Why Study/Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Music (MusB) is designed for students who want specialised university-level study in music while retaining flexibility to take other subjects.
• Students can choose from four specialised majors: Composition, Music Production, Music Studies, and Performance.
• UC provides opportunities to perform publicly, with concerts hosted across the Ilam and Arts Centre locations.
• Students can gain practical experience through performances, internships, and collaborative projects.
• The programme develops not only musical and creative abilities but also communication, teamwork, project management, and creative-thinking skills.
• Students can combine the Bachelor of Music with another degree such as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce through UC's double-degree options.
• Music students have access to UC's specialist music environment, including the Arts Centre location in central Christchurch. Performance teaching is particularly connected with the Arts Centre.
• UC describes the music industry as changing significantly because of digital technology and cultural changes, creating opportunities beyond traditional performing and teaching careers.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The degree combines compulsory Music courses, major-specific study, Music electives, and other undergraduate courses.

Year 1 compulsory Music courses include:

• MUSA100 – Essentials in Music Techniques
• MUSA101 – Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 1
• MUSA126 – Sound Technologies
• MUSA132 – Musics of the World

Students also complete the required 100-level courses for their chosen major.

Year 2 compulsory Music courses include:

• MUSA200 – Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 2
• MUSA250 – Community Music
• One approved Music course
• Required 200-level courses from the chosen major.

Year 3 includes:

• MUSA398 – Capstone Project
• At least another 45 points of Music electives
• Required 300-level courses from the chosen major.

Examples of Music topics and courses available within the degree include:

• Musicianship, harmony and analysis
• Sound technologies
• Music production
• Recording techniques
• Audio production
• Introduction to game audio
• Creative sound studio
• Composition studio
• Song writing
• Composition for screen
• Orchestration and arranging
• Music history
• Popular music
• Music in the Age of Revolutions
• 20th Century Music and Beyond
• Hip Hop Revolution
• Early Music
• Community Music
• Performance
• Ensemble work
• Capstone project. 

Disciplines/Specialisations

The Bachelor of Music currently offers four majors:

1. Composition

The Composition major develops skills in creating music, composition techniques, songwriting, composition in context, orchestration and arranging.

The current regulations require 75 points, including approved 100-level composition/songwriting courses, 30 points at 200-level and MUSA311 or MUSA313 at 300-level.

2. Music Production

The Music Production major focuses on the technical and creative production side of music.

Required courses include:

• MUSA152 – Recording Techniques
• MUSA228 – Audio Production
• MUSA229 – Introduction to Game Audio
• One of MUSA325, MUSA326 or MUSA327.

3. Music Studies

Music Studies provides a broader academic study of music, including music history, popular music, music cultures and related critical study.

The major includes approved 100-level Music, 200-level Music and 300-level Music courses.

4. Performance

The Performance major develops practical performance skills through instrumental or vocal study.

The current regulations require 90 points including:

• MUSA141 – Performance 1A
• MUSA142 – Performance 1B
• MUSA241 – Performance 2A
• MUSA242 – Performance 2B
• MUSA341 – Performance 3.

Programme Highlights

• 360-point Bachelor of Music degree.
• Three years full-time.
• Four specialised majors: Composition, Music Production, Music Studies and Performance.
• Flexible structure allowing 105 points outside the core Music requirements.
• Double-degree option with qualifications such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce.
• Practical performance opportunities.
• Internship and collaborative-project opportunities.
• Specialist music learning environments in both the Ilam and Christchurch Arts Centre locations.
• Performance study takes place in the Arts Centre environment.
• The degree includes a final-year Capstone Project.
• Students can progress to a range of postgraduate Music qualifications at UC, including the Bachelor of Music with Honours, Master of Music, Doctor of Musical Arts and PhD in Music.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies graduates as working in areas such as:

• Composer
• Sound designer
• Performer
• Music producer
• Music therapist
• Music educator

Depending on the major and additional experience, students may also develop pathways into areas such as:

• Music production
• Recording and audio
• Game audio
• Songwriting
• Arts administration
• Festival planning
• Music journalism
• Community music
• Performance and ensemble work
• Creative industries.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The most important current requirement for international applicants interested in Performance is the audition.

For students intending to start in 2027, UC currently lists two in-person audition rounds:

• First round: 12–13 September 2026
• Second round: 7–8 November 2026
• Final date for submitting an audition application: 23 October 2026

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time study at UC.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of study.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Medical or chest X-ray evidence where required.
• Police certificates where required.

Current visa details:

• Maximum visa duration: up to 4 years.
• Current cost: from NZD$850.
• Processing: 80% within 8.5 weeks.
• Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages international students to apply approximately 3 months before intended travel.

Living-fund requirement for tertiary study:

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