027 handbook lists no units for A2003 itself. Pick an area of study to see its units.

Overview

The Bachelor of Music is a specialist undergraduate degree designed to provide you with practical performance skills in combination with an intellectual grounding in the discipline of music.

As a student in the Bachelor of Music you will be immersed in high-impact learning and teaching that supports you to develop core competencies in practice and performance, theory and analysis, and history and context. The course commences with an introduction to core music principles and then facilitates exploration of your chosen specialisation while concurrently providing you with opportunities to undertake mobility programs, professional development units, and/or other topics of interest.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music are highly regarded employees of organisations across the world and are at the forefront of creative practice, artistic citizenship, and social justice movements.

Course structure

Rules

To satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Music you must complete 144 credit points as specified in the course requirements including:

- a maximum of 60 credit points at Level 1 and,
- a minimum of 24 credit points must be completed in music at Level 3.

Part A. Specialist studies36 credit points

You must complete one of the following specialisations (36 credit points).

Note: To avoid exceeding the standard three year course duration, you must enrol in the music specialist study 1 and 2 units in your first year of study, then progress to the music specialist study 3 to 6 units in the following years. You must pass each unit sequentially.

Part B. Music theory and ear training24 credit points

You must complete the following units.

Note 1: If you are a BMus or a BMus double degree student, you may choose to take an examination at the commencement of ATS1899 Music theory and ear training 1. If you pass, you may be granted an exemption from this unit and be allowed to enrol in ATS1347 Ensemble studies 1 or another approved unit. Similarly, you may be exempted from ATS1900 Music theory and ear training 2 if at the commencement of this unit you choose to take an examination and pass it. This will allow you to enrol in ATS1348 Ensemble studies 2 or another approved unit.

Note 2: If you are completing Popular music you may replace ATS2901 Music theory and ear training 3 and ATS2902 Music theory and ear training 4 with the elective units ATS2159 Recording and computer music production and ATS2139 Song writing: How to write a popular song.

Part C. Context studies36 credit points

You must complete 36 credit points, comprising:
- 30 credit points of Context studies; and
- 6 credit points of Specified context electives.

Context studies

30 credit points

You must complete the 30 credit points from the following units.

Note: You can only complete one of ATS2060 or ATS2307 as a Context studies unit.

Specified context electives

6 credit points

You must complete 6 credit points from the following units

Part D. Free elective studies48 credit points

You must complete 48 credit points of free elective studies.

You may select units from:
- Part C. Context studies
- the music electives listed below,
- across the Arts faculty, or from across the University (including a major or minor from another course).
Note: You need to have met any prerequisites and ensure there are no restrictions on admission to the units you choose. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties. The units may be at any level ensuring that the course rules are satisfied for the Bachelor of Music.

You can enrich your degree by using some of your free electives to take a study tour, field trip or exchange opportunity. You can also use this space to hone your academic and professional skills with an internship or a range of practical units. See Arts enrichment and Intercultural studies list of units to discover the breadth of options available.

The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.

If you are in a double degree course, some units required for the other degree are credited as electives towards the music degree.

Performance electives

Applied electives

Context electives

Overseas electives

The handbook's description of this structure

The course is structured into four parts and progresses through three themes of music specialist study, music theory and ear training, and music context study.

Part A. Specialist studies

This sequence of units will provide you with specialist skills to undertake a final examination either through performance with your chief instrument or voice, or through a folio of composition and music technology media or written work. Performance and other applied electives are also available.

Part B. Music theory and ear training

This will integrate the development of aural skills with the theoretical understanding of music through listening, analysis, performance, notation and composition.

Part C. Context studies

These studies will expose you to the study of music and music making in various cultural, historical, social and professional settings through introductory units and a capstone experience.

Part D. Free elective studies

Electives will enable you to further develop your knowledge of music or Arts more broadly, or select units from across the University in which you are eligible to enrol. You can also use your free electives for study tours, field trips, internships, exchange opportunities or explore the Arts enrichment and Intercultural studies for other available options.

Master's accelerated pathway

If you satisfy the below requirements, you may be invited to join the master's accelerated pathway program:

have achieved a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65%; and
have completed a minimum of 96 credit points in your bachelor degree, including 24 credit points towards your Arts specialisation.

Please note that you should also have a minimum of 24 credit points of free electives available.

On joining the accelerated pathway your 24 credit points of free elective units will be replaced with specified units from your destination master's degree. As long as you attain a minimum WAM of 60% at the end of your bachelor studies, you will be eligible to continue your chosen master's studies the following year.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 144 points, structured in four parts: Part A. Specialist studies (36 points), Part B. Music theory and ear training (24 points), Part C. Context studies (36 points) and Part D. Free elective studies (48 points).

To satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Music you must complete 144 credit points as specified in the course requirements, including:

a maximum of 60 credit points at level 1 and,
a minimum of 24 credit points must be completed in music at level 3.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Specialist studies (36 credit points)

You must complete one of the following specialisations (36 points).

Note: To avoid exceeding the standard three year course duration, you must enrol in the music specialist study 1 and 2 units in your first year of study, then progress to the music specialist study 3 to 6 units in the following years. You must pass each unit sequentially.

Composition and music technology
Music performance
Popular music

Part B. Music theory and ear training (24 credit points)

You must complete the following units:

ATS1899 Music theory and ear training 1
ATS1900 Music theory and ear training 2
ATS2901 Music theory and ear training 3
ATS2902 Music theory and ear training 4

NOTE 1: If you are a BMus or a BMus double degree student, you may choose to take an examination at the commencement of ATS1899 Music theory and ear training 1. If you pass, you may be granted an exemption from this unit and be allowed to enrol in ATS1347 Ensemble studies 1 or another approved unit. Similarly, you may be exempted from ATS1900 Music theory and ear training 2 if at the commencement of this unit you choose to take an examination and pass it. This will allow you to enrol in ATS1348 Ensemble studies 2 or another approved unit.

NOTE 2: If you are completing Popular music you may replace ATS2901 Music theory and ear training 3 and ATS2902 Music theory and ear training 4 with the elective units ATS2159 Recording and computer music production and ATS2139 Song writing: How to write a popular song.

Part C. Context studies (36 credit points)

You must complete 36 credit points, comprising:

- 30 credit points of Context studies; and
- 6 credit points of Specified context electives.

Context studies

You must complete the 30 credit points from the following units:

Note: You can only complete one of ATS2060 or ATS2307 as a Context studies unit.

ATS1345 Music across time
ATS1346 Music across place
ATS3061 The performing arts in Australia
ATS3094 Preparing for careers in the performing arts industry
ATS2060 The art of teaching music practice
ATS2307 Creative improvisation in music practice

Specified context electives

You must complete 6 credit points from the following units:

ATS2060 The art of teaching music practice
ATS2307 Creative improvisation in music practice

ATS2333 Jazz movements and cultures
ATS2800 Ensemble studies 3
ATS2801 Ensemble studies 4
ATS2331 Music in culture study tour
ATS2332 Music - Overseas study program

Part D. Free elective studies (48 credit points)

You must complete 48 credit points of free elective studies.

You may select units from:
- Part C. Context studies,
- the music electives listed below,
- across the Arts faculty, or from across the University (including a major or minor from another course).
Note: You need to have met any prerequisites and ensure there are no restrictions on admission to the units you choose. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties. The units may be at any level ensuring that the course rules are satisfied for the Bachelor of Music.

You can enrich your degree by using some of your free electives to take a study tour, field trip or exchange opportunity. You can also use this space to hone your academic and professional skills with an internship or a range of practical units. See Arts enrichment and Intercultural studies list of units to discover the breadth of options available.

The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.

If you are in a double degree course, some units required for the other degree are credited as electives towards the music degree.

Electives list

Performance electives

ATS1347 Ensemble studies 1
ATS1348 Ensemble studies 2
ATS2800 Ensemble studies 3
ATS2801 Ensemble studies 4

Applied electives

ATS2139 Song writing: How to write a popular song
ATS2159 Recording and computer music production
ATS2307 Creative improvisation in music practice
ATS2999 Video game music
ATS3819 Orchestration and arranging
ATS3820 Music ensemble direction and leadership
ATS3999 Video game music

Context electives

ATS1343 Popular music in global perspective
ATS1070 Intercultural theatre and performance
ATS1069 Exploring theatre and performance studies
ATS2284 Agency, advocacy and activism in performance
ATS2287 Exploring theatre and performance studies
ATS2291 Intercultural theatre and performance
ATS2878 Audio culture: The history of electronic music
ATS2910 Professional and academic presentation skills
ATS3336 Performance lab: Production investigation
ATS3824 Popular music and society
ATS3828 Film music

Overseas units

ATS2331/ATS3331 Music in culture study tour
ATS2332/ATS3332 Music - Overseas study program

Areas of study

Specialisations (3)

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1
demonstrate a high level of technical and musical artistry in your chosen music specialisation through sustained, self-directed learning, resolving musical and conceptual problems with creativity and critical judgment;
2
develop and apply robust research skills to investigate music-related questions, demonstrating appropriate research methodologies and analytical approaches;
3
inspire, motivate and influence others through the communication of complex musical ideas using written and verbal means, and artistic and music-specific forms of representation;
4
engage actively as a creative citizen with diverse communities, using your artistic practice to address global civic, social, cultural, political and environmental issues;
5
critically reflect on your creative practice and articulate your role within broader disciplinary, cultural, and ecological contexts;
6
prepare for a career in music and demonstrate the ability to navigate a dynamic industry and adjust to changing situations;
7
critically engage with and ethically employ emerging technologies in music practice;
8
develop and apply highly effective collaborative skills that are inclusive, interdisciplinary and ethical;
9
thoughtfully and appropriately engage with Australian First Nations perspectives in relation to artistic practices;
10
approach creative work in holistically healthy ways that support well-being and sustainable practice.

