Skip to Main Content

Contents

Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

In the BMus you’ll learn to both preserve the past and nurture progress as you focus on your chosen discipline and prepare to enter a dynamic music industry. You’ll learn from some of the finest instrument teachers in the country, as well as recognised music historians and composers. Our partnerships with industry organisations will put you in contact with leading local and international musicians.

Through your involvement in large and small ensembles, tutorials and studio classes, you’ll develop strong collaborative skills and grow your confidence.

You can study music alongside another discipline as part of a conjoint degree in Arts, Commerce, Engineering, Law or Science.

Programme Structure

While each specialisation differs slightly, in the first year you will undertake a cross-genre music theory course, one in contemporary music culture, and a selection of other courses within your specialisation. You will also complete a General Education course.

In second year and beyond, you will continue to develop within your specialisation and you can explore areas of personal interest in complementary fields such as sonic arts, music education, production, and history.

We recommend you choose WTRENG 100 Waipapa Taumata Rau: Engineering and Design for the Built Environment in Aotearoa New Zealand as your General Education course.


Conjoint options - Conjoint programmes let you pursue two undergraduate bachelors degrees at the same time.

Learn more about conjoints

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

As a graduate you’ll have the skills and expertise to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in New Zealand and overseas. Building a career on stage is a frequent goal, but the music industry runs on more than performers and composers. There is a collection of people who keep the industry moving, such as writers, managers, producers and teachers.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Arranger/composer/songwriter
  • Arts administrator/manager/director
  • Conductor
  • Music director
  • Music journalist
  • Performer
  • Radio/television/digital media/recording producer
  • Music producer/sound engineer

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Video

Take a 360° tour with Music students

Enjoy a 360° virtual tour of some of the Music spaces on campus.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Overseas qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained outside New Zealand, view our international entry requirements


New Zealand secondary school qualifications

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

Qualification and Score required

NCEA - 150

CIE - 150

IB - 26


New Zealand tertiary qualifications

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.  

Grade required

2.2 Grade Point average Calculate your Grade Point Average

2.2 Grade Point equivalent Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

  • Creative Practice: Classical 
  • Creative Practice: Jazz
  • Creative Practice: Popular Music

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. For more information, see External transfer of credit.

 If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Other Pathways to Study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026
2027 Semester One01 March 202728 June 2027
2027 Semester Two19 July 202715 November 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

You will be required to audition if you are applying for the following specialisations:


If you have any queries, please contact the Student Hubs

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all the other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Arts and Education.

Duration and Total Points Value

1 A student enrolled for this degree must follow a programme of the equivalent of six full-time semesters and pass courses with a total value of 360 points, unless credit is granted under the Admission Regulations and/or the Credit Regulations.

Structure and Content

2 Of the 360 points required for this degree, a student must pass:

a at least 300 points from the courses listed in the Bachelor of Music schedule including one specialisation, as listed in the Bachelor of Music schedule, of which at least 75 points must be above Stage II

b up to 30 points of courses available for this programme or other undergraduate courses offered at this University

c 30 points from courses offered in either the General Education Open Schedule or the relevant General Education Schedule approved for this degree

d the Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

 3 A student who is required to meet the Academic English Language Requirement, as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic English Language Requirement, of the University Calendar, may substitute an academic English language course approved by Senate or its representative for 15 points of General Education.

General Education Exemptions

4 a A student is exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules who has:

either

(i) completed an undergraduate degree at a tertiary institution

or

(ii) commenced study for this degree at a tertiary institution before 1 January 2006

or

(iii) been admitted to this degree having completed 240 points or more of degree-level study at another tertiary institution.

b A student who has been exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules must substitute the requirement with courses approved by the Head of School of Music, or nominee.

c A student admitted to this degree, who has completed between 120 and 235 points inclusive of degree-level study at another tertiary institution, or who has completed a minimum of 50 points of study towards this degree in one semester at an overseas institution, either through an overseas exchange programme or through prior approval under the Credit Regulations, must pass 15 points from courses offered in the General Education Schedules.

d A student who has been fully or partially exempted from the requirement to pass courses offered in the General Education Schedules is nonetheless required to complete the Academic Integrity course.

Practical Professional and Practicum Requirements

5 In any course that includes performance work of a practical nature, a student must comply with the requirements for that course as specified by the Head of School of Music.

Conjoint Degrees

6 Special arrangements apply where this degree is taken as a component degree of an approved conjoint combination. The specific requirements and a complete list of the conjoint degrees available are set out in the Conjoint Degrees section of the University Calendar.

Variations

7 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

8 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 360 points comprising:

  • 285 points for one Specialisation from Bachelor of Music Schedule, and
  • 30 points from General Education Courses, and
  • 45 points from Other Courses, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

General Education Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

Other Courses

Select 45 credits from University of Auckland at levels 100 to 400.

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

This is a sample degree plan for the Composition specialisation only. Please refer to your Programme Requirements on Student Services Online (SSO) for the courses you are required to complete for your specialisation.

Degree Plan for the Bachelor of Music - Composition specialisation

Year 1
Semester One
Composition Studio 1 
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points
Introduction to Musical Phenomena 
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 1
15 Points
Musicking
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 1
7.5 Points
General Education Courses
15 Points

Can be swapped with an elective in another semester

Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Composition Studio 2 
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points
Music in Aotearoa New Zealand
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 1
15 Points
Introduction to Music Teaching and Learning
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 1
15 Points
Musicking
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 1
7.5 Points
General Education Courses
15 Points

Can be swapped with an elective in another semester

Year 2
Semester One
Composition Studio 3 
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points
Classical Theory and Musicianship 1
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 2
15 Points
Music in Society
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 1
15 Points

MUS 246

Experimental Music in the 20th and 21st Centuries

OR

Elective course (if MUS 346 is selected in Year 3)

15 Points
Semester Two
Composition Studio 4 
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points
Classical Theory and Musicianship 2
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 2
15 Points
Instrumentation
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points

Elective Course

15 Points

Bachelor of Music Schedule course

OR

Other Undergraduate course

Year 3
Semester One
Composition Studio 5 
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points
Classical Theory and Musicianship 3
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 2
15 Points

MUS 314

Orchestration

OR

Elective course (if MUS 315 is selected in Semester 2)

15 Points

MUS 346

Experimental Music in the 20th and 21st Centuries

OR

Any Undergraduate course (if MUS 246 is selected in Year 2)

15 Points
Semester Two
Composition Studio 6 
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points
Analytical Methods
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 3
15 Points
Music as History
Bachelor of Music Schedule - CPS-BMus - Bachelor of Music specialisation in Composition - Core Courses 1
15 Points

MUS 315

Sonic Arts

OR

Any Undergraduate course (if MUS 314 is selected in Semester 1)

Points

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

#ThemeDescription
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability
1.1
1.2
2.1
3.1
3.2
4.1
5.1
6.1
7.1
8.1
8.2

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism