The Bachelor of Music with Honours (MusB(Hons)) at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a one-year advanced music qualification intended for students who have already completed a Bachelor of Music or an equivalent degree and achieved strong results. It provides advanced study through coursework and research, with particular pathways in Composition and Performance.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides an additional year of advanced study after a Bachelor of Music or equivalent qualification.
• Allows students to develop advanced skills in music performance, composition and independent musical study.
• Students can follow a specialist pathway in Composition or Performance, or construct a more general, non-specialised programme through their course choices.
• The programme combines coursework with a substantial research component.
• Students can learn from UC's School of Music, which offers expertise across performance, composition, digital music, ethnomusicology, music history and research, musicianship and music education.
• UC provides opportunities to participate in concerts, recitals, seminars, workshops, masterclasses and demonstrations.
• Music students have access to specialist facilities including practice rooms, quality pianos and string instruments, a chamber organ, Balinese gamelan and music technology resources.
• The degree can provide a pathway towards the Master of Music and subsequently doctoral study such as a PhD in Music or Doctor of Musical Arts.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The MusB(Hons) consists of 120 points of advanced coursework and research.

Compulsory courses include:

• ARTS401 – Arts Research and Scholarship: Introduction to Theories and Methods
• MUSI481 – Research Project

The remaining points are selected from eligible 400-level Music courses.

The research component is particularly important because MUSI481 provides the formal research-project element of the qualification.

Depending on the student's pathway, advanced Music study can involve areas such as:

• Music performance
• Composition
• Music history
• Musicology
• Ethnomusicology
• Music analysis
• Music aesthetics
• Digital music
• Musicianship
• Music education
• Ensemble/performance practice
• Independent musical research.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The UC programme specifically identifies two main pathways:

1. Composition
2. Performance

The wider UC School of Music also covers:

• Digital music
• Musicology
• Ethnomusicology
• Music history
• Musicianship
• Music education
• Performance
• Composition.

Programme Highlights

• Level 8 advanced honours qualification.
• 120-point programme.
• Normally completed in one year full-time.
• February/Semester 1 start.
• Advanced study following a Bachelor of Music or equivalent.
• B GPA requirement in 300-level courses.
• Composition and Performance pathways.
• General non-specialised pathway possible.
• Required research component through MUSI481.
• Advanced 400-level Music coursework.
• Opportunity for independent musical research.
• Performance students have access to the Arts Centre facilities.
• UC Music provides specialist practice, rehearsal, performance and music-technology resources.
• The qualification can lead into postgraduate Music study.

Career Outcomes

The qualification develops advanced musical, analytical, research and creative capabilities relevant to careers such as:

• Professional musician
• Composer
• Performer
• Music researcher
• Music educator
• Musicologist
• Digital music professional
• Recording and sound-related roles
• Music and arts administration
• Festival and arts organisation roles
• Community music leadership
• Journalism and music-related media
• Television and radio
• Publishing.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current UC programme page lists the MusB(Hons) as a 120-point, one-year full-time qualification beginning in Semester 1/February.
• The current international tuition estimate for 2027 is NZD 45,800 for 120 points.
• Performance entry is limited and requires an audition application.
• The current Performance audition application deadline is 20 September of the preceding year.
• Students must have a Bachelor of Music or equivalent with at least a B GPA in 300-level courses, unless admitted under the applicable equivalent-standing/special-case provisions.
• The qualification is currently recognised by NZQA as Level 8, 120 credits and is listed as a current qualification.
• The current UC English requirement for this qualification follows the undergraduate standard, rather than the standard listed for UC postgraduate qualifications.
• UC Music is currently based at Fine Arts Block Two on Ilam Campus and the UC Arts City Location; Performance is taught at the Arts Centre.
• The supplied IPU page is not related to this qualification and currently identifies a discontinued-for-new-enrolments Master of Contemporary International Studies programme.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student normally needs a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study the MusB(Hons).

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants must generally have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an acceptable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical/travel insurance.
• Any required evidence relating to health and character.
• Evidence demonstrating genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for onward travel, where required.

Current Fee Paying Student Visa information:

• Cost: from NZD 850.
• Processing: 80% within 8.5 weeks.
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• Application: online.
• INZ strongly encourages international students to apply approximately three months before intended travel.

Living-fund requirement for tertiary students:

• NZD 20,000 for each year of study when studying for one year or more.
• NZD 1,667 per month when the study period is shorter than one year.

Work rights:

• Eligible students may work up to 25 hours per week while studying.
• Eligible students may work full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their individual visa conditions.
• Students must check the actual work conditions attached to their visa.