Entry requirements

Guaranteed ATAR and selection rank

70 International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 1 RC (70-72.49); UERT Post-secondary Band 1 (Pass)

Other applicants

All applicants must satisfy the equivalence of the VCE subject prerequisites demonstrating the required level of performance in Year 12 or equivalent in English

VET Diploma graduates: To be considered, applicants who have completed VCE or its equivalent and who are applying with a Humanities or Social Science based diploma will require an average result of at least 60%. Applicants who have not completed VCE but have completed a Humanities or Social Science based diploma will require an average result of at least 70%. Programs that involve competency-based assessment without grades or marks will not meet the admission requirements.

VET Certificate IV graduates: To be considered, applicants who have completed VCE or its equivalent and who are applying with a Humanities or Social Science based Cert IV will require an average result of at least 80%. Programs that involve competency-based assessment without grades or marks will not meet the admission requirements. No credit is granted for these studies

University: To be considered on the basis of tertiary study alone, applicants who have completed VCE or equivalent will be required to complete the equivalent of one year (48 credit points) of a recognised university degree and will require an average result of at least 60% (including failed units). For applicants who have completed less than the equivalent of one year of study, both the senior secondary qualification results and the units completed will be considered.

For applicants who do not have any formal qualifications completion of two single units at an Australian higher education or equivalent overseas educational institution satisfy minimum entry requirements, but four units are recommended to be competitive for selection, especially in Humanities or Social Science areas. Applicants should have at least a 60% average in their studies (including failed units). Studies must have been completed within five years of intended commencement.

All applicants must satisfy the equivalence of the VCE subject prerequisites.

English language

Monash Level A, that is: IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 overall with no band lower than 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

Pathways

Monash College - Diploma of Arts

More information

Progression to further studies

Honours

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to Bachelor of Music (Honours) (A3702). You must have:

completed 48 credit points of studies within your chosen music discipline;
obtained a distinction grade average (75%) or above in 24 credit points of studies in your chosen Honours Music area of study at Level 3

Master's

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a master's course. You must have completed all the requirements for your undergraduate degree with a 60% average.

Notes for students

You can enrich your degree to hone your academic and professional skills with a range of Flagship Rich Educational Experiences (FREE). These flagship rich educational experience units may be credited utilising your free electives, or alternatively in place of your discipline- specific electives (up to 6 points) if approved by the faculty. There are both 6 and 12 credit point unit options available.*

For information on eligibility, please see FREE.

*If you are enrolled in a double degree it may be possible to utilise credit from one or both of your degrees to do a 6 and/or 12 credit point flagship rich educational experience. For information on eligible double degree combinations please see FREE.

Other information

The Bachelor of Music is a specialist undergraduate degree designed to provide you with practical skills in combination with an intellectual grounding in the discipline of music.

As a student in the Bachelor of Music, you engage in high-impact learning and teaching that supports the development of core competencies in musical practice, theory and analysis, and history and context. The course explores music principles, concepts and ideas through 21st-century contexts, immersing you in your chosen specialisation while concurrently providing opportunities to undertake mobility programs, professional development units, and/or other topics of interest.

Throughout your studies, you are encouraged to cultivate qualities that enrich your artistic and professional growth. You will engage with music through curiosity and discovery, approaching new ideas with openness and genuine inquiry. The learning environment nurtures passion and professionalism, fostering personal excellence alongside ethical and respectful musical practice. You are supported to develop flexibility and adaptability as you navigate an evolving musical landscape, while also adopting a forward-looking perspective that invites engagement with emerging trends and future directions in the field. With an emphasis on global engagement, you participate in cross-cultural and internationalised contexts, gaining insight into music’s role in the wider world. Cultural competence is woven throughout your learning, supporting respectful engagement with diverse musical traditions, perspectives, and communities across cultures.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music are highly regarded employees of organisations across the world and are at the forefront of creative practice and artistic citizenship.

Contacts

Academic Coordinator: Associate Professor Robert Burke

Common questions

How long is Bachelor of Music?

3 years full time, 144 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 6 semesters of full-time study.

What specialisations can I take in Bachelor of Music?

3 specialisations in 2027, including Composition and music technology; Music performance; and Popular music.

What ATAR do I need for Bachelor of Music?

The guaranteed ATAR listed for 2027 entry is 70 International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 1 RC (70-72.49).

Where can I study Bachelor of Music?

At Clayton.

How do I plan my Bachelor of Music units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification: Bachelor Degree
AQF level: Level 7
Credit points: 144
Full time: 3 Years
Part time: 6 Years
Maximum time: 8 years

Faculty: Faculty of Arts
CRICOS code: 017113G
Abbreviation: BMus
Award title: Bachelor of Music
Handbook years: 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 20262027