Music - 3436
Program Summary
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Contact: sam@unsw.edu.au
Campus: Sydney
Career: Undergraduate
Typical Duration: 4 Years
Typical UOC Per Semester: 24
Min UOC Per Semester: 6
Max UOC Per Semester: 24
Min UOC For Award: 192
UAC Code: 422004
International Entry Requirements: See International Entry Requirements
Award(s):
Bachelor of Music (Major)
Information valid for students commencing 2013.
Students who commenced prior to 2013 should go to the Handbook's Previous Editions
Program Description
The Bachelor of Music (UNSW BMus) is a four year, full time degree that offers intensive pre-professional training in four Streams: Music Creative Practice, Music Inquiry, Sonic Arts, and Music Pedagogy. The first two years are common to all Streams with the exception that the Music Creative Practice Stream continues with individual performance or compositional tuition in a self-selected musical style or tradition, including Jazz or World Music, in year two. Specialisation in the three other Streams begins in year three. Music Inquiry provides a highly academic focus on studies in Historical Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Music Analysis or the Psychology of Music. Sonic Arts develops technical and creative skills in Electro-Acoustic music and Sound Design and provides links with Media Studies at UNSW. Music Pedagogy provides a course of study in studio teaching with an emphasis on practical application and preparation for further study in Music Education. These three Streams also include extensive training in musicianship and ensemble performance. All BMus Streams are supported by a variety of large and small, Western and Non-Western Music ensembles as well as extensive opportunities for developing musicianship skills.
The BMus can be completed full-time in single mode (normally 4 years, including an Honours option) and in Dual mode (the equivalent of three years full-time) or part-time. Level four of the program may be taken at Pass or Honours level.
The BMus has a depth component and a breadth component. Students enrolled in single mode do both the depth and breadth component while students enrolled in Dual mode only complete the depth component. Dual mode enables students to complete a degree in music and another degree over five years.
The BMus can be completed full-time in single mode (normally 4 years, including an Honours option) and in Dual mode (the equivalent of three years full-time) or part-time. Level four of the program may be taken at Pass or Honours level.
The BMus has a depth component and a breadth component. Students enrolled in single mode do both the depth and breadth component while students enrolled in Dual mode only complete the depth component. Dual mode enables students to complete a degree in music and another degree over five years.
The Depth (Blue Zone) component is:
- The completion of Core Musicology courses (30 UOC, 6 courses)
- The completion of Core Musicianship courses (24 UOC, 4 courses)
- The completion of Core Performance Laboratory courses (48 - 54 UOC, 8 to 9 courses, depending on the Stream; or 36 UOC, 6 courses, if the Honours alternative at Level 4 is taken)
- The completion of a Stream Gateway Course (6 UOC, 1 course)
- The completion of Prescribed Music Electives (18 – 24 UOC, 3 to 4 courses depending on the Stream)
- The completion of Directed Study (6 UOC, 1 course)
- The completion of the Music Capstone (6 UOC, 1 course) (only for students at Pass level)
The Breadth (Green Zone) component is:
- Free electives (36 UOC - 6 courses)
- General Education (12 UOC- 2 courses)
Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes
The BMus enables students to develop skills and knowledge in music as preparation for professional work in areas as diverse as music performance, arranging and composition, studio teaching, research, broadcasting and recording, arts administration, music and arts journalism, and music technology and sound design.
The Graduate Attributes for this Program are as follows:
- The skills involved in scholarly enquiry, such as information literacy, critical analysis, and writing
- An in-depth engagement with discipline-specific knowledge, such as instrumental or vocal performance, composition, score reading and writing skills, inner hearing, music theory, and repertoire knowledge
- Engagement with music in its interdisciplinary context through the study of music history, music ethnography/anthropology, and music technology
- Capacity for analytical and critical thinking and for creative problem-solving through individual instrumental or vocal study, composition, participation in performing ensembles and academic tasks involving theoretical issues
- Information Literacy – the skills to locate, evaluate and use relevant information
- The capacity for enterprise, initiative and creativity, developed primarily through opportunities for performing and composing, and being involved in concert organizing and musical leadership
- An appreciation of, and respect for, diversity, through participation in and study of diversity of musical practice and thinking
- High levels of oral and written communication, supported with discipline-based forms of communication such as scores and music performance
- Skills required for collaborations and contribution to the international community are developed through individual instrumental or vocal performance, composition, ensemble performances and the study of diverse musical styles and practices
- Respect for ethical practice and social responsibility are fostered through links with the music industry and discussions of professional practices in theory and practice alike.
Program Structure
The basic requirements for the degree are:
Single mode (192 UOC) made up of
- Musicology Core (30 UOC)
- Musicianship Core (24 UOC)
- Performance Laboratory Core (48 - 54 UOC)
- Stream Gateway Course (6 UOC)
- Prescribed Stream and Music electives (18 - 24 UOC)
- Directed Study (6 UOC)
- Music Capstone (6 UOC)
- Free electives (36 UOC)
- General Education (12 UOC)
Dual mode (144 UOC) made up of
- Musicology Core (30 UOC)
- Musicianship Core (24 UOC)
- Performance Laboratory Core (48 - 54 UOC)
- Stream Gateway Course (6 UOC)
- Prescribed Stream and Music electives (18 – 24 UOC)
- Directed Study (6 UOC)
- Music Capstone (6 UOC)
Dual Mode with Bachelor of Arts
Because both Dual programs are internal to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences the General Education (GE) Exemption for Dual programs does not apply.
For students completing the BMus in this Dual mode the Prescribed Faculty Elective in the BA is replaced with an approved GE course to meet 6 UOC of the GE requirement. The other 6 UOC is to be taken by converting a Prescribed Music Elective into an approved GE course. This completes the 12 UOC GE requirement.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Stream Gateway Course
Prescribed Electives
Level 4 (Pass)
Prescribed Electives
Level 4 (Honours)
For practice focused candidates
- List A Faculty-wide seminar (6 UOC)
- Practice-based Project (composition portfolio, project or recital) (24 UOC)
- Thesis (18 UOC)
OR
For research focused candidates
- List A Faculty-wide seminar (6 UOC)
- Music research seminar (12 UOC)
- Thesis (30 UOC)
Prescribed Electives
Prescribed stream and music electives are chosen from the list of offerings published by the program.
Free Electives
A Free Elective is any course offered either within or outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in which the student is able to enrol.
General Education
General Education is the completion of two courses (12 UOC) offered outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Award with Distinction
High achieving students who secure a WAM of 75 across their program and who have completed at least 48 UOC of their program at UNSW are eligible for the award of their Pass Degree "with Distinction".
Honours
High achieving BMus students (in Single or Dual mode) may apply for entry to Honours. Honours is taken in year four of the Program and allows a student to further explore their studies. It involves seminars and a thesis for candidates focusing on music research OR one seminar, a thesis, and the completion of a practice-based project for candidates focusing on music practice. Those students who are considering Honours should submit an expression of interest at the beginning of Level 3 and complete a formal application at the end of Level 3. Both should be submitted to the Honours Convenor of the School of the Arts and Media. Entry to Honours requires a WAM of 70 or higher in the depth component of the program and is subject to resources and the approval of the Head of School in which the stream(s) is/are based. Honours is awarded in three classes (Class 1, Class 2 in two Divisions, and Class 3). If requirements for these classes are not met the Pass degree will be awarded if the student is not already a Graduate of the program.
Performance Ensembles
BMus students must take part in a required number of the performance ensembles offered by the School, one of which must be a major performing ensemble.
Sample Program
It is strongly recommended that students follow the sample program to ensure compliance with course requirements.
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Bachelor of Music (BMus) - Example for Music Creative Practice Stream
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Level 1
Semester 1
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MUSC1101 Music Reinvented (6 UOC)
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MUSC1602 Materials & Structures 1(6 UOC)
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MUSC1702 Performance Laboratory 1 (Advanced) (6 UOC)
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Free Elective (6 UOC) | |
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Level 1
Semester 2
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MUSC1603 Materials & Structures 2 (6 UOC)
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MUSC1604 Western Music: a Panorama (6 UOC)
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MUSC1705 Performance Laboratory 2 (Advanced) (6 UOC)
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Free Elective (6 UOC) | |
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Level 2
Semester 1
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MUSC2116 Sound, Society, and Self in World Music (6 UOC)
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MUSC2602 Materials & Structures 3 (6 UOC)
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MUSC2701 Performance Laboratory 3 (6 UOC)
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Free Elective (6 UOC) | |
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Level 2
Semester 2
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MUSC2601 Advanced Studies in Music History & Culture 1 (6 UOC)
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MUSC2603 Materials & Structures 4 (6 UOC) |
MUSC2702 Performance Laboratory 4 (6 UOC)
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Free Elective (6 UOC) | |
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Level 3
Semester 1
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MUSC3601 Advanced Studies in Music History & Culture 2 (6 UOC)
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MUSC3602 Professional Practices (6 UOC)
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MUSC3701 Performance Laboratory 5 (6 UOC)
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Free Elective (6 UOC)
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Level 3
Semester 2
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Prescribed Music Elective (6 UOC) | Prescribed Stream Elective (6 UOC) |
MUSC3702 Performance Laboratory 6 (6 UOC)
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Free Elective (6 UOC) | |
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Level 4 - PASS
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Semester 1
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MUSC4601 Directed Study (6 UOC) | MUSC4701 Performance Laboratory 7 (6 UOC) | MUSC4702 Performance Laboratory 8 (6 UOC) | General Education (6 UOC) | |
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Semester 2
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MUSC3101 Capstone (6 UOC) | Prescribed Music Elective (6 UOC) | MUSC4703 Performance Laboratory 9 (6 UOC) | General Education (6 UOC) | |
Details of the Honours program will be released at a later date.
Bachelor of Music - Example for Music Inquiry Stream: click here
Bachelor of Music - Example for Sonic Arts Stream: click here
Bachelor of Music - Example for Music Pedagogy Stream: click here
Bachelor of Music - Example for Sonic Arts Stream: click here
Bachelor of Music - Example for Music Pedagogy Stream: click here
Academic Rules
Single Mode
To qualify for the award of the degree at Pass level, a student must:
- enrol in the Bachelor of Music and complete 192 UOC
- complete the core requirements
- complete the prescribed elective requirements
- complete 36 UOC of Free Electives
- complete 12 UOC of General Education
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 2 courses before enrolling in Level 3 courses
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 3 courses before enrolling in Level 4 courses
- complete at least 168 UOC overall before enrolling in the Capstone course
Dual Mode
To qualify for the award of the degree at Pass level, a student must:
- enrol in the Bachelor of Music and complete 144 UOC
- complete the core requirements
- complete the prescribed elective requirements
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 2 courses before enrolling in Level 3 courses
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 3 courses before enrolling in Level 4 courses
- complete at least 120 UOC overall before enrolling in the Capstone course
Dual Mode with Bachelor of Arts
To qualify for the award of the degree at Pass level, a student must:
- enrol in the Bachelor of Music and complete 144 UOC
- complete the core requirements
- complete the prescribed elective requirements
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 2 courses before enrolling in Level 3 courses
- complete at least 36 UOC of Level 3 courses before enrolling in Level 4 courses
- complete at least 120 UOC overall before enrolling in the Capstone course
- complete 12 UOC of General Education overall
Honours
To qualify for the award of the degree with Honours, a Single or Dual student must:
- hold a WAM of 70 or higher, by the end of Level 3, in those streams they are seeking to further study
- complete the List A coursework requirement for their area of study (6 UOC)
- complete a practical project (24 UOC)
- complete a research project or thesis (18 UOC)
OR
- hold a WAM of 70 or higher, by the end of Level 3, in those streams they are seeking to further study
- complete the List A coursework requirement for their area of study (6 UOC)
- complete the music research seminar (12 UOC)
- complete a thesis (30 UOC)
Fees
For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website: https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html
Important Information
The Academic Rules for the UNSW BMus and the online enrolment facility provide students with a wide range of course choices. The online enrolment facility checks that students meet the enrolment requirements for individual courses but not that a course complies with Program Rules. Students are responsible for ensuring they are enrolling in accordance with the Academic Rules outlined above. Students should not assume that because they have enrolled in a course online that the course is automatically credited to their degree program.
Further Information
Admission to the program is subject to a satisfactory audition/interview and an acceptable level of attainment in year 12 studies or equivalent. Assumed knowledge: HSC Music 2 or Extension or equivalent qualification.
For more information, please contact school
For more information, please contact school
